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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  Awesome car. - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By boyracer - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has had zero defects. It exceeds my highest expectations. It handles well, interior ergonomics (except seating position-Im 62") are right where they should be. Im happy with fuel economy and tightness of vehicle. This car is a winner.

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  Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Keith Hunter - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an all-around competent, comforatble and fun to drive vehicle. I love the sporty, conserative look and feel of this car. Power everything, spacious interior and torquey engine is a thrill. Huge on inside, mid-size on outside makes city or highway travel fun and comfortable in all american style!

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  2007 Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Jerry - December 15 - 9:53 am

  I had my mind set on a F-150 until my wife conviced me to drive the 2007 Avalanche. This is the most flexible and comfortable truck I have ever driven. It looks great and really "works" like a truck. I highly recommend that you drive it. But be careful, once you do, you will not settle for anything else

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  Monte - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Jimmy - December 14 - 11:03 pm

  Since Ive had my Monte I have been going on a lot of road trips and have put a lot of miles on it. I have driven it across various states, into Canada, through snowy mountain passes, and this car has always gotten me from A to B flawlessly! I realized that I like front wheel drive when I was driving on snowy roads (you dont fishtail or lose control as easy as rear wheel) This is a good road tripping car. Though I did wake up one morning, started the car, and realized that some how the power steering pump went out overnight, being under warranty, the dealer took care of it quick. Other then that I believe this car is dependable, I have definitely put it through the test and it passed.

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  HHR Heaven - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rick - December 13 - 4:56 pm

  I have driven Chevrolet all my life but this is the first brand new Chevrolet I have bought, and Im am very pleased. It is a very comfortable ride and looks awesome! I would recommend this car to anyone who likes Chevrolet. Gas mileage is excellent. Love everything about it. I tell everyone after 51 years I deserve a new car.

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  2007 Impala LT - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By VR - December 11 - 6:03 pm

  Although I have only driven 200 miles in my new vehicle, I am very pleased with its quiet and smooth ride. The vehicle has ample power for highway driving and merging. I am also pleased with the vehicles handling and responsiveness.

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  Chevy got it right ! - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bdini - December 11 - 3:13 pm

  I have been a long GM supporter starting back in the 70s with SS Chevelles, Z28s, Impala SS and Monte Carlos. I have also owned many cars from the competition and acurrently own a 2007 Accord V6 Hybrid. With that said, when its time to take a cruise the Monte SS usually leaves the garage first. I am not a big supported of front wheeled cars but Chevy certainly makes this car feel light to handle, while being agressively quick such as a performance car should. The 5.3 engine is perfect for this size car with a exhaust note that can only come out of a big V8. Also on the mileage side I average about 23-26MPG with mixed driving. Not bad for a 300+HP car. Sorry Honda,the wife still loves you

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  cavaliers rock!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pt13gt - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Im sorry edmunds thinks this is an outdated platform but its a lot better car than my sons focus and my sisters lancer! for the money I love my cavalier and an sorry to see it be the last year for them.

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Moose1959 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I only have had the car for about 2 months but I love it. It has been labeled my mid life crisis. Its a great looker and what a ride! For all ownwers looking for a few more ponies, try Borla Cat-back kit. It will set you back about 850.00s, but between the Borla kit and a K & N charged air filter you will gain about 15 or 20hp.And it wont void your warranty!

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  Way better then expected - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Grizzly1 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I first had a 1995 Ford Escort LX, then went to the 02 Z24. Ive had the car for about 7 months now. I love this car! Im getting the same fuel economy or better then the escort. This is WAAAY more reliable than the Ford. I had to take the my Ford to the shop way too many times to count. I have had no problems with the car. My only complaint are the interior is not as big as expected, but still plenty for me and 3 other people.