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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  Great Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Brian Ludwig - September 1 - 8:25 pm

  My wife and I have owned our Colorado for just over a year now. She uses it to travel for work and as our grocery getter. So far the truck has only given us one problem and that is with the sterio speakers. We keep the oil changed and the tires balanced and rotated, the alignment gets checked every 3 to 4 months, and is only slightly out in toe as expected. Other than that, basic maintainance, and the truck is awesome. I would recomend this truck to anyone wanting a clear view of the road and who doesnt tow heavy loads, especially if you have kids or pets. We just wish it got a little better milage (Best 22 on highway, 19 in town). Thank you Chevrolet.

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  What happened General? - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bob larson - September 1 - 5:17 pm

  In a little over 2 years, I have had all 4 window motors fail, the power drivers seat motor fail (glad I bought an extended warranty) and both tail light lenses replaced , which were on a recall. The ride is very comfortable, and the transmission is smooth. I would recommend the V-8. The inline 6 loses too much speed going uphill, as well as any incline. Overall, I have always owned General Motors products, but the experience Ive had since owning this vehicle have made me realize why the American manufacturers continue to lose market share.

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  New Lover - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By armygirl72 - September 1 - 1:52 pm

  I love the ride. The engine is a little noisy for my taste but the rest of car is self makes up for it.

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  What happened - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By matt - September 1 - 12:40 pm

  Its nice to look at but dont try to drive it. The front pump on the transmission was leaking within 2300 miles and im on the second power steering unit. Good thing theres a 100,000 mile warrenty on this things im gonna need it.

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  Love my Burb - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ddb - September 1 - 12:57 am

  The 2002 Suburban has been an excellent ride. 90% of miles are on major, crowded, dangerous interstate. Car has held up very well w/almost no maintenance needs. Super comfortable. What I pay in gas is made up for in safety and comfort. Its the best car Ive ever had.

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  Great truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By JIMW - August 31 - 11:50 pm

  When the Colorado came out, I had a ZR2 S10 I thought I would never part with. After driving and looking the Colorado over I bought one. Good gas mileage, smooth ride, and when you want to get up and go, it takes off smooth and fast. I am impressed with it. No trouble with it. I have had it 6 months got the Z-71 4x4 try one out.

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  Not bad considering... - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By ChevyOwner - August 31 - 11:47 pm

  Ive been mostly pleased with my S-10. The biggest problems have been having to replace both front wheel bearings twice--apparently a design flaw that has cost me $2400. And the gas gauge has stopped working and I cant see putting another $700 to replace the fuel sending unit to get it to work. Other than that, all major mechanical systems have continued to function to my expectations. It has 94,000 miles and starts every morning without a problem.

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  Purely Amazing - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tim - August 31 - 11:04 pm

  Bought used after experiencing buddies SS. Absolutely amazing the exhilarations that this car brings is like nothing I have ever experience. Straight ahead speed and if you lay off the gas through turns it corners better than any sports car on the road. With proper care this car will run for years. As for gas mileage you wouldnt even know that you had a v8 engine (low range from small tank)...plenty of power to get in and out of sticky situations...if you have the opportunity to get this vehicle get it and get it quickly. Dont worry about the resale value, you will not resell this car. Still get compliments on a weekly basis by all types of people...

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  Colorado - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By bigredman - August 31 - 6:19 pm

  The Colorado is a great looking truck, on the outside that is. I would trade the interior of my truck for an older model S-10 anyday. The seats and door panels are both very cheap in appearance. In fact, the only good thing about the interior is the leg room. Im 65 and I fit very well.

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  2005 Malibu LT - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Todd - August 31 - 4:59 pm

  Bought used. Great car havent had any problems. Pick up is great. Feels more powerful than 200hp. Brakes feel strong with no fade and are easy to modulate. Steering is nice with little effort needed for parking lot speeds and tightens nicely as you pick up MPH. Handling is okay for a sedan. There is some body roll on faster turns but the car feels solid and I havent heard any noises from the car that there shouldnt be. Needs better tires! Its not a sports car but it would handle better without any squealing if there was better rubber however, the tires are good for absorbing rougher roads. Suspension helps isolate really well and the seats are comfortable. I definitely recommend it.