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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  Chevy 2500HD LT Diesel - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Golden Eagle - September 1 - 11:00 am

  Very reliable truck. I have had this one for almost 7 years. The only problem is a mechanical dysfunction that was covered under the warranty at about 80,000 miles. Mileage is about 17-19/mpg. The diesel is louder than the newer models but still quiter than the competition from the same years. The 4WD has never acted up. All interior features are still working properly. Have not put any money into this truck since purchase except regular maintenance and tires. I could not have had a better truck over the last 7 years. Would like a new model, but with the cost, I will just keep this one going. It still looks new from the street and pulls like a train.

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  Camry and Accord killer - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sesmalibu - August 31 - 11:36 am

  We leased the all new 2009 Malibu. I have nothing but praise for GM for delivering this vehicle. The interiors are so nicely done and the car so silent on the highway that you feel like you are in a luxury sedan. The 4 cyclinder engine has ample power for interstate passing and gives excellent gas mileage. We averaged 33 on the highway and 26 in the city. Priced at just around 20K Malibu is an excellent choice for those bored with Japanese cars.

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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brand - August 31 - 2:50 am

  Ive just purchased my second Impala (keeping the first one). These are great cars for the money and stand up to fleet-type use. I would strongly recommend an Impala for any value oriented shopper looking for a solid, well-built, roomy, quick, large sedan.

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  Love it in RED - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Wendy - August 30 - 3:10 pm

  Even though we have had my Monte for only two weeks, I LOVE IT. Our old car had a sunroof which we miss, so having one installed. Read the review about not much of a winter car, so we will see about that since we live in Iowa. As far as ABS, I never like those brakes on my old car, felt like I wasnt in control, my car took over. Didnt like that, so Im actually glad my Monte didnt come with ABS. We love the Cardinal Red color as well.

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  Solid truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By paulandsara - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the truck for three months and it has served me well. I like the styling and the ride. Optional larger tires would have been nice. The crew cab is very roomy and nice to have on longer trips. Milage seems to drop off a lot a higher speeds (60+ MPH).

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  wonderful car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dolphnlover - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i love the cavalier.i am glad i bought one.it is fun to drive and get great gas milage.i love it

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  Great car for anyone - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By lilqtgrl1123 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and Im glad I chose it. Its extremely fun and comfortable to drive. I feel safe in the Cavalier. It has all the features I need and its roomy.

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  I love this truck - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By shanegwu - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck gets great gas mileage for the 220 hp, I-5 engine. Its comfortable to drive and feel safe. Highly recommended truck.

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  My truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By William Nielsen - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My truck has done well under many things towing A+ snow A+ room for the family A+ LOOKS GREAT A+

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  An SUV that drives like a Car - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dan16 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The commerical tells it all. When the SUV parks between all those motorcycles, is exactly how this handles. Best car I have owned, recommend it to anyone.