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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  nice ride - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By steve - February 17 - 8:59 pm

  love the car great in snow... would buy again

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  Couldnt Get BETTER! - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SkiGuy1982 - February 17 - 7:33 pm

  Traded a 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this 99 Tahoe. WOW! Had 28k on it when I got it, and now has 145k. In that time, Tires (once) Front Pads (Once) Intake Gaskets (at 100k, Anyone surprised) battery (this winter) and thats it. I run it hard - Heavy trailers, High speed long distance cruises (80+) and its never been a problem. Just replaced a headlamp. I have NO complaints at all. She just runs. The mileage has been incredible to almost unbelievable. 20mpg cruising at 75. It really sucks it up in town at 7mpg though... Locking Differential and manual transfer case are really nice.

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  My TB has served me well - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lancer66 - February 17 - 2:55 pm

  This was actually my second Trailblazer. The first one was good so I bought another one. I have driven this vehicle across country many times and in some pretty bad weather conditions. It has always performed flawlessly. I havent experienced the issues that others have (I have read the reviews here). Mine has 56000 miles.. never had to have any warranty work done. I have replaced the rear brakes but the front ones are still okay. I put a new set of tires on it this past year. I find it comfortable to drive long distance. Fit, finish, paint, etc.. are good and vehicle still looks like new. No squeeks or rattles.. still like new.

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  Really Safe and Tough - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CP - February 16 - 6:48 pm

  I love this car for driving long distances and stuck in So. Cal. traffic. Excellent safety! Trust it riding with your family. Ran into a large deer, totaled my front end, but not a scratch or bump on me. Reliable Chevy, like always, it starts in frigid temperatures. Wouldnt trade it for any gas-saving toy car any day.

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  What more could you ask? - 2010 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dad - February 16 - 11:49 am

  Owned all 6 generations and they only get better, still have 3 of them. Gas mileage, ride fun, and without worry is a daily event. Build quality for the C6 as well as the C5 is great. Hope to live long enough to drive the C7. Just a tad bit on the side of bling in the electronics.

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  Going for 200K - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Brian - February 16 - 8:03 am

  At the time this was one of the largest single largest investments our family had made. 10 years later, well worth it. We just hit 170K and just had our first major repair - oil seals were leaking. We have done nothing to this truck except the usual - tires, batteries, brakes and oil/fluids. If you take care of these trucks they definitely take care of you.

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  Love My S10!! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Christina - February 15 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my S10 used with about 94K. I have had it for two years and drove it to work 5 days a week. No major repairs, just standard things like brakes and front ball joints. I am really satisfied with it and have gotten many compliments. The 4.3L V6 is very powerful and the 4x4 is great in the snow.

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  Wonderful Car! - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Louisiana Lady - February 15 - 7:26 pm

  The 1999 Chevy Lumina is the best car ever. I have only had to provide basic maintenance and it still runs like new! My Lumina has 177,00 miles on it and Im hoping to get another 100,000 out of it! Its still extremely comfortable and handled VERY well after hitting a deer doing 50mph! It never swerved or tried to leave the road. The damage was under $2000.00. It took the impact very well. I only wish theyd start making the Lumina again...Id surely buy another one! Way to go Chevy!

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  2003 S-10 still going strong - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Chevy Proud - February 14 - 4:39 pm

  Purchased new in03 the only trouble has been a battery replacement and a few exterior lamps. Still has original tires with 48000 miles. Good preventive maintenance is the key. The V6 4.3l engine is a bit rough on the wallet with gas prices as they are, but, all in all this truck can get out of its own way when it has to.

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  Great Car - 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
  By George - February 14 - 4:28 pm

  I bought this car with 70k miles and it now has 125k. I am just now getting rid of it because the fuel lines have rusted and it wont pass emissions. It still runs great. It starts immediately on the coldest days. Fuel economy typically 25 mpg. Only problem I ever had with it was to replace an alternator. Had a check engine light on for several years, but until now I could turn it off long enough to get it through emissions. One minor thing I like about this car is its very comfortable to drive, the arm rest by the driver is at a perfect position. Im strongly tempted to fix it and keep it even though itd cost more than the cars worth.