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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  dependabilty - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jamesholman - June 18 - 10:00 am

  the ultimate work and ride truck is chevy. Its vortec motor is good as it gets for a light duty truck. the horses are there when you need them,and tame when you dont.the extra door is great for my kids,tools dog whatever you need in the back. Ive worked my truck hard rode back and forth too Texas and its still going strong. You want a truck you can depend on chevys siveraldo is it. thanks James Holman truck owner

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  trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By garym - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this suv for 1 yr so far and am satisfied. Has all options and nothing has failed or needed adjustment yet, although it only has 10000 miles on it. Its my third SUV.

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  Import squasher - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By JRV - June 15 - 7:30 am

  What a fabulous car. All it took was one test drive and it was sold. The power is tremendous, yet it is comfortable and rides very smooth, even with 18 inch wheels. Its nice to see an American car company finally stick it to those imports. There is no way anyone would even think about buying a Camry or Accord after driving this. Faster, more solid, and a little less money. Its great!

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  This truck cant be beat! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By chevy guy - June 14 - 10:46 pm

  I have owned this truck for a little less than 2 years and have put a little over 30,000 miles on it. Its the vehicle that I use every day and I can honestly say it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is a capable and comfortable truck that has been nothing but reliable since the day I bought it. All I have ever done is keep up with the regular servicing and it has never failed me. It has good power (5.3 V8 with 3:42 rear end) and returns a combined 17 mpg city/hwy mix all the time! The only problem I have had is that the "Z71" decals began to peel. These were replaced under warranty. That has been the only repair. Resale is very good too! Chevy has my repeat business for sure!!

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  06 Chev. Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ray Aston - June 14 - 9:30 pm

  Driven at 60 to 65 mph achieve 26 mpg,around town achieves 18 mpg. Build quality and vehicle acceleration are excellent.

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  Could you ask for more? - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By dan ledford - June 14 - 9:26 pm

  I drove other SS Impalas before finding a GM car with 4800 miles on it for thousands less than a new 07. Have owned Corvettes, Mustangs, RX-7s, and several Turbo cars. This car offers all of the above performance, with the ability to go shopping, seat 5 adults, and have a nice road feel. I was waiting for the 09 Camero, but, at 46 opted for the street sleeper.

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  Theres nothing better for me. - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By McLovin It! - June 14 - 11:43 am

  I upgraded from a 2003 Chevy 1500 Z71 package. Im towing a lot more now and I needed something with a little more umph. This truck has it. I thought about the diesel for this truck but I opted for the 6.0 because you never know when the prices are going to sky rocket again.

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  Fast - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John newton - June 12 - 9:47 am

  Best corvette And fadt

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  Reliable Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By meanandlien - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have no real complaints about the truck. I have over 25K miles on it and Ive had no problems. The suspension is a little stiffer than other trucks Ive owned which makes the ride a bit choppy. When the engine is cold I do get the "piston slap" but I have been told that this is just the way the engine was designed. Great Truck

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  A true 4x4 vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Guy M. Del Vecchio - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will take you from here to eternity. It is a 4x4 reminisent of 4 wheelers of the late sixties/early seventies. This truck is a true performer.