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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  Very Good Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Terry Kranzler - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  We have owned Suburbans since the mid 80s, and decided to try the Trailblazer EXT. My wife and I have had very good experiences with this vehicle. The engine is very quiet and the ride is extremely smooth with excellent acceleration for passing. MPG are 18 - 19 on the road and 16 combination driving, which we think is acceptable for an SUV of this size. All 3 seats are comfortable.

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  Love it - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mhl - June 22 - 3:56 pm

  After extensive research on Edmunds and other sites, I went the dealership as an educated buyer. Wow, what a deal I got. Love the bigger engine, tows like your pulling nothing. Cools and heats suprisingly well, considering the size of the vehicle. Very pleased

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  1ST Chevy, Very Pleased - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pdxmedic - June 22 - 12:18 am

  I really like the interior design of the vehicle with the chrome use and the look of the gauge cluster. The exterior is a little boxy looking, but none the less still a great car. So far the MPG is the most impressive.

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  Still Spectacular - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By PeteM143 - June 21 - 7:29 pm

  Anyone looking to buy a compact pickup should really consider the Colorado. I am in sales and drive my truck every day. I have 59,000 on the clock and it has been nothing short of spectacular. The only part I have needed to replace on my truck was a faulty O2 sensor, other than the standard maintenance items. My truck rides great,handles great and the I5 motor has plenty of power, even when pulling my two horse trailer. If you want V8 power, buy a full size..

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  Loyal to GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Beanie - June 21 - 3:13 pm

  Coming from a long line of GM owners, and not able to pass on "employee discount" offer, I decided fuel economy and style were #1 considerations. I chose the Cobalt LS 5-speed. Am getting 28.5MPG only if I drive like Grandma, but its better than GMC Jimmy was achieving. Fun car despite only a 4 cyl, but wouldnt get an automatic! Performance doesnt compare to my old 88 Z24 5-speed, but Im still getting there in style and on less gas.

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  1999 Convertible Camaro - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Todd Futter Howk - June 21 - 1:51 pm

  I love this car. it handles beautifully and is a real joy to drive, especially on nice days when I can drive with the top down. The engine, a 3800 series II is sound and runs great. I get super gas milage without losing any "get up and go" My only complaint would be that the convertible is very hard to see out of when the top is up. Lack of good visibility would be my main concern with this car but other than that a super car and a great buy! (I bought mine for $6000.)

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  Happy with 2nd TrailBlazer purchase - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chris Cook - June 21 - 11:51 am

  I had bought a 2004 TrailBlazer LT fully loaded. After Separating from my wife I gave her back the 2004 and purchased a new 2006 LS base model. I returned to Chevy after being disappointed by Chrysler twice before. The fuel mileage is 18 mpg plus in the city. Highway mileage varies depending on your lead foot or not. I am seriously considering trading my 2006 LS TrailBlazer for a 2007 SS TrailBlazer.

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  Steelers Wonder - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By John - June 21 - 10:56 am

  2005 with less than80,000 miles

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  Execlent ZR2 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By deibadboys815 - June 20 - 8:58 pm

  I bought this truck used, I have had it for a year. Put normal wear and tear on it and have yet to have a problem.

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  Fun to Drive @ 20.1 MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David R - June 20 - 8:37 pm

  Owned a Ford F-150 for 10 years, still have it, still use it, still a great truck. I’ve owned the 05 Avalanche LT for one year now. I bought the truck because I liked the style and every Avalanche owner I spoke to was passionate about how much fun it was to drive. This vehicle is easy to handle with great control, power, and smooth ride. Every truck owners dream, including great gas mileage city 19 hwy 24, I average 20.1mpg. Best investment I’ve made in a long time. Now all I need is to find an E85 fuel station.