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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  Convinced me to buy American - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Beagleboy99 - December 2 - 9:33 am

  Ive owned a lot of cars over the 35+ years I have been driving, and consider myself a "car guy". Ive owned mostly Japanese-Honda, Subaru, etc. Approaching a mid life crisis, I was looking for a car to accompany me on that journey. Im a big guy, and wanted some comfort, and I usually carry a lot of stuff, even some lumber once in a while. I saw the first 2 MonteCarlo SSs on my local dealer lot, and loved the retro look. One of my favorite cars was the 1973 Monte, and this captured that essence nicely but updated. This car was impressively well made (Canada), was very comfortable and very reliable after a 6 month rough period at first. This was a winner for GM, sorry to see that it is gone

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  Better Than It Had To Be - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By oboles - December 1 - 10:34 pm

  Really nice exterior design. Put together very well. 67k miles over some very rough roads and still no annoying rattles in body. For a 4 cylinder is really a peppy little vehicle. Steering is exceptional. Great gas mileage average 28 mpg on reformulated gas. Up to 35 mpg on hwy w/non reformulated fuel. No mechanical problems w/car yet. If I had a gripe, it would be for better suspension. Load it up with 3 & 4 250-300 lb passengers and the ride is a little bumpy. But, with 1 or 2, ride is fine. Overall I have been very happy with the car. I believe it has been badly maligned and underrated. It really is better than it had to be. By the way, I also tow a 16 ft sailboat with it.

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  04 Colorado - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By awilson - December 1 - 9:53 pm

  I love the Colarado. After shopping around quite a bit I decided on it because it was the perfect size for me. It is very reliable and fun to drive. I have only had one minor problem and that was with my stop light switch wearing out. That is probably from all the driving I do!!! I live in the country so I put a lot of miles on my truck and it still drives just like it did when I first got it. I think that the biggest thing that I do not like about it is the interior. I think that Chevrolet could have done a little bit better with that!!! Overall, it is a great truck and I will definitely buy another one when the time comes!!

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  TOMZ Z28 - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Thomas R Gagen - December 1 - 8:18 pm

  Since the day I bought this car, it has been the most fun car I have ever had. Even though you seem like you are sitting on the ground, that just makes it feel all the more powerful when you hit the gas. My wife calls this car my "change of life" car and I agree with her. I bought it shortly after my "last" divorce when I was 51 because I had never had a real "muscle" car. I now know what I was missing. I can proudly say that I have never gotten a ticket driving this car even though I know I have deserved a few. The original "Z" tires on this car only lasted 30k miles and I thought I must be me, but the second set only lasted another 30k and was told that was all I could expect from Z tires.

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  The Best Yet. - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Z71 - December 1 - 7:03 pm

  This is my third Chevy SUV(two suburbans,one K5 Blazer )and all have been 4wd. I enjoy surf fishing and going off road with this z71 model is great. Although I am not 100 % convinced that the electronic 4wd is better than the manual shifting 4wd it has its good points.The shift select sending module has required replacement once but now seems to work okay. Not having the shift lever on the floor enhances the interior appearence. The over all ride is very comfortable and is welcome on long trips(the wife sleeps easier and more). I will probably buy another when this one wears out or my son takes it over.Its the best vehicle for my purposes. Im not rich but I dont let the gas mileage get me

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cherry - December 1 - 6:20 pm

  I have truly enjoyed my Suburban. After months of looking and researching, I had my heart set on the Yukon XL Denali. But once I saw the Z71, I realized it had every one of the features that appealed to me about the Denali, at a considerably lower cost. The touch-screen stereo/navigation system and DVD player are a must for my family of 7. The cargo space feels like 4 times that of my previous vehicle, the Ford Expedition.

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  Overall.. Id buy another.. - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Joe - December 1 - 5:17 pm

  I cant say that Ive had any problems with my Blazer. With 60,000+ miles, the only thing Ive had to replace are the brakes and tires this winter. Its not got the best pickup on cold winter days, but Im thinking thats pretty common on many vehicles. Gas mileage is alright, doing excellent on highway travel.

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  Best Car Ever Built. - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mike Barber - December 1 - 4:54 pm

  This is truly the best driving and most versatile vehicle ever built.It has all the power I need for any use.And for long trips there is no other way to go.I now have over 130k miles on this 2000 LT,and the only thing I have done to it is put a new water pump on it at 126k miles.And it still drives like new. I wish it got a little better gas milage,but its worth that sacrifice.We have this one and a GMC Yukon XL Denali and both of these vehicles are the cars of all cars.

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  10 Years Old & Still Running Strong - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Carlos - December 1 - 2:19 pm

  With 182,000 miles this car has seved the family exceptionally well. Only a new tranny at 140,000 miles and the usual maintenance. Great in the snow and no problems what so ever with the AWD. Comfort and reliable to the max.

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  Our Ruby Red Corvette - 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Wheels - December 1 - 1:22 pm

  First saw a 40th Anniversary Ruby Red at a Corvette show. Love at first sight. Bought ours a month later w/ < 14 K miles. The car has all the options including ride control and performance axel. The performance is fantastic for an LT-1. The car is all original except for a new water pump and upgraded optispark ignition which was replaced two years ago. CD player belt was replaced this year. No other problems. Its absolutely wonderful to drive, but due to a recent serious leg injury handicap, difficult to get into and out of. Its an experience to treasure. Highly recommend the Corvette to anyone who enjoys driving. You only live once, dont deny yourself one of lifes few pleasures.