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:

• 

  Ds Vette - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ds Vette - September 26 - 6:30 pm

  Truly having a wonderful experience with my first Vette. Even though its used, its still a marvel. Havent had the Vette long but have not had any bad experiences. Hoping all the bugs have been worked out as it seems to have been in my case. Gas mileage is awesome considering.

• 

  Sporty, But Not SS Material. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gunsnroses572 - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  It was a fun ride, but still not SS material, I have never thought of a SS tag on a four-cylinder car, and after driving this, I dont think the SS tag belongs on it, maybe if it was a 6 cylinder but no little 4 banger, if I were chevrolet, Id never produce the SS version for this car, and maybe give up the SS tag because nothing they put the tag on lives up to its name. Maybe they should think about putting it on the corvette

• 

  My Review - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By duhduh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had good experiences in this vehicle.

• 

  Chevolet Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jessica Wilson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 cavalier since Jan., and it is very fun to drive, horsepower is good, sound system is excellent, and it has very good power steering-its more like a sports car to me without the speed. I have a red, 2-door coupe, which turns a lot of heads when i drive by! I give my car a 9 1/2 overall!

• 

  tanjim750 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tanjim - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven foreign cars and they do not compare with the cavalier.

• 

  New Malibu - First Impressions - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MIScouter - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle last week and have put about 250 miles on the odometer. Chevrolet may have a winner here. Havent considered a Chevy in 22 years, but it stacked up well against the VW Passat, Honda Accord, and Mazda6 that we also considered. Pushrod V6 provides plenty of power (200 HP) and lots of torque (220 ftlb). Loaded with useful features and plenty of room (101 cu ft EPA passenger space). Averaging over 22 MPG in mostly city driving so far. Chevys attempt at a "manu-matic" shift lever needs work. 4th gear cannot be selected in manual mode.

• 

  beautiful and nice riding car. - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Frank V - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The driving is great. The seats [driver and passenger] are very comfortable. I have the power seat and my wife loves it. The remote vehicle start is great also. My first long drive it had 29 miles to the gallon.This is to me a luxury car I can afford. I have received many [at least 15 or more] good comments. None so far. This car has the Onstar and XM radio also. One comment was from a "maxima" car owner who was really impressed.

• 

  Red Chevy avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John C - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck in July, i mostly got it for the 4 door part of it, its a crew cab with out the long bed, so turning is easier, the ride is good and the looks are excellent,

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By snunes68 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The best truck on the market. You can fit comfortably with 7/8 passengers. This is the perfect family car for the value.

• 

  V8TOGO Corvette Conv. - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BHBARR - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The most performance for the dollar. Not only do you get high performance but as much as 32 mpg on the highway at 75 miles an hour. The build quality inside and out compares with cars costing twice as much. Reliability is second to none!