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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  Z71 is top notch! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By KAGs Z71 - June 14 - 8:38 pm

  I have always owned GM vehicles, but never a full-size SUV. GM and Chevy do not get the recognition that they deserve! This Tahoe is great in the snow and surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces. 16,000 miles and not a single complaint, and great service from the Chevy dealer. Sport Red with the factory brush guard gets the looks and comments from many. I just smile and say, "Yeah, it’s mine.”

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  Vacation cruiser - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Robert - June 14 - 6:41 pm

  I bought it from a private seller who had just spent about $3000 (mostly warranty work - locks, rear turn signals, minor engine, tires, etc.) Rear light (poor design) and one door lock failed again 6 months later ($400). The battery terminal was cleaned but still needs to be jiggled sometimes to start the car. Great visability, easy to park, doors open all the way in standard space! Absolutly wonderful in snow, rain and on the long haul.

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  Extras - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By Patricia Cambeis - June 14 - 10:25 am

  The power windows break constantly and the A/C is very poor in this van. The compressor had to be replaced at 36,000 miles and was not covered under the extended warranty.

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  The bomb - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Greg - June 14 - 7:11 am

  Since purchasing this vehicle a month ago and putting 2000 miles on it I can say that my wife and I both enjoy driving it. I would recomend anyone that is in the SUV market to consider the Tahoe.

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  So far so good - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By POENY - June 13 - 9:13 pm

  My 2005 TrailBlazer EXT LT has almost everything I could ask for. With 600 miles on it everything is tight and working as it should. Based on a less than perfect experience with my last vehicle (2002 Blazer) I hope the not to report back that things have fallen apart in a year or so. I really like the ride and handling. Cabin space is much better than the 4Runner I was looking at, amenities are more affordable (at least up front, resale value is another thing). I didnt get the sunroof, it gives me an extra inch of head room but getting it out meant I had to get the DVD player (not needed but my daughter loves it). All in all it is a VERY nice ride every day, I am impressed.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tom c - June 13 - 8:18 pm

  This Avalanche is by far the best vehicle I have ever had. The ride is not only quiet, but it rides like a car, and is the best looking truck/SUV by far. If youre looking for a great family truck, this is it. No problems at all

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jesse - June 13 - 7:10 pm

  This will be the fourth Suburban we have owned, and this one is the one I have been wanting. It is white with all the toys. It is a great riding vehicle and gives you the comfort and safety you need to enjoy driving on trips.

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  Chevy 2500 - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Alain - June 13 - 6:54 pm

  This truck drives like a Lamborghini - plenty of power and excellent handling, far better than the 1500 series. After one year and over 10,000 miles, the truck runs better than new and is free of mechanical problems. I love it!

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  Luv my Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chris Heidt - June 13 - 3:53 pm

  This is my first experence with a Chevrolet, and I couldnt be more pleased. The most pleasent riding and handling pickup I have owned, and the service I recieve from the dealer I bought it from so far has been outstanding. Buy American always.

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  I was going to sell, but now I cant - 1994 Chevrolet Caprice
  By carino - June 13 - 11:25 am

  After reading everyone elses reviews, I realized how lucky I am to have this car. I could use the extra cash and thought about selling, but now I see I would probably regret it later. I have the police package too, and anytime I would take it in for service, they would say, "Well you have police tires" or "Police brakes are more expensive". It just makes the car all that much more interesting. Very reliable car, and I look forward to keeping her for many more years to come.