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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  Subtle and Startling COmbined - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ZIPPADEEDUDAH - May 6 - 4:36 am

  When I took this car out for a test drive I nudged it a little bit and it seemed responsive. Later the salesman told me now I want you to stomp it when I say "OK". Damn, I am 65 years old and this sucker took off like a jack rabbit. He pointed out about the on the demand compression (4 cylinders vs. 8) and then I drove it some more. What at performer. While I will be rarely stomping it, it is good to know you have that awesome power just in case you dearly need it. For some reason my SS did not come with XM radio. I do not know what happened but the salesman told me it just was not in there. When I got home I did not notice it listed as having come with the car? Will have to make do.

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  Love my truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bill - May 5 - 9:10 am

  I picked up my new truck last Saturday. Ive been analyzing them for about a month and finally was able to pull the trigger. This truck is very comfortable, quiet, easy to drive, and attractive. I live in Colorado and will no longer fear the massive snows that weve been experiencing this year. In fact, Im looking forward to trying out the 4WD during a probable snow-storm later this week. Its nice to have a truck again. I missed my old one.

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  Just bought a new 2017 Chevy Cruze LT - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By William Shawns - May 4 - 9:32 pm

  After being in a 2004 Toyota Corolla I took a leap of faith and went with a 2017 Chevy Cruze. I am very happy with my choice. I think the engine is peppy and has good acceleration. I dont understand why there are a few pro blogs and reviews that this engine is not strong enough. I test drove a few other cars like the new Civic, new 2016 Corolla, and an Elantra... This 1.4 Turbo engine deigned by GM is more than fine. Especially for an entry level price point. I am tall 63" and I weight 275... Yet I fit perfectly. I think this car is an excellent choice and I am glad I took it over the other competitors.

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  Sporty Family Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By coachtwhite - May 4 - 12:03 am

  We have owned this car for a short time, but it has been all that we could have hoped for. It is a good looking and functional family car. Great power for the racer in you!

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  Toy Hauler - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By Jimmies00 - May 3 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this truck with only 17,132 miles on it it now sits a little over 38k miles. Had one minor thing a 02 sensor went out. I have used this truck for a truck and hauled a couple loads of 38k lbs. Plenty of power! Blew up my drive shaft Pulling it once too. All love the truck love it even more with the new Bully dog triple dog GT! 15 MPG running empty..

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  One of the best trucks out there - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jadrew13 - May 3 - 7:16 am

  My family has been driving it for the past year, and let me tell you, this truck could last forever. It currently has 278k miles on it with the original engine and transmission and still rides great!

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  A Solid Package - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - May 1 - 12:03 pm

  This car is great for a commuter that likes the feel of a sports sedan. The fuel mileage is good considering the output of the engine, 171HP. The handling is crisp and the suspension absorbs very well. This is the first small Chevy that Im eager to drive, and tell my friends about. The interior is cozy, but if you want a larger vehicle you shouldnt be looking in this class to begin with. Its a sports sedan for the economical driver!

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  Good Experience so far - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By ArtJ - May 1 - 10:40 am

  Took delivery early April and have 1800 miles as of end of May. No problems to date, rides well. Only fault would be inability to see clearly when backing out of a parking space into on coming traffic. Have yet to completely trust camera in this situation as it appears to only look back not to the sides.

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  Great truck - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By terry - May 1 - 10:36 am

  This truck has everthing I need in a truck. Smooth performance, quiet, and plenty of power.

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  The Best Monte Carlo ever! - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ChevyRocks - April 29 - 2:23 pm

  I always wanted a Monte Carlo SS and I finally got one. I bought mine used though with only 8k on it. I love every moment in this car, I traded my 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS for it and Im so glad I did this is a way better vehicle safer and more fun to drive and more room. I actually get better mileage for gas with this one than my Cobalt SS. This is a great vehicle for sure GM got it right with this one for sure to bad they dropped it they should bring it back and have and option for front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. I love everything with this car it is loaded with Leather, a great stereo, sunroof , power under the hood and great looks. It was worth trading that Cobalt SS for, for sure!