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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  Vehice Is Great :) - 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Z24 - November 29 - 9:16 pm

  This 1992 Cavalier Z24, has been a very fast, fun, and comfortable vehicle to have. I have had it since I was 16, and am now 21. I bought it from my dad, on my 16th Birthday. Took it out, and wrecked it, then he repaired it for me. Ever since then, I have never had any other type of accident with this car. It has always started the whole 5 years I have had it. My friends at school, always wanted to ride in it, because it looked to cool. Its been a great car.

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  06 Monte Carlo SS LS4 - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By roryreview - November 29 - 7:52 pm

  I was looking for a new car, test drove 08 Mustang GT, 10 Camaro SS & Challenger RT. The Monte SS by far was the most fun to drive, I really didnt expect anything from it. After the test drive I put money down to hold the car, I knew it was a winner. I am not saying this car would burn these others in a race but the acceleration on the SS made me instantly want it. When you step on the gas the HP goes right to the wheels, no delay. No one understands just how fast these LS4s are until they are behind the drivers seat. Even if your not in it for speed, it is a very comfortable car to drive in.The best part of my day is coming & going to work.

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  Love it! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Runt - November 29 - 1:11 pm

  Not one problem EVER! Love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything. Will be my Sons car next year, that is how much I think of this car.

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  Comfortable, but Noisy and a Gas Hog - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Scott - November 29 - 12:43 pm

  Very comfortable ride. Very noticable exterior noise, low gas mileage (dont believe the sticker MPG for city and highway). I get 12-16 MPG. I should have spent the extra grand and got the EXT version. Not much truck room for visits to the grocery or building supply store and carrying young family of 4. GM should consider developing a plug on your stereo for your cellphone to be used with your radio speakers.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By superhobie - November 29 - 5:46 am

  Bought this as a replacement for my 2001 crew cab duramax. I was a little worried about if it would be able to tow my 12000 lb trailer since it has the 6 liter gas engine. As it turned out it has no problem whatever towing it and the 6sp allison tranny is a joy. The mileage could be a little better but since regular gas is alot cheaper here than diesel it works out alright. I especially like the built in trailer braking system instead of having the aftermarket unit hanging under the dash. After 20000 miles I have not had a single problem with this truck . It is as tight and quiet as the day I bought it. I only use it for towing our 35 ft camper. Again love this truck.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Frank - November 28 - 6:53 pm

  Very comfortable, with a roomy back. A must with leather and XM Radio. Lots of storage, however bad on gas.

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  Excellent as winter Station Wagon - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Mainer - November 28 - 6:06 pm

  No problems with vehicle as such. I just wish that the back door opened up or split up and down. It is sometimes difficult to get enough room in a parking lot to open the door. The automatic transmission works excellent and the cargo size is adequate practically with the back seat down.

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  very happy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Bigtshipp - November 28 - 10:00 am

  It really has a lot of room. I love the way it rides on the highway.

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  Perfect EXCEPT........ - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By LYN E - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Equinox...I was one of the first ones on the streets and I liked the new look. Everything is perfect EXCEPT...the rear headrests are so tall it makes for much difficulty when backing up...this also causes a bad blind spot when you look in the rear view mirror. It handles great, super fuel economy, great stero sound...excellent comforts with the leather interior (the cloth seats are very hard). I love Chevey and this is a great little truck!!

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  More than I expected - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tcob - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The Trail Blazer has turned out to be a more enjoyable vehicle than I expected. Comfort and handling have been excellent. Averaging 18.1 miles per gallon has been another unexpected pleasure. Seats are comfortable for short and long trips. Stereo is more than adequate, clear with virtually no distortion with CDs. Controls are easy to operate and somewhat intuitive. I enjoy the ride.