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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  One owner Tahoe served us well! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By supreme - June 2 - 6:04 pm

  I bought this truck new back in 98 and so far Ive put almost 200,000 miles on it. I love it! Ive owned many cars in my life and I havent owned any of them for as long as my Tahoe has lasted (Ford, Pontiac, other Chevys, Dodge, and Buicks). The 350 V8 is bulletproof the only problems have been with accessories (brakes, steering, electrical). It is horrible on gas but what do you expect for such a large vehicle? Its taken my family on many cross-country trips and performs without skipping a beat in the snow. My kids are all grown and moved out and I still cant let it go! I plan on driving this truck until it dies in my driveway. Buy one and you can count on many enjoyable miles!

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  Great SUV - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Patti - June 2 - 5:50 pm

  Compared Honda CR-V to Chevy Equinox. Went with the Equinox based on reviews & test drive. Needed a car for long weekend trips. This one so far exceeds our expectations. Its fun to drive, comfortable, and great on gas mileage.

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  I love this car - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Michael S. Terrell - June 2 - 12:33 pm

  There is nothing wrong with our lumina, yeah she has had a few engine mishaps in her time but we drive her all the time. Shes 12 years old and over 170,000 miles but still runs great. I dont need her for speed just get me where Im going. Great on gas for long distances. Drove her from NY to Texas, then to California a few times, Arizona also. My wife wants an rv, thats fine. I plan on a new Chevy Lumina someday. She needs a wash and wax, and in/out cleaning but still looks great, rides great. Boo yahh!

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  My 2006 Chevy Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Markh1953 - June 2 - 4:47 am

  I love this car! It gets about 27 mpg on the highway, looks great and is fun to drive. I like it enough to get another one someday in a newer model. The engine is peppy, accelerates nicely, and passing is a breeze. I am a satisfied owner!

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  Excellent Ride/Sucky Radio - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ToplessVette - June 1 - 12:56 pm

  Im an Aircraft Mechanic and this is similar to a cockpit so I feel right at home. Ride is rough but its a sports car, what do you expect. 6 speed tranny is great.

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  Best of the Midsizers - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sydspapa - June 1 - 11:35 am

  Traded in a 1999 Olds Aurora that I loved but the air had died. I drove all midsizers and Malibu beats them all hands down. I am 64" and 265 and have no problems getting in and being comfortable. This car is the quietest and not sure about the reviews on the visibility as I have not experienced any of those issues but I look over my shoulder when I change lanes. Sound quality of the radio is good and trunk space is good as well. The 4 cyl engine with 4 speed tranny works just fine for my driving requirements. Very impressed with this car so far.

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  Great little car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By roger - May 31 - 11:17 am

  This car is not ugly. It is very cute and stylish. Interior could have used some improvement. I got 48 mpg on the highway and high 20s in town. This car is very fun to drive and handles beautifully. For the money paid, it is a great commuter car.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By karen - May 30 - 2:02 pm

  I bought the car a week ago. So far everything works great. The car is fun to drive, and feels very smooth on the highway at 80 mph. Have not really tested the MPG, but the DIC showed 32 on my last highway trip.

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  2010 Malibu LTZ - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CMD - May 30 - 2:00 pm

  This has been an excellent vehicle. For the price, the LTZ model is unbeatable in the luxuries it offers. Heated seats are great for the winter. For a four cylinder, the performance is excellent, it feels like it could be a V6. Handles just as well as my Saab. I am currently averaging more than 29 miles per gallon (about 24-25 city, 32-33 highway). It really looks like GM has improved their quality, no problems thus far. I am now back to buying American cars.

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  Little truck that could - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By Ridinforever - May 29 - 9:41 pm

  I have abused this truck with off-roading, burnouts and aggressive street use, hauling up to 1700 lbs and towing 5000 lb trailers. I have 165k and stills runs the same as when I got it. I only changed out the seats cause those were the worst things that came with the truck. I am glad I bought this truck.