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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  2004 Chevy Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Leevis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a 1997 Blazer. Greatly improved visibility in the Trailblazer. Excellent power and acceleration. Rear lift ate is a very nice feature.

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  They dont build em like they used to. - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By XSSV4S - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck and would be thrilled with it if the build quality and dealer/manufacturer support were improved. There is an irritating wind noise from rear side windows which GM refuses to fix. Power folding mirrors are cool, but get out of alignment frequently. Ride and handling are ok as long as you avoid rough pavement.

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  An Outstanding Performer - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By lightbud32 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Anyone looking for a truck, and by truck I mean one that can go to the store, turn around and head out to the field, then come home to do chores. This is the perfect truck. A reliable and powerful Vortec engine and low sticker price make this the dark horse in the full size pick up industry. Anyone who buys a Ford before driving a Silverado has made a gastly mistake. The trucks price alone is incentive enough to take one home today. Not to mention the smooth ride and power. A truck at the head of its class.

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  my review - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By nemesis889 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck ever

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  Silverado is PERFECT - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mountaineer11 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The new Chevrolet Silverados are among the most perfect truck on the planet. Its extremely fun to drive, and is the most reliable well built vehicle ever made. The K1500 is very powerful and very stylish. Ford nor Dodge have nothing on this line of trucks. No other even comes close.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By walt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great experience driving this 4X4 Truck. THe suspension and handling have been superb. The 5.3L engine provides plenty of passing power on the road. Ive been getting about 18mi/gallon. Im 66" and what I really enjoy about the interior is the leg and head room. It was made for us large Americans. Try it youll like it.

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  My Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jayr1 - September 26 - 1:53 am

  After driving my fathers TB for almost a year I new I needed to buy one of my own. It runs great, looks great, its not too bad with fuel. I love it. Have not had any problems with it at all!

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  Scond Vtte - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pacecar590 - September 25 - 10:21 pm

  I traded a 99 vVtte with 95 K miles. I never had a problem with my old Vtte and thought it was the best car I ever had, until I took home the 05. What a wonderful car. I feel it is actually me of a leap from the C5 to C6, vs. C4 to C5. A terrific car. Much refined on all around drivability

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  Its an OK truck! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ROB - September 25 - 4:27 pm

  Nice truck. I love the capability of offroading. I went through 24" of snow and didn’t get stuck. But the EPA estimated fuel mileage not even close truck gets about 8mpg city 12-15mpg EPA estimates are crap and it seems the more gas prices go up the worse the fuel mileage gets, and it’s hard on the wallet. Chevy makes great truck but would get better mileage if they put manual available in the Avalanche and offered a diesel, or just added a 5th gear to the automatic.

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  Great vehicle for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By DebsWebWorks - September 25 - 4:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle despite all the negative review from family and I am happy with my purchase so far. Wish that I had gotten the 4- door, as the 2-door is a real pain with teenagers and kids getting in/out of the back for each ride, and wish it seated 5 instead of four.