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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  Very Pleased! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dave - November 15 - 9:50 pm

  We have three children 6, 16, and 17 yrs old, two of which have long legs! We searched over for something to accomodate our family with size, price,and a great look without feeling like we were driving around in a bus! Equinox was the answer, and we are considering buying a second. Very pleased with our choice.

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  End of the Big Rear Wheel Drive Cars - 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
  By mrleibel - November 15 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this car second hand from an older couple. I put limited miles on it as I store the vehicle during the winters. I have the LT1 which is an awesome motor for power, towing, and economy. I can easily average 26 mpg. When pulling my 2100lb camper, I average 17 mpg cruising at 70mph hard to beat that with an SUV. The ride is quiet and smooth the leather seats are comfortable for long rides and I really enjoy the simple dashboard layout. The trunk size is great as well. I have never had a space shortage problem. Overall, the Caprice is quite the car its very versitile and a wolf in a sheeps skin.

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  Nice tight package - bum interior - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By buckeyebubba - November 15 - 5:26 pm

  Im moving toward 3 months and 3,000 miles and as you might expect there are both positives and negatives. The truck is indeed very smooth and provides a certain amount of confidence on unpredictable winter road surfaces. Road imperfections from ice and snow are absorbed with aplomb. More importantly the brakes are excellent so far. Since GMs track record with brakes is not good Ill try not to worry too much about what to expect. Engine performance is outstanding and the transmission is unparalleled. With excellent acceleration, shifting, and braking its fun and effortless to drive. Note that I have the 5 cylinder with automatic. The interior is the major negative

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  1999 FRC Review - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jason - November 15 - 2:47 pm

  I just bought this car used but in immaculate condition. I have all the records for everything that has been done to the car, and it has had its share of electrical problems, such as the fuel gauge, stereo, and power window motors. However, just sitting in the car and firing it up puts a smile on my face. The performance is amazing and the ride comfort is surprisingly good. Driving the car from Texas to VA, I averaged well over 30 mpg. There is also ample storage in the back for pretty much anything you need to carry such as luggage or groceries. In my opinion, the C5 Corvette is by far the best bang for the buck vehicle out there. My only regret is that I didnt buy one sooner.

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  Chevy 4 wheel drive 5.3l V8 - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Larry Knutson - November 15 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent vehicle, great price, handling. Mileage is unbelievable 20 mpg on the highway, 17.5 in the city. Built tougher than a Ford and more reliable than a Dodge. Made in the USA.

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  Three weeks and lovin it - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brn169 - November 15 - 10:33 am

  After 3 weeks and some 1800 miles my Cobalt and I have come to know what to expect from each other. This mild mannered compact rocket is a solid commuter at about 32mpg at average highway speeds of 70-80mph. What is truly surprising is that when you need a little burst of excitement or feel the need to circumnavigate the occasional left lane obstacle, a quick crack to 3rd and back to 4th makes you want to kiss your sales man for suggesting you test drive the S/C. As for the responsive handling, considering the base model is the offspring of the Caviler it is a blast to drive even with some mild under steer. Style is 1st rate in the sport compact class. Only one bad thing, GM why no S/C in 2008?

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  Poorly made truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By J Ballard - November 15 - 9:50 am

  I only have 1100 miles on my truck and it already has major problems! Ive been into the dealership several times and they say theres nothing they can do and GM wont do anything either. The interior is CHEAP, the climate control has electrical problems, the truck leans noticibly to one side,& the transmission has major issues. It clunks & slams into gear like a 20 yr old truck. The leather has more defects than I can count. I am very sorry I bought this truck. I feel like I am stuck with a lemon.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Al - November 15 - 3:46 am

  The 2005 Tahoe is the best vehicle I ever owned. I had a Dodge Grand Caravan prior to this and I disliked it. Poor quality interior, and uncomfortable. Ive owned a lot of vehicles and also own a 1979 Corvette. I like driving my Tahoe better. My next vehicle? A Tahoe.

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  Its alright - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By nate - November 15 - 2:11 am

  Its an alright truck all around but I still feel more comfortable driving an old beat up Civic. It doesnt feel stable off road and Im constantly having mechanical issues with it but it does all that its technically supposed to I guess.

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  Avalanche - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By CPasq - November 15 - 1:27 am

  Versitile, rides like a large car, but still able to handle non paved roads with relative ease. Good power with the 5.3L v8. Hwy mileage is closer to 19.5mpg on level roads at 65-70mph. Easy to convert to pickup with the midgate. Love this truck.