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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By KD - April 13 - 5:38 pm

  Ive always had cars that were poor mechanically. This car has been awesome. I have done nothing to the engine except replace the spark plugs and change the oil. I replaced the gas tank and general maintenance. Its comfortable to drive but now with 146000 miles on it, its starting to show its age. I dont get much power going up hills anymore. Im going to be sad to see her go. There wont be another one like it out there as trouble free as this was.

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  C6 the best Vette ever! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Voodooman - April 13 - 5:06 pm

  This is my third Corvette and by far the best Corvette ever. Ive had the third generation and fifth generation Corvettes and all I can say is that they did it right this time with the sixth generation Vette. From the styling and handling to the sound and navigational system all is American Classic Corvette. I had second thoughts about the fixed headlights but it is the thing that impresses me the most. Absolutely gorgeous, absolutely practical, absolutely American!

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  Rad Retro - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By HUN - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  An attention getter wherever I go. The retro styling with the up to date performance package are a sweet combo. The utility of a pickup bed albiet small and convertible top just add to the sweetness. My teens are always after me for the keys. Chevrolet was on the right track with this idea however it is probably a little too rad for the people who can afford one. End of production in 06 will only serve to vault this vehicle into collector status. Well done Chevrolet.

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  My baby Kolby! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Karl - April 12 - 9:40 pm

  I love my new car! I was blessed to aquire a 2005 Cobalt w/ the Sport Package and I love it! The car doesnt have any flaws, its fun to drive (sporty and fast for us teenagers), and it doesnt hurt the wallet! I wish I had a 1 touch sunroof but to make up for that the sunroof has a huge view! I also wish i had more headroom, but again open the sunroof and Ive got all the headroom I need :) I love the daytime running parking lamps, spoiler,sunroof, fog lights, steering wheel controls, CD player, and Pioneer sound system w/ the subwoofer! All I have to say is wow! This is a great 1st car for anyone, and especially for the younger generation! Chevry did a great job replacing the Cavalier!

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  Z85 CrewCab - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By NewColy - April 12 - 12:44 pm

  I have ~15,000 miles on my 05 Crew Cab 3.5L/auto (build date 5/2005).Comfort and ride is far better. Fuel economy is excellent, summer months I get 18-20 city, 23-24.5 city, winter months are 17- 18 city, 22-23.4 hwy.,17-18 city or hwy towing a double jet-ski trailer(1300lbs total). The stock I5/auto is a little underpowered for a crewcab. The two downfalls I have encountered are fuel economy and power is diminished greatly with any tire change other than stock size and brand. There are too many TSB’s for this truck. It is literally a hit or miss purchase. I would suggest buying a vehicle built after 6/2005, if not, negotiate for the 100k extended warranty. All in all I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Outstanding Camaro SS - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hal_396 - April 12 - 11:48 am

  I have had this car now for 5 years. I use it as a highway vechicle only, so it rarely gets used. It has held up well and is a blast to drive. Wish they still made the Camaro. Glad I bought one of the last ones made.

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  No comparison to the former Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patrick - April 12 - 11:13 am

  After 3 weeks of many test drives and research the decision was far too obvious. My LS has 16,000Kms, the full airbag package, ABS, traction control, V6, OnStar. Safety rated as one of the top 6 cars and the only North American car on the list! It keeps good company with Lexus, VW, Saab, Subaru. My decision was based on safety, price, and fun to drive-ness. I got way more than that! The fit and finish on the exterior metal is amazing. Its a classy undiscovered jewel in a sea of hype and look-alikes! Check out the new Malibu. Saying its new & improved doesnt begin to do it justice. This is the best car Ive ever owned, and theres been a lot!

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  Marks Black Magic - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Mark Steed - April 12 - 3:00 am

  I had no intention on buying the SSR but once I test drove it, I was hooked! My former hot rod was a 67 Chevelle SS. It doesnt have the pull of the 396, but its just as quick in the 1/8th & its a little more fun actually with its handling. You must pay attention in turns & parking due to the pontoon fenders. Its quite the head turner & have had nothing but bad things said about it cause lets face it...Its phat! Paint & finish could be a lot better quality. It looks good with & w/o the running boards, but for $1600.00 they look good on mine. Extras are outragous, but comes w/the territory. The tops compartment bonnet rattles a little when its windy & when my speed is up. All in all its my heartskip in America

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  2001 Chevy Tracker - 2001 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Indy - April 11 - 3:44 pm

  Has been reliable, nice size for get around. Some hauling capabilities. Belt squeaks in wet conditions. Have had no major problems in last 5 years plan to keep 5 more years.

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailblazing babe - April 11 - 11:56 am

  Ive only had my TB for 2 weeks and I am very happy with all of it. The smooth ride, interior, sound, exterior is exceptional.