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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  Monte Carlo Rocks! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jg1fan - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the yellow competition package Monte as it caught my eye and I couldnt pass it up! I loved this car! Everything was well placed and within reach. My only complaint is the small cupholder in front of the shifter. I was always spilling something. I traded this in for a minivan as I was tired of getting the kids in and out of their carseats in the back seat. Now I am kicking myself and going to get a 2003 Jeff Gordon Monte Carlo. If you want the best car youve ever owned, buy a Monte! Chevy Rocks!

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  TLC - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tlccribbs - December 4 - 12:43 pm

  I had a Tahoe before and I needed a truck for work but, I wanted the same amount of comfort and luxury that I had before. I was able to get the best of both worlds with this vehicle. The Avalanche is an outstanding vehicle for play and work.

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  Great U,.S. car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jack Deeves - December 4 - 12:15 pm

  Extremely quiet, even compared to the 2004 Malibu. Very roomy. Excellent vision. Upholstery could be softer. Perfect family size. Trouble free. Our model is LT with 2LT options. Exceptional gas mileage. Deserves more sales. America needs to note vast improvement in all American cars.

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  Junk - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Q43000gt - December 4 - 6:39 am

  This is my company car. It is junk! 14,000 miles and it is falling apart. The car is driven 100% city in mph zones less than 40mph, but it should not be this much junk. Brakes are shot Car has overheated more than five times. Something in the steering is going out (makes a weird noise when turning). 17mpg average over 14,000 miles (all city). Car has a hard time starting at times. Rattles in the snow.

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  Driving Comfort - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dan - December 4 - 4:47 am

  I bought this truck becuase I needed room and comfort while working across the U.S. I had owned several trucks and cars in the past few years for work, but I kept coming back to the ride and comfor of a Suburban. Once I got it, I will be hard pressed in the future to get rid of it. I intend to keep it until either it or I fall apart.

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  40,000mi and counting - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JLenga - December 4 - 4:28 am

  Ive had my 04 Cavalier for a little over 40K miles and has proven to be a great car, anywhere and in any season. I bought the car in March 05 w/28K on it, traded in a 99 Malibu. The thing I like most about the "Cavy" is the gas mileage both city and highway. Ive got it up to 39mpg once, and now that I live 3 miles from work, I only have to fill the tank once every two weeks, which is good considering gas prices. Other things I like are the handling and V6 like acceleration that comes from the low maintenance, high efficiency 2.2L Ecotec engine.

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  Too many trips to the shop - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By lpofaith01 - December 4 - 12:31 am

  Loved the car at first, but after an after-market auto start was put in (by the dealership) my problems began. It never worked the right way and too many people tried to fix it messing up the wiring and causing problems with everything from the lights to the radio. After the company came to my house for the fifth time I brought it back to the dealership to have it removed. Ive also had my radio replaced twice because the volume kept going out. The dealership said there was a "bulletin" out on this plus one on the headlights and int. lights surging. Theyve replaced my alternator to fix that problem. Ive also had problems w/my brakes, rear sensor, horn and starter.

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  best I have Owned - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Roy - December 3 - 5:43 pm

  I bought new in 98 and love it. It has always turned heads. I bought the copper color and am glad. I have not seen any exactly like it in the 8 years that I have owned it. To date I have put on 2 alternators, one water pump, a lower ball joint, and the speed sensitive steering device and thats all. Wonderful SUV. Everybody tells me to not sell it, keep it. But one day I may. The paint still looks new and shiny. When we go somewhere someone always makes a comment on how good it looks. I love it.

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  great truck - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By dogger - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I recomend the 3.5L. The 4 cylinder not enough power.Im getting 20 miles per gallon local driving.Great handling, tight suspension. In my opinion, after looking at fords and Chevys, this is the best truck in its class for the money.

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  Buy It - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By susann - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Very Smooth driving. Comfortable seats. Feel safe and secure. This is my first and last car I will own !