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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  Family fun wagon - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Scott at Water - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Im happy with this suv.The front seats could be more supportive,maybe similar to the full size truck.Its the right size but I think a 5.3 V8 option in this short box style would suit me and my driving style better.I hate 2500- 3000 rpm revs.It handles and drives good for what it is. Fuel mileage is not what modern tech should be at with this model.Again give me 16 valves and 8 cylinders for less money than a 24 valve high winder. I would buy another for this price point its a good deal.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By nancyS - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Suburban which is a top notch vehicle but I did not need an 8 passenger vehicle for only 1 person (or 2 at the most)..plus the issue of costing $50 to fill up every week. We ended up with a salsa red front wheel drive LT with leather..I totally agree that leather makes a huge difference in the comfort factor. I am anxious to see what kind of mileage it gets as I only have 75 miles on it. So far, this car exceeds my expections in almost every area!

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  I Am In Love With My Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Joanne - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought an Equinox LT the other night and by far, it is the best vehicle I have ever bought. The ride is smooth and comfortable, everything you need is at your fingertips. I highly recommend an Equinox

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  Selling like hot cakes! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By M2312S - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Went to buy an Avalanche last week and ended up buying two new Chevrolets. While at the dealer my wife spotted the Equinox. Three days later we went back and bought a black FWD LT. Had test driven the Nissan Murano, Lexus and BMW MDX, none had comparable leg room to the Equinox. LT units are preselling in our market and are very difficult to find. EXTREMELY good value for the money, nothing even comes close.

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  Best truck Ive had so far - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By txlonghorn88 - April 16 - 1:11 am

  I just recently bought a 99 ext cab 4.3l from my dad and I gotta say I thought when I first drove it this thing had a V8 in it. This V6 powered truck has great power very smooth ride and no issues so far. Nothing is lit up on the dash it has been very well taken care of the only thing I had to do since having it was a tune up and installed an aftermarket stereo which was super easy. I use it as a daily driver and mpg is excellent vs my 01 ram 5.2l I had before this. and even my 08 explorer 4.0 which does not get as good gas mileage as thie chevy does. I am very lucky to have one in such great shape the only thing I dont like is the 3 door concept which is not really an issue for me.

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  Malibu LS - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 2000 Chevy Malibu - April 16 - 12:18 am

  I love the taupe leather seats in my Malibu LS Gold Edition , I also love the power sunroof, seats, fog lights and cd and tape decks. This car gets excellent gas mileage and is VERY powerful with plenty of standard features. The SFI 3.1 liter V6 handles smooth and is excellent for traveling and fun in the sun. I would recommend this beautiful car to any one who is interested in many luxury and reliability options.

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  Not Like my 1980 Chevy Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - April 15 - 10:05 pm

  Driving and handling were no problem - excellent as a matter of fact in acceleration, braking and handling curves. Gas mileage was better in my 1980 Chevy than the 1998 one. A/C switch was the first item to go, then the blower switch. Radio reception lasted about 3yrs. Went through at least 4 or 5 brake changes and recently have been taking on water in the trunk when it rains. When driving I feel cramped in (Im only 58") - why cant Chevy make the Malibu like they use to???? My 1980 Malibu lasted for 20 years - great car!

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Rick - April 15 - 2:44 pm

  This car is fun to drive and is quiet on the highway. It gets great fuel mileage and the DVD system is very good. Also the accelertion is very good.

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  Watch Out for Safety Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Stout - April 15 - 5:16 am

  I have had this vehicle in the shop 10 times in last year. Rear hatch leaked and took two trips to repair. Front seat broke due to faulty seat metal. Now the steering has major issues that Chevy says their aware of but cant fixed. Mine locked up from stop position with wheels turned to right. During right turns your drivers side front end sounds like it is coming out the hood and floor board. Steering makes terrible sounds while turning. Braking at 50 mph and above the vehicle front end shakes violently. I have paper from GM service that brakes are OK. Dont by this car used. It is unsafe.

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  A superb car for LIFE - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Bob Thomas - April 15 - 3:19 am

  I am now 79 years of age and have finally purchased a car that exceeds ALL of my expectations. Reliability, comfort, gas economy and looks (inside and out).