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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  Would love to love this SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By k. - December 1 - 12:09 pm

  We purchased out 2005 Suburban in Sept. and I loved it! But 2 weeks later a freeze plug in the engine compartment started to leak. We have had it to 2 different dealerships 4 times now and its still not fixed, its leaking and smells of antifreeze. It had 12,000 miles on it when we bought it and yes it is still under certified warranty,but this is still very annoying. I really liked this suv, but all this running to the dealership is making me wonder if I made a mistake trading in my Honda for a Chevrolet seeing that no one seems to be able to solve this problem and my Honda was so reliable.

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  Love my Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Margaret Wise - December 1 - 11:31 am

  I pull a small travel trailer and was driving a Buick Rainier. I just love the Tahoe, but was afraid it was too big. We had Suburbans and a Yukon before this, but this handles so much better, you would swear you were driving something the size of the Rainier. All my previous experiences with full size SUVs has been put to bed. This is fun, easy and a real kick to drive. Not to mention the looks it gets with its great style and presence.

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  A good country truck - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By A Jerd - December 1 - 9:03 am

  During the summers I use this truck for my small business. In its 8ft bed it can haul a considerable amount of weight, up to 3 or 4 yards of wet mulch. As a college student, I drive back and forth to home often, and the gas mileage is great. Passing power is exceptional, I feel, for the V6. Acceleration isnt always reliable and I sometimes question the torque, but I love it. The interior is basic, and easy on the eyes. Ive driven the similar Ford model, and in general, the steering, and power feels more profound and well done.

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  Not happy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala - November 30 - 6:05 pm

  Bought car in Jan of 04 . I have owned Chevys for about 40 yrs and was allways happy with them . However the 04 was noisy from the start. The dealer said it was the tires. They went to Goodyear this year. Changing the tires helped some but road noise is still bad .Windows fog up whenever it rains. I dont think I will be buying another Chevy any time soon. Find visibilty very poor

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  Keep your mini-van - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ColoGSD - November 30 - 12:17 pm

  Z71 off-road package. Although this beast was supposed to be for my husband, its MINE! I haul the kids, 2 large dogs, camping gear, you name it, with no problem. Sure beats driving a soccer mom mini-van anyday. Its been off-road on trails that may have been better suited for a Jeep but it sure was fun. towed a 25 loaded travel trailer to the mountains and the only problem was with the trailer. I am able to park the beast in a two car garage (remember to fold IN the mirrors FIRST) and still have room for hubbys commuter car. With the 2nd row captians chairs kids and dogs have plenty of room. Steroe is adequate, vents in roof liner are most welcomed.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fio - November 30 - 9:13 am

  Abosolutly perfect. Great bang for the buck. Im very happy with the product I got and would, if given the same opportunity, would purchase it again. For all those Ferrari and Lambo owners, look out. A few mods and youre eating my dust.

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  Big disappointed GM fan - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By markchevugh - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought with 0 miles. Car ran great for 30000 miles then fell apart. Tires at 28000, windshield wiper motor ($300) computer ($1000), 2 weeks in the shop, a/c on/off as it wants, dealer that cant figure out what is wrong, now the transmission is acting up big time - wont shift out of 4th. Did I mention poor resale value? Looks like Christmas with all the warning lights on my dash....

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  Shame on GM - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By chevynomore - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new. Several problems have developed: 1. Infamous GM piston slap, started at 11,000 miles; very bad now at 18,000. GM will not acknowledge problem. 2. Steering column clunk/rattle, common in many of these GMs. 3. Box sits crooked, common in many of these GMs. 4. Transfer case is very noisy. 5. Dashboard lighting problems.

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  Buying 03 tomorrow! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By be relentless - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 00 in July 99. I fell in love looking at it and more when I drove it. Put 105500 miles on it until Vets day 02 when it was totaled by an idiot running a red light. All the air bags opened and I walked away perfect. The biggest problem has been finding an 03 equipt just like my 00. The problem, sun roof. I am 69" and 340lbs and its the most comfortable car I have driven. People can still sit behind me!!!

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  An Accord V6 for $5500 less - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sunsete - November 30 - 12:24 am

  This car is bigger than it looks. Steering is silky smooth and silent. Good pickup when needed and excellent milage when driven prudently (36mpg city 44mpg hwy). Interior is built better than my office desk for bins clips and tables. Beautiful car I think much better than all the other triangles and jellybeans running around out there. Headlights are outstanding, really light up the road ahead.