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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  nothing - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jessie - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is soo pretty and cofertable.It is fast.

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  Second one is the charm - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Chuck Bachorski - July 14 - 12:59 am

  This is my second Avalanche. The 2002 model had many flaws. On my new vehicle, I ditched the cladding. This gives the truck a cleaner appearance and will prevent the cladding from coming loose. The ride on this vehicle is smoother, the braking is better and the fit/finish is tighter than the 2002 model. Fuel economy is approximately 16 mpg overall. I get 19+ MPG on the highway, which is pretty good for a vehicle of this size.

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  vrooom - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By vrooom - July 13 - 8:18 pm

  Well worth the two month wait. Did not expect the head turning reactions. Ive alwys been a European car driver, but love this car and it holds its own against them. A very fun car to drive.

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  Best Car I Have Owned! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Erick - July 13 - 5:47 pm

  I have owned this car now for almost 4 months and 4,500 miles, and I cant stop driving it. My Lexus is collecting dust. If youre looking for a fast, sporty car, this is the one for you!

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  4WD but only have 2WD - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bill Heard - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Engineers still working on this one. At about 350 miles service 4wd light comes on although truck had never been placed in 4WD. Two trip to service dept service tech gives us GM document #1243149 dated 2/14/03, that says there is no permanent fix for this problem at this time, however if you dont use the 4WD you can just unhook it. Bought truck about one month after document. Assure me it will be fixed just dont know when. Very disappointed with lack of help from dealership and Chevrolet.

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  Jet Black - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Early - July 13 - 1:20 am

  So far everything has been great..the fuel economy isnt that bad, its a very confortable ride, and the air conditioner will freeze you out. Great sound system, and OnStar is an asset

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  Still a great truck - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bullwinkle - July 13 - 12:12 am

  I bought used with 114,000 miles. Only major repair was the transmission replaced at no cost (previous owner had replaced it shortly before.) I drive it about 12,000 miles/year and its very cheap to drive. I fix a few things on it each year, but its much cheaper than my other cars (used Hondas which I finally gave up on.) Gas mileage is about 14 mpg which is great considering its mostly around town. Still get 17-18 mpg on long trips, even with 199,000 miles on it, and it runs great. Im 65" tall and can stretch my legs fully out while driving. Its like driving my couch. Finally with a 43 gallon tank, the range is incredible. My best is 720 miles on one tank (Jacksonville, FL to northern VA)

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  Getting ready to say goodbye... - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Becky - July 12 - 10:31 pm

  Ive had my Malibu for a few years and it is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye. However, my extended warranty is now up and that cant be good! I have 93,000 miles on it and it is overall in good shape minus a few dings. I like the car, but not the problems, especially the brakes! I have had them replaced twice (including rotors) in the 4 years Ive had it, plus the alternator, water pump and various belts. Im sticking with Chevrolet and hoping Ill have less headaches with my new purchase.

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  Love my Impala LT - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Diann - July 12 - 1:36 pm

  I went from a Chevy Tahoe to the Impala LT2. I simply love the way it drives, the gas mileage and sporty look. The trunk has so much room for this size car.

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  Versatile, Reliable, Predictable - 2000 Chevrolet Astro
  By rosco - July 12 - 12:48 pm

  I purchased it used with 50,000 km and have added 60,000 km in last two years. It replaced a 1988 with 325,000 km. Great highway vehicle comfortable, quiet, great visibility, reasonably economical at highway speeds. Great capacity. Easily accommodates up to 8 passengers with full load or a very comfortable vehicle for 6, with all gear + 2 canoes on top. Great clearance in deep snow. With 4 winter tires, this van will navigate 8 inches or more of snow, and is my preferred vehicle for winter driving compared to my car. Its also great in summer for comfortable drives and trips. Downside - the intrusive wheel wells in the passenger compartment. Otherwise, conservative styling, simple clean lines. It looks great.