Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  1 month review - 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe T - October 27 - 10:55 am

  So far absolutely no cons. As expected great acceleration, handling and braking. Good electronics however missing lane change warning which is pretty much standard on most new vehicles. The front camera (2lt) is a great feature helping to avoid pulling in too close to a curb with its very long and low front end. The different driving modes are a lot of fun.I was pleasantly surprised with the exceptional gas mileage in touring and eco mode. Well worth the price for a true American sports car.

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  Good, fun transportation - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By John Schmidt - October 25 - 7:46 pm

  Our 2005 Impala is a replacement for an older Cadillac that was recently totalled. The Impala is a very nice car in all aspects. We appreciate the build quality, handling and monochromatic look of the great dark graphite metallic color. The car provides plenty of room, and we like the sporty appearance. We are pleased with our car and our dealer.

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  Chevys Rule - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Lauren - October 25 - 9:26 am

  I have put the Banks powerpak and the exaust system on this truck, and it is unbeleivable. The Allison transmission is great and has saved my life many times by stopping my 9 horse rig. Awesome truck!

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  Impressed - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Skip - October 25 - 4:10 am

  First off, I traded in a Honda Pilot. It was my 11th Honda. I wanted a little bigger vehicle and looked at the Toyota, GMC Yukon Denali, and even the Escalade. I never even considered Chevy until I drove one. It rides great, and is very quiet, luxury car quiet. Im impressed by the fit and finish, on par with the Japanese imports.

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  03 Chevy Z71 Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jay Schafer - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My 4th one. It doesnt get any better. Vacations are a breeze. Barn doors make loading easier than hatchback and increase capacity. Almsot drives itself down the road. Easy to have a heavy foot.

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  RATING - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By IFONTENOT - October 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT SATISFACTION FOR OVER 35 YEARS WITH SUBURBAN

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  Big, Powerful and Fun to drive - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mr. Singleton - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The Suburban is the workhorse of the SUV line. Although this vehicle is spacious it handles quite nimbly -- almost like a small sized car. The acceleration is excellent and on the highway you really get your moneys worth. This vehicle packs a lot of muscle but is extremely fun to drive. I forgot to mention that you can haul just about anything in this vehicle.

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  California girl buys Texas truck - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By joan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I know that the Suburban is a SUV but to me it is a truck because of its versatility. Its dependable and very comfortable. I have 5 kids and I dont know what I would do without it. Do you know how many times weve move them across town, across country and everywhere in between. Chevy....like a rock. Thank God.

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  Tahoe is a wonderful 4 wheel - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By linda spinelli - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We got our tahoe in 2000. Our son has off roaded it; and this car has not been any trouble at all. It is roomy and very very comfortable in the front or back. we look forward to purchasing our 2004. : ) As far as interior goes it is great Linda

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  heated seats - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bradroth - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my tahoe. The only comment I have is that the controls for the heated seats are easily bumped on and the next thing you know your back is on fire. It is funny when it happens to everyone but you.