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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  My 2010 Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dawg - May 20 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in 05 Dodge Magnum. Needed something with room but that got better mileage. Equinox was my choice. I love my crossover. Fremont Chevrolet was the best experience I have had with a Dealership.

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  Only one problem so far - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By murf - May 20 - 9:20 pm

  Have owned this car for two years.2nd owner. Had to replace rotors and right front hub assembly, may have to do left also. Have to buy whole assembly to replace which is more expensive. Had to replace catalytic converter, but was still under 80000 miles warranty. Love car, flashy, would have probably bought the SS for more power but is still one nice vehicle. I have not had some of the problems others have reported( knock on wood), but we do drive it conservatively. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

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  Silverado - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Zimbobozo - May 20 - 6:46 pm

  Truck has never been in for repair 35000 miles and exceptional

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JDS - May 20 - 2:22 pm

  Simply the best car I have ever owned. Great fun to drive and with itsoptionial stability control it is also very safe. With 345HP it is very fast but on the road at 70MPH it gets 32+MPG.

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  Love it. - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Corky - May 20 - 9:33 am

  Fine handling, power/performance is great, the headsup display works well in all conditions, electronic options (6 CD player, duel AC, instrument cluster) all are as advertised.

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  Cheap Thrills - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Snake Herder - May 20 - 3:02 am

  Having driven a Shelby GT500 for 30 years, my standards are high. The C5 met them readily, and just keeps getting better. Average 24 MPG, highway of 30 MPG at 70 MPH. Im a big guy, and the car fits well. Active Handling is fabulous, the sound system is great, and it looks incredible. While the Z06 of a couple of years later is more powerful, I like the fastback look, and can mostly have a convertible when I want. Great car for the money - less than a Civic Hybrid, and the MPG is great for a 13.5 second quarter miler with a top speed north of 170.

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  Junkyard dog - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By GoldRider - May 19 - 8:50 pm

  Usually when I purchase a car I go in knowning that I am going to get stuck some kind of way. But after I get the car I usually get over getting the shaft because I enjoyed the car so much. Not this case, the Chevy Colorado is a junk mans dream. I have ridden in wheel barrows that ride better. And I would love to meet the engineer who put the gas and brake peddle so close together that my foot actually got caught in the controls. I gave my Colorado a quicky divorce and married the Chevy Impala SS. That is a match made in heaven. Downside the trade in value of the Colorado was so low I was way upside down.

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  A great car - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chopsticks - May 19 - 3:13 pm

  When purchased it had many features found only on moe expensive cars. It is comfortable and roomy inside. I will buy another.

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  Powerful/Fun to drive - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Steven Mau - May 19 - 2:03 pm

  I just bought one in December and the car is a great one. I have had many cars and to date this is the number one choice in my book. Its about time GM made a fun and very powerful car. Thanks GM! Im very, very happy with the new Malibu LTZ.

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  My First Vette - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MIke - May 19 - 12:31 pm

  I bought an 06 Coupe, blue/tan, 3LT, nav, magnetic suspension, dual roof, paddle shift. Ive put about 500 miles on it, and it is a fantastic car. A few minor faults - small rattle here & there, cowl shakes a little with the roof off, etc. No major problems at all. Nav system is terrific. Mag shocks are great. Paddle shift is a little tough - the Italians do a much better job at it. For the money, it is the best "super" car out there. Dont buy a Z06 - adds $20k, way too bouncy, noisy, & hot. Porsche? Ive owned them - a lot more money & only marginally better on build quality. Italians? Same thing. Save your money & get a Vette.