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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  10 year slump - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jax1202 - January 22 - 5:22 pm

  Well, the Blazer is now 10 years old, I have only had it for 2 of them, but with in the last year I have had to get : All new tires ($500.00) a new radiator system ($1,400.00). I also have put in new shocks,The piece to move the seat back and forward was broke long ago, ... I need a new brake system, as well as a intake manifold gauge. The gas mileage isnt as bad as I expected for having a SUV though.

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  My Impala SS Experience - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeannette Yackel - January 21 - 11:05 pm

  I love my Impala SS. Ive had it for almost 2 years and it still runs like a charm. Ive had no problems whatsoever with it. It drives great in rain, sleet or snow. I feel safe driving it in any weather. My three children ages 7, 11, and 12 all fit comfortably in the back seat. My son is 56 and has plenty of leg room in the back. They dont even touch elbows! I especially like driving on the highway. This car sure has some "get up and go"! I never worry about playing "chicken" to pass a "Sunday driver". That engine kicks in and I always have plenty of time to pass when needed. Out of the 5 vehicles Ive owned in my life, my Impala SS is definitely my favorite!

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  Trailblazer woes - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chevy SUV - January 21 - 8:46 pm

  This truck has been nothing but trouble. I have had it into the dealer numerous times only to drive it off the lot & find another problem. The transmission & electrical components are the main concern on this SUV.

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  S-10 - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By jacgeo5153 - January 21 - 6:18 pm

  Replaced tie-rod, upper & lower ball joints (had no grease fittings), rusted fuel line (garage kept), all before the truck had 50,000 miles. Its a shame you have to payout over $2,000 for these types of repairs and youre still making payments! Ive heard other similar problems with these types of GM vehicles from friends and neighbors and I got about the same (thats typical) response from most of them. Absolutely terrible gas mileage for a small truck. Just terrible! Extremely rough riding vehicle. (Teddy Roosevelt would have liked it). I dont care to drive it and I cant wait to get a new one.

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  Loved it at first....growing concerned - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By autoindustry1 - January 21 - 12:51 pm

  I loved this truck at first. Great ride, fuel economy and interior comfort/features. Im starting to have several issues of major concern. My truck starts very hard in cold weather. Several revolutions of the engine before itll fire up. Getting worse. I also have a distinct coolant smell coming from the truck after its gotten warm. There is a vibration Ive noticed at freeway speeds in the drivetrain thats starting to drive me nuts. I also have to bring the truck into the dealer for 2 recalls. My windshield has cracked and I dont believe its anything that Ive done. GM specd the glass too thin to save weight??? The truck is a bit jerky to drive through various speeds. Not

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  Honest Truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By SmoothDrRod - January 21 - 10:14 am

  This truck is the honest to goodness daily driver. I have an 06 z71 4x4 automatic with factory locker rear diff. Replaced stock tires with 30x9.5x15 Wrangler silent armor tires. Off road trail fun is unbelievable. Truck in first gear engine idle will climb any hill muddy, rocky, or treachous breakover angle scenarios. Idle gives you enough power to do virtually anything reasonably so just keep on the brakes :) On street this truck is nimble and comfortable. Very svelte ride on or off road. No problems with hauling 1 ton trailer, its unnoticeable until 3 or 4 gear.

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  Very Nice Ride... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Alex Borbely - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchused the new Dale Jr edition monte carlo SS supercharged. I love this vehical looks great in all weather. Although this will never see rain or snow. It is number 212 of 2883 being made. I love the design and rides like a car should for 28000. I recommed this car to anyone who wants a great car... Thank you chevy for making a great car...

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  Chevrolet Z71 - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Stormchaser - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This truck is without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. It does have its faults, mainly in the interior build quality, I do like the design. The truck has never let me down even with 111,650 miles!! Its a beutiful truck and provides a decent ride for a pick-up truck.

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  test before you buy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By driveallday - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Impala is my company care, and I drive alot of miles. The 180hp motor is OK off the line, but far to weak at hiway speed. Just not enough gutts or should I say tourqe to drive with real command. The real dissapointment is the interior. the seat is uncommfortable and none of the arm rests steering wheel or pedals line up right. The interior alignment in not as well thought out as with other cars I have driven. The Impala is not all bad but the important things are off the mark.

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  better than my Benz - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By newport mom - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Is the best car I ever had, great for moms on the go.