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:

• 

  Big Disappointment - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Karen - October 28 - 7:35 pm

  Since I bought this car is 2002 I havnt had anything but trouble. The vent/air/heat has never worked on low setting. The check engine light stays on all the time. When this happens, the air doesnt work. Ive had this check out several times and no one can figure what is wrong. The catalytic coverter went out while under extended warranty while I was out of town. When I requested that the dealer I bought from pay for repair they refused. GM did refund my money for the repairs but not the rental I had to get. All I want to do is drive this car thru the windows of the dealership and leave it there.

• 

  Best SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Alan - October 28 - 4:15 pm

  Exceptional value with all the bells and whistles. Plenty of power from the 4.2L. Great handling and firm ride. XM/Bose system with navigation well worth the option. Comfort is quite good with power seat,heater and pedals options. 17" wheels gives a slightly better ride than the standard 16". Never had a warranty claim to date with 21,000 miles. Mileage of 15/21.

• 

  Great car for a small price - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mike - October 28 - 3:15 pm

  I bought my Aveo to move from Kansas City to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and have been driving it everyday. I have no complaints about the car. The price was right for me at the time and I never had to worry about the car not starting etc. at all. It may not be the quickest car on the road but then again, youre not going to be paying for all of the gas the quicker ones do. All in all, great car and Id recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Built to Last - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Zener123 - October 28 - 2:38 pm

  I bought my Tahoe with 174,000 miles, 3 years later and 254,000 miles on the odometer, this SUV is mechanically sound. Repairs have been needed. Ive replaced the radiator, muffler, and the intake manifold gasket (antifreeze leak on the front block - total parts cost $600). I change the oil every 3,000 miles. With a little luck I might get another 80,000 miles out of this engine (or another 3 years - holding my breath). If you want an old reliable SUV and dont mind using Chiltons manual to do the work yourself, this may be the SUV for you.

• 

  50th Anniversary Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob Hatfield - October 28 - 1:00 pm

  Impeccable performance and sterling appearance. The anniversary red paint projects a dazzling sparkle when in the sunlight and nicely augmented by the champaigne coloured wheels.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dave A - October 28 - 12:49 pm

  I bought this car, after hearing about is reliability and initial quality. I have seen nothing to contradict that. The car feels spacious on the inside, and even the most basic model comes with a wealth of accessories.

• 

  Fun, fast, fairly cheap - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brett - October 28 - 11:26 am

  I bought this for the wife and its a great everyday driver. She gets better gas mileage than her SUV. It turns heads wherever you go and hauls the mail. Im a pretty good driver, and I could never push this car to its limit. Its definitely not the most practical car a guy could buy, but its a great third car. Although I like the semi-exclusivity of the car, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a high performance convertible.

• 

  Equinox...Luxury for $30K! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Gustave1 - October 28 - 7:16 am

  I bought my Equinox in August and it was the best thing I have done in a long time. I began looking at just the LT Base packages, but when I saw the Summit White with the LT 1SE package, I couldnt resist. It had everything that my BMW had, but for $10K less. The tan leather with the Summit White clearcoat is a beautiful combo. The power and fuel economy is outstanding. I just graduated High School and I drive to college and I get close to 30 MPG with 185 HP...WOW!!!

• 

  Feel Safe - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kimm - October 28 - 4:03 am

  I love my Blazer. I have had many vehicles in the past and this is by far the best. I feel safer driving this Blazer. The build is solid and it has the power needed to get where I want to go, especially on a camping trip. It has the space I need to haul equipment and can haul up to 5000lbs. If you know how to maintain the suspension and ABS system there are wont be any problems. The only gripe I have is that the ball joints and front have to be greased frequently and the spare tire blocks your rear view. The interior is right at hand and easy to operate from the 4wd to the CD player. I love this Blazer.

• 

  2009 Silverado 5.3 - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Robert - October 28 - 3:33 am

  Ive owned Chevy trucks all my life and this one is average. Rattles in the doors and dash. Vibrations in the drive train. Fuel management is BS. Dont put exhaust on one it will drive you crazy with the cylinders kicking in and out all the time. Fuel mileage is important to me but power when towing is more. I tow a 23 ft. boat and it strains a lot. I havent towed my car and trailer yet, a little scared too. I live in Florida and there are no hills. I wish I would have up dated to the 6.0 litre. Now that I own it no good trade in value. The other main complaint is the drive shaft clunk when you stop and start, you would think this on going problem would be resolved by now. Same o Same o.