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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  Uplader Quality Automobile - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Robert - March 22 - 8:28 am

  This is one great vehicle. This Suv/Mini Van has all the features you want in an automobile. Extremely quite ride, interior quality with that Mercedes like feel and looks. I could not be more impressed with this vehicle. Plus, dealership was as nice as I have ever had deal with. A 10 all the way.

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  Comfort fo Handicap (Avalanche) - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Paulie - March 22 - 7:38 am

  I could not believe how comfortable this vehicle was. Ive had several hip replacements done and I must say the comfort and handling is the best Ive had.

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  Best step down from a full size - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By tonkatruk - March 22 - 6:54 am

  After driving a full size truck for many years I was skeptical at first if I would like this truck. By now I have enough time in the saddle to say I havent given up much at all. The engine is smooth and powerful enough for my needs and the extended cab is great for family trips and taking friends out. I get lots of comments from people who like the trucks looks and it draws many inquiries as to my satisfaction with it. Needless to say, I give big smiles to a nicely packaged vehicle priced reasonably. If your looking to haul a 5000 pound trailer Id have to point you in the direction of a full size as the I-5 doesnt have that much pulling power, but as a Lowes hauler it is more than enough

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Wonderfull Car - March 22 - 6:37 am

  I have had over thirty new cars. This is the best I have every had. It not only is a pretty car it is fun to drive. I knew we were going to buy it the minute my wife drove it. We are both in late 60s. Of course we have always loved performance cars so I thought I would like the GTO. I traded the 04 GTO on the Corvette. Cant believe how much better quiality is in the Corvette. This is our first Vette and cant understand why it took us so long to try one.

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  Just as it was. - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill G - March 21 - 11:49 pm

  This is the first car I have bought that feels like a real car, since 1976. This is a great car for the money, smooth, great ride. All the good stuff. Plenty of space. I drove from PA to FL. No problem. If you need a big car this one you have to look into. Get the 3.8 v6 or if you so need the v-8 is fast and will take you back to when cars were cars. It is a great car

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Joe - March 21 - 9:44 pm

  I stopped buying Chevys a few years ago.. Decided to give them another chance. I love the TrailBlazer! A great vehicle at a great price. Cant go wrong! More comfortable and faster than my Grand Cherokee Lerado. (4.0L) The ride is near perfect, not like a Cadillac but not as stiff as a pick-up. Just right for an SUV! Now my wife wants one.. The EXT for the third row seats for the kids... Ill trade that minivan for another Trailblazer in a minute!

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  I Love Our Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Al in Burke, VA - March 21 - 7:51 pm

  This is a great vehicle for any family. We really are happy with it. The ride is great, the power is more than sufficient, and the comfort, especially for trips, is outstanding. All this for under $20K.

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  The best deal for your money! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Johnny Bee - March 21 - 5:56 pm

  I have only had the vehicle for 3 complete days now and I have not had any complaints with this SUV. The Nox is the best vehicle for the money when compared to the other SUVs from other manufacturers. To better experience the Equinox, get all available features.

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  Under-rated ride - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Believe It - March 21 - 4:22 pm

  Overall great experience. Wanted lots of interior and trunk room, w/o spending too much. Great gas mileage (30 mpg highway @70 not uncommon). Sure its no Acura, Audi, etc. but I have gotten used to the many "extras" this car has that many do not at thousands more (auto headlamps, tire pressure sensors, rearview mirror auto tint, daytime running lights, delayed power after ignition off, etc.). It doesnt feel quite as "polished" as some foreign brands, yet I feel like it goes out of its way to take care of me. Brake rotors needed machined around 25,000 mi., and two steering wheel switches were replaced due to plastic flaking off. Really the only problems.

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  Return os the SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bcayton - March 21 - 2:00 pm

  I have always loved performance cars, but since the late 70s "performance" wasnt affordable..Then I drove a 2004 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signature series, supercharged Monte Carlo SS. Chevy has hit a home run with this one. Welcome back SS.