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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  Excellent mileage,otherwise average. - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Duroch - December 31 - 3:03 pm

  Anything electronic is troublesome. (Daytime running lights only work if it is foggy. Oxygen sensor died.Heater controls intermittently quit.) Heater became weak in year two. No mechanical problems after 6 years driving.I get up to 34 mpg(Can) and I am usually loaded.

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  American Pride - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gary - December 31 - 2:49 pm

  Bought this 08 SS from a dealer, it was a demo model with 588 miles on it. Got a great deal on it. The car is excellent, fully loaded, extreme amounts of power, smooth, and handles good for a large car. I can easily get 29-30mpg on a smooth flat highway going 70. The car is built well and very solid and surefooted. Great car at a great price.

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  True American Design - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By hatcman - December 31 - 7:31 am

  I bought this truck because it is simply the best design chevy ever came out with along with the infamous 5.7 power house. I think this truck is more reliable then my past too brand new trucks, no problems, and it rides so good. I have room for family despite it is a two door but a little elbow grease and you will get in the back. Anyone thinking of purchasing one of these you will be very pleased i think, and I just hit 182,000 miles this morning and its still trucking.

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  Monte Carlo, Reliable for the price! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By NawlinsNative - December 31 - 6:36 am

  Purchased in September, 2000, it has less than 25K miles on it. Other than maintenance, it has been perfect. Ten years of reliability. Will be soon passed on to our son in college in another state. We trust its reliability. The 3.1L still gets close to 30 mpg on hwy, 20 city. Just traveled to Ohio a few months ago. Smooth ride. Recommend this car for its value.

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  xTreme performance - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By xTreme Texas - December 29 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this xTreme used and in need of some TLC. It is now in great condition, has been very reliable, and runs like a wild horse. Handling is far better than the LS Blazer I also own, and fuel economy is a rock solid 22MPG on the highway, and about 15MPG around town. This is definitely not the model for all SUV drivers, but more for those who want some spark to go with towing, handling, and looks. The A/C in this vehicle easily handles 100+ temps and the engine cooling system keeps things at 195d. Easy to work on when needed. Changed a bad alternator in less than 15 minutes with no special tools. Parts are cheap and readily available. Wish I could buy a new one.

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  Conversion Express Van - 1997 Chevrolet Express
  By Mckinley G - December 29 - 5:22 pm

  My experience with the 1500 Chevy Express Van is very pleasant. You will be hard pressed to fine another van that rides like it. The 5.7 liter engine is adequate in power but I would like to get better gas mileage. It has plenty of room and the auto volume radio is nice. The gas mileage in the city of course is not good in traffic but what 350 cid engine is. I really love this truck and would consider getting another one but…

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  2004 Z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John Hopper - December 29 - 7:20 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for just over three years. Had to replace front shocks, fuel pumps, brakes all around. Have the "clunking" from the steering shafts, trouble with rear tailgate latches, poor fuel economy. But I love this truck, might not buy another one, but I still really like it.

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  wouldnt trade my avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By liketheavalanche - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best truck I have ever owned before. I was so excited to bring it home from the dealer and my wife fell in love with it at first drive. Very unusual body design, not your typical cookie cutter type truck.

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  I like it! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By GK from LA - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Other than the typical gas hog complaints, this is one great vehicle! Chevy has refined this SUV to be serviceable and comfortable.

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  Tahoe Review - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By pstro97 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  We had a fuel pump sending unit go out, but other than that no problems, not to impressed with the fit and finish of the interior (cheap plastic) DVD system is great seats are nice.