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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  buy american - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By paul castellaneta - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I find this car to drive great in snow. Have alot of power and is fun to drive.

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  SPORTY WITH COMFORTABLE RIDE - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By NEWC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THIRD ONE SINCE THEY CAME OUT CANT BEAT EM

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  10 - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bnsconstruction - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i bought 1 avalanche and the next day i bought another 1 for my work its a strong heavy duty car and is up to date in style ... who ever made this car thank you you made me very satisf

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  TOO MANY TRIPS TO MECHANIC - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chammond20 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have had our TB LT 4x4 for 2 years and we have had it in for repair at least 8 times. At least three were for recalls, two times for the rear windshield wiper, two other times because it was stalling and failed to start, and another for the driver window coming off track. Its too bad because we reallly like the style and features of the vehicle. The ride and power are great, but you shouldnt have to deal with these problems wiith a $34,000 vehicle. This could be a great vehicle once the kinks are worked out.

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  Trail - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sgtniz - March 8 - 2:00 am

  great buy sturdy truck

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  great buy! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By haddock - March 8 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best autos i have ever owned!!!!This is my 15th car

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  love a tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By boobakai - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Tahoe for a few months. I love it. I would suggest it to anyone. I had no special reason to purchase it. I liked the way it looked and I loved the way it drove. It has plenty of room, if needed.

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  Segment Leader - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BoatReady - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied w/the LS. Upgrades include: Bose system, leather, Sun Safe and something, towing pkg, 17" wheels, LS Prfd, 5.3 engine, and 3rd row seating (saleman stressed it b/c of resale value). The LS makes the commute almost enjoyable. The ride is non-SUV-like as the bumps seem to dissappear. Looked at other vehicles at this price point (cars and SUVs) and concluded the Cheverolet offered more vehicle for the $$$.

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  the best truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By scott ballard - March 8 - 2:00 am

  this truck has every thing a guy need cruisen down the road. it has power style and it is fun to drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By EricJohn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely fabulous. I love the powertrain as the Vortec 4.2L I6 really moves. It betters Fords V8 in the Explorer. Tows very well, even with the 3.42 gear ratio. People knock the interior but I like the simple style of it. Its functional and easy to use. The size is perfect and it handles everything I throw at it. Great for trips and day-to-day driving. Overall fabulous vehicle. Highly recommend.