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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  #2 and Lovin It! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Laser - July 24 - 5:54 pm

  This is our second Suburban. We traded our 2001 for it. We have a family of 6 and it will make a great traveling companion. Many great improvments from the 2001 to the 2005. The brakes are much better than the 2001.

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  Not a bad little car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By getelimi - July 24 - 5:10 pm

  This is our 3rd Cavalier. After drivivng it for 3 years, so far so good. The only problem is the AC stopped working 800 miles past the warranty. The dealer covered the parts, but we paid for labor- wasnt happy about that. Drove it to Florida 1300 miles, and it was very noisy on concrete highways, and in one instance the car would not start until I jiggled the shifter. I liked our 86 the best, and drove it 109,000 miles with no repairs.

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  More bang for your buck - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Brent Young - July 24 - 1:53 pm

  My wife and I are, or were, hardcore SUV owners until we saw and drove the newly designed Malibu. The price tag was a big hit as well. I would have expected to pay much more money for all the luxury. The car is far superior in the quiet department as well, and rides as well as a larger wheel based auto. I am a big guy, and the car is suprisingly roomy. Our best mileage yet as been just over 27 mpg, but that was only on a two hour turn around trip. I believe the car will do better on the long haul. Simply put, the car has really exceeded my expectations.

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  somewhat stressed - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By 2010 Chevy Equinox - July 24 - 10:36 am

  At test drive the Chevy Equinox drove, handled great. After purchasing the 2010 Chevy Equinox, and driving it for a month, I started hearing this motor noise (which sounded like a lifter inside motor). Took into dealership we purchased our Equinox from, explained to the service attendant. Service writer wrote up a ticket for the problem. After checking out our Equinox, service attendant called and said our Equinox was ready. When asking the service attendant about the noise he told us that it was just what that engine does. We have taken our Equinox in 2 other times and noting can be done about it. Now the noise seems to be getting worse. Engine is really noisy.

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  1995 Lumina - a solid performer - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Andrew - July 24 - 2:06 am

  I acquired this car from the original buyer 4 years ago at 82,000 miles. It is an exceptionally roomy and comfortable car for the price, and has run well. Brakes only last about 40,000 mi. This year at 130,000 miles, it needed a major tuneup, spark plug replacement, and intake manifold gasket replacement. About half my miles are cross country, and it has been totally reliable.

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  So many problems - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Red - July 22 - 7:33 pm

  My Trailblazer is probably the best driving car/truck I ever owned, but what a lemon. It has been back to the dealer six times. A/C went bad. Anti Lock braking went bad, Has a new gas tank because they couldnt get the check engine light. Recall on the rear lamps. Returned again for check engine light, this time they replaced a "computer chip". Just had the fan clutch replaced at a price of $590. It currently has 46,000 miles on it.

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  King size Cadillac - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Ryan - July 22 - 5:26 pm

  I was almost convinced to buy into the 4 door Tundra until I opted to go with bow tie muscle. This is my first Silverado and I will never drive another brand again. Im stuck with GM for life now. This truck has it all. More power than the others and a lot of nice ammenities come with the LT package. Still working up the miles on her. No problems at all. All I receive is compliments on my truck and the Silverado wave from other Silverado drivers. You must drive one to appreciate it. You dont gain much from a quick test drive. Find a friend or family member with one and take it for a spin. You will be sold on Silverado.

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  99 Tahoe - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jack Wilson - July 22 - 4:29 pm

  Very comfortable SUV, excellent visability, easy to drive with no rattles, and lots of space for storage. Routine maintenance at dealership, new set of Michelin tires ( P 235-75R-15-105 S ORW ) at 34,000 miles.

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  Love this van! - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By jackie-pooh - July 22 - 3:57 pm

  This is the first mini-van and the first Chevrolet of any kind that Ive owned, and it is the most reliable used vehicle Ive owned. Its very comfortable to drive, flexible to configure (remove seats, etc.) and handles great in snow and any bad weather. The traction control and ABS braking are a super combo. Its also very fun to drive.

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  best truck anyone could own - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By nicke123 - July 22 - 10:35 am

  I have driven many truck ford dodge and Nissan but this truck is always going to be number one in my book all my other trucks kept breaking down after one haul of hay or one pull of my horse trailer it just quit on me I put more in my other trucks then this one ford and dodge dont run very well Im just saying that my point of view this is the best truck ever and when I go mudding in this truck it doesnt struggle like my old ones did.