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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  Wonderful Surprise - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pwin - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  After being in a 2003 BMW 325i with countless problems and loud wind noise this car was a wonderful surprise. I test drove the Camry and Honda and was all set to purchase the Camry but after getting into the Malibu there was no turning back. I was not expecting to purchase an American car but when I got in it there was no comparison. the ride is smooth, quiet and the interior is the best. If Chevrolet can transform all their cars into one with this much quality the competition needs to watch out!

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  Maxx Versatility - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By G Fogle - December 4 - 5:40 pm

  Only major complaint is window guides that cause squeeking when raising/lowering windows. Had to dealer twice. Power is decent, mileage on highway exceptional - up to 34.5 mpg.

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  Quite Impressed - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By albert2005 - December 3 - 10:23 am

  This is the first time I have purchased a Chevy. If you remove the logos from this car you would swear you were in a Lexus or BMW. The ride is solid and very quiet. The car has a well designed interior with attention to detail. It is a pleasure to drive. I got an LTZ with the NAV feature and I am impressed. The NAV is feature rich and on par with the best systems being deployed today. Great leg room for both front and back passengers. Overall I am very pleased with the features and performance of this car.

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  Great New Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Scott - December 3 - 1:10 am

  Drivers young and old will love this new Impala. From the throaty rumble of the dual exhaust to the excellent quality sound and comfortable ride this car has something for everyone. It has been a pleasure to drive and own. Friends and family love it too. I have lots of friends asking to take it for a drive or go for a ride. The price was great the only thing I would like to see added is a DVD Navigation System, cooled leather seats, and a little more thigh support from the front seats. This is a great all around car.

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  Neat Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By derberg - December 2 - 11:26 am

  The Maxx is probably the neatest car weve ever owned -- quick, very roomy, fairly comfortable, very good on gas, and distinctive in styling. Hatchback sedans are a great idea: Recently we hauled home a 42" big-screen TV, still in the box, which fit right thru the hatch opening. After helping to load 70 parcels into it, a guy at my American Legion post asked, "What kind of car is this?" GM didnt know how to market the Maxx, so didnt sell many (but watch how well the new Toyota Venza sells). However, a common problem is weak steering gear; the rack was replaced under basic warranty, and the intermediate column for $100 (there must be a service bulletin on this)

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  We Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By James - December 2 - 7:16 am

  Our Nox is, and has been, an enjoyable experience. Every day I find myself smiling as I drive out of the garage. I love the style and all the amenities. I only wish for better gas mileage.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tina - December 1 - 5:06 am

  I have had the Chevy Equinox for 1 month now and it is very fun to drive. I have the LS AWD and I recently took it through the snow and on the dirt. Never had any problems. I went over some ice and the AWD kicked in. The Equinox handles very nice. No problems with the radio controls, not that hard to figure out. My Passengers love the slight reclining seats in the back.

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  Big car Little Bucks - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By busdriver - November 30 - 1:23 pm

  I bought the stripped down hatchback to save gas and wear and tear on my Wrangler. My wife had hers for a week when I decided I needed one like hers. While she has put 3000 miles going to town and back with the grandkids, I have over 7000 miles already commuting. We paid $8950 each for them, and so far, no problems whatever. I love the roomy interior and ergonomics. Plenty of power on the freeway, with a ride like a much more expensiver car. When and if I use this one up, I will definitly get another.

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  2004 Indy SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By madman2 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  One Badass ride!! Ive only drive 2500 mile so far, but fell in love with this car. Im not going to sell it, being a limited edition. I eat Pontiacs for lunch!

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  Impressive machine - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dave - November 30 - 7:53 am

  Drove it off the lot 05-04-07 and now have 2200 miles on it. Leaving soon on a 5000 mile road trip, cant wait. Ride is super smooth, more than comfortable, and really quiet. This thing is a lot quicker than I thought it would be, and if I dont engage the cruise control it keeps creeping up over the speed limit. Fuel mileage is right on sticker at 21+ mpg hwy. Interior is so much improved over previous models. Seats are comfy. Ergonomics are well done. Dash layout is beautiful Feels like Im in a luxury SUV. Even my friends with new fords and dodges like it. Good job GM!