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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  Gregs yellow SSR - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Greg Gilmer - July 5 - 1:35 pm

  The only item I would improve is the paint quality. My SSR has a lot of orange peel look. To me, a vehicle of this price range and style should have a very high quality and showcar finish.

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  Great mini van - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By holly - July 5 - 12:56 pm

  I had back surgery and purchaced this vehicle because I do not have to bend to get in or out, strap my 4 yr old in, or to get out the groceries. I really like the style and all the features that come with it. I would recommed this van to any one with children or health issues.

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  Fuel pump failure - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Noillinator - July 5 - 12:07 pm

  I have 60,000 miles on this truck and the fuel pump failed. The service center said they see this a lot and that you have to keep 1/4 tank of gas to keep the pump cool. That is nonsense if you ask me. I am glad I wasnt driving this vehicle when the pump went out. That could have been bad. This was a potential death trap. The interior isnt as nice as my 1996. They really cheapened the seat. The rear radio contriol cant take abuse. I had to replace this when I bought it. I used to be a supplier to GM and cant believe the abuse they gave me regarding my parts. I guess the best I can do is head a warning to GM that this is my last GM car.

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  the best fuel ecomony car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By coolteen92486 - July 5 - 3:54 am

  I think this car is a good little car. I have no problems with the car. In town I get 25 - 27 mpg and on the highway I get 34 miles to a gallon. The gas tank takes 25 dollars to fill it from empty when gas price is $2.15 a gallon.

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  Great all-around! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By JGalla8384 - July 4 - 5:06 pm

  I went from a BMW 325i to a Chevrolet Avalanche, but I have truly enjoyed this vehicle. Fuel prices are up, but its worth the extra fuel costs. Lots of features, drives beautifully, a pleasure to drive short or long distances. Its like having a luxury SUV,with all the room and comfort and features, but also a truck for power and performance and hauling stuff around. I recommend this vehicle whole- heartedly.

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  First Class - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill in Sumerduck - July 4 - 5:00 pm

  Chevy makes a first class sedan. Powerful, excellent handling, luxurious interior and European exterior. Ive been getting 25.5 miles per gallon using as a commuting car in heavy traffic. Really a smart looking car. I like the 18" wheels, twin exhausts, LED lights, etc. Very comfortable and the most quiet car I have ever owned.

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  4th Blazer & lovin It - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Kells - July 4 - 4:04 pm

  This is my 4th Blazer and I love it. Capable, comfortable, and has plenty of power for the size.

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  6 speed convertible rocks - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Top Down - July 4 - 1:29 pm

  The performance and ride quality of this car is impressive. More interior refinement would be nice. With the top down this car is hard to beat. Docile and easy to relax in, but ready to pounce with a push of the pedal. The Z51 option does not make the ride too harsh, but this is a sports car, not a limo. Only complaint is break squeal, a common problem with the Z51 cross drilled rotors. Cant be beat for the money - and resale will be high.

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  The Fast and the Luxurious - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By christophero1973 - July 4 - 5:50 am

  A very good balance of performance and luxury. Unfortunately my catalytic converter clogged, shot-up my EGR pipe and melted my intake manifold. Completly covered by the warrenty. Otherwise, very, very reliable. And the aftermarket is making some very affordable, as well as reliable go-fast goodies(!) for this 3800 engine.

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  496 rocks - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By krazy - July 3 - 10:34 pm

  The real thing. A Chevy big block with even more cubes than its ancestors. Needed more than a standard cab truck for new family addition, and couldnt stand the idea of not having an 8 bed for occasional use. This fits the bill just right. A very versatile truck with all the comfort and power of an old full size vehicle. We found the midgate to be a breeze to operate. A real cool truck on a nice day with the midgate down, 4 windows and sunroof open. Will add a performance program, synthetic oil, and performance air filter to wake up the 8.1. 12 to 13 mpg on a variety of driving. The 7 month pregnant wife loves it too.