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:

• 

  1995 Tahoe - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Lets fish - June 19 - 12:16 pm

  We used the Tahoe for both city driving and for long distance travels (Florida to Virginia). We have the towing package and have towed a large 18 boat to the Florida Keys and to Virginia with no issues. Very reliable and dependable. Even after 11 years we have had minimal component replacement. 1 A/C, 1 radiator, 1 water pump.

• 

  What A Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - June 19 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Vette for about six weeks now. All I can say is this is one fine roadster. The power is intoxicating. The handling and ride are exceptional with the F55 suspension. Ive had two Honda S2000 roadsters prior to this and theres no comparison. The combination of performance and comfort completely eclipse the Honda. If youre looking for a "toy" I dont believe there are many better choices than this car. Especially, when one factors in the cost to performance ratio. Cheverolet has to have produced one of the best values in this market segment.

• 

  Love my Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MaddMaxx - June 19 - 7:20 am

  I have logged about 9000 miles on my Malibu Maxx. Excellent performance, great economy, and a fun car to drive. I previously drove a Grand Marquis Mercury. This Malibu Maxx is just as comfortable as my Mercury was, and a whole lot more fun! If youre looking for a stylish, economical, great performing car, I would suggest you test drive one.

• 

  It changed my mind - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
  By joe - June 18 - 3:16 pm

  This truck was my first Chevy in almost 15 years. I was a ford guy 100% till I actually put one of these to work. We camp a lot and we tow a Keystone Raptor 3612ds. This is a HUGE toy hauler!! I cant compare it to my ford as it was a 2002. But the Duramax/Alison match is awesome. I tow that trailer up the steepest hills in AZ at 55 MPH and the truck doesnt even break a sweat. My lease is up in January on this truck and I will be getting another. It has held its value very well and I have not had one problem with the build quality. I has gone back to the dealer for one minor recall and service. Thats is no broken anything! I am a Chevy guy now

• 

  huge fuel filter problem - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By hughessk - June 18 - 8:00 am

  this is a great truck as long as you only use premium fuel and drive it in warm climates. the fuel filter will clog if you use bio fuel, or a lower grade fuel. when the filter clogs the engine will go into a 2000 rpm lockdown and will not shift. this will happen even after truck is warm,the first time you try to merge onto the expressway in rush hour traffic, at 25 degree weather and snow covered road, YOU WILL BE IN FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE or FOR YOUR LIFE. I have 900000 miles on this truck and have had to replace the fuel filter ($35) 11 times??? I have purchased fuel from 15 different stations. CHEVROLET SOLUTION " use premium fuel, Use an addative($11)and let the truck idle 20 minutes

• 

  Just Loving It - 2001 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Mary - June 18 - 2:54 am

  I have had this litte ZR2 for 3 years now and still Love it. I normaly drive a Manual, but got an Automatic after test driving 3 manuals and they did not seem right. I drive to and from Northern WI a lot, and it travels great. Only a few wierd things have broken, master switch for power windows and locks (Over $250 to replace, but found it on Ebay for $10) and a wierd rattle noise from engine compartment, took dealership a week to replace under warranty. Will keep til it dies.

• 

  The best car ever made in the US - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By My5th vette Jamil - June 18 - 12:48 am

  The car is so much fun to drive, handles turns very well its like a stealth jet. This is my 5th vVtte and by far the best ever made. The biggest downfall is the mark up dealers put on these cars. Other than that the car is a ten. By far the best ever. 505 hp is enough for the averge Joe like me! If you can afford the car then is a must to have .

• 

  Really Pushing The Limit - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Iceman - June 17 - 5:43 pm

  First, I owned 2 Tbirds and the "interior" guy should shut it. Its a lot more like the old Tbirds than most people would think, just front wheel drive. I have thrown this car around corners, ran 15s in the quarter, and have squashed a lot of the competition. I use to be a Ford guy, and kinda still am at heart. I miss my Tbird very much, but this car is the closest thing to a big 2 door coupe that has is close to my old bird. I honestly think that if the car was a little lighter, it would be even faster, but for a stock car runnin a V-6 engine, I am incredibly empressed, I just wish it were rear wheel drive. It has performance, handling, great looks, and an awesome ride. I love it!

• 

  Only Owner - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By April - June 17 - 3:50 pm

  Lowest end model--no electric windows. 5 speed still spunky for its age, can do 320 miles on full tank, a plus when gas prices soared. Normal maintenance is done on time keeping it going. Never had issues with trans or motor. Parts are breaking down in past 3 years which is inevatable; abs, A/C, wheel alignment, cluster, front end suspension but willing to replace cause its been good to me. I wish it wasnt discontinued.

• 

  2006 HHR 2.4 CYL - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By M. Kuehn - June 17 - 12:13 am

  The only thing I dont like is the drivers center armrest. It hangs down too low. I cant seem to convince GM it isnt quite right. It also plows a little bit when cornering a highway exit ramp a little above the recommended max.