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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  Equinox LS AWD - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Blackdog - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The Equinox LS AWD has proven to be an exceptional value. It has alot of nice features such as cruise control and tinted windows and it handles well for the vehicles size. It is a nice addition for someone like myself wanting an larger SUV but not wanting the higher price ranges. The only problem I experienced was backing the vehicle up. I discovered it has a blind spot on the corners of the rear window so it is neccessary to always use the side mirrors when manuvering the Equinox out of a tight spot such as a parking garage spot to avoid any colision with something lower than the vehicle such as a small child.

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  V-8 Five Speed Fun Run - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By MMCM Chris - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride, Yes, you can get a V-8 with a 5-speed in a short bed regular cab truck, with incentives, out the door for around 18K. The truck runs excellent. Sensitive when cold. The AC is comparable to a meat locker! Handles awesome. Needs bigger shoes in back.

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  I like it - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Truck man - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2001 Silverado for a 2004 Z71 with the 5.3 engine. Getting 17 MPG and very happy with the truck. Havent had a problem and hope things stay that way.

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  Cadillac ride at a Chevy price - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By madpam - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle rides like a luxury car. Very eye catcher. With all the fetures that came with this vehicle it will cost me a furtune if I wanted them on a Ford,Dodge,Nissan and defenetelly Toyota

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  05 Work Truck-5 speed - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jim - May 26 - 8:30 am

  Purchased at year end as a $13,206 dollar closeout. No A/C cheap truck. Excellent value for the money- Im into the third year on this truck and its still getting 25 MPG, Repair issues (2) were covered by Chevy (Steering link bad and emissions valve on gas tank) Way past 36k cut off on warranty. Truck is driven freeway only. Still has its original tires brakes and shocks. All still good at 70k miles. Would buy another if they made it in a stick. They dont.

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  You Gotta get one! - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By EJWHITT - May 25 - 11:56 pm

  I have had a GM truck since 88. This is by far the finest truck i have owned. the Duramax/Allison combo has performed flawlessly. it has delivered power and dependability that to this day still satisfies my decision to forgoe the LT 5.3 gasser and go with the LS diesel. I travel for my job and use this as a sales vehicle. No regrets. I put 285s on and the truck looks great!

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  Driving Make Fun Again - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By GPA - May 25 - 10:53 pm

  In 2006 I sold my restored 1963 split window Vette. I thought that I would never again get the fun rides I used to get from the 63, wrong. I bought a nSS in January and I am thrilled with the ride. It sure stops better than the 63, the handling is not quite as good. Just this morning OnStar unlocked it for me. I recommend this car to any one who remembers the great cars of the sixties. I am getting between 23 and 25 mpg. I am happy with my 25th new Chevy. This is the same engine that I have gotten over 300000 miles out of in my pickup trucks.

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  Ex Explorer Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ECC - May 24 - 8:30 am

  Ive only had my Tahoe a couple of weeks but I love it. Its a BIG difference as far as room and ride than the Explorer I had. Ive owned everything from Fords to Hondas and everything in between.I think Im a GM man now. I looked at the Expedition but Im glad I only looked.

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  Best yet! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Michael Pittman - May 23 - 1:06 am

  Not big enough for 4 people. But loads of fun for 1 or 2

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  Cobalt:>) - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CP - May 23 - 1:03 am

  I LOVE IT! It is a fantastic car. I heard it is called the "Little Vette" and it deserves the nickname. Extremely happy with my Cobalt:>)