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:

• 

  Van for All uses - 2005 Chevrolet Express
  By AKJIM - May 30 - 1:02 am

  This is my second Chevrolet Express G3500 extended wheelbase 15 passenger Van. My first was a 2002 which now has over 62000 miles and both looks and runs like it is new. This 2005 has all the indications of being the same way, excellent throughout. Ive had equivalent Fords in the past and these Chev Vans are vastly better in handling and reliability. The 2005 has a 6.0 L engine which gets about 13% better fuel economy than the 5.7 on my 2002. Im getting 18-19 mpg at 55 mph on long highway trips with this 2005. Im very happy with it.

• 

  Van for All uses - 2002 Chevrolet Express
  By AKJIM - May 30 - 12:49 am

  Id previously owned 2 Ford 15 passenger vans and this was my first Chevy Express Van. Im NEVER going back to the Ford vans! This Express Van drives with much greater stability and handling honesty. It has been trouble free for 62,000 miles and is still going strong. I pull the seats and use it to haul plywood or put in a fouton for traveling. I even carry a motorcycle inside on occassion. Driving at 55 I get 17-18 mpg (5.7 L engine) on long trips. Highly Recommended! I just bought a 2005 for my business uses too.

• 

  My Venture Van is a Money Pit - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Thompson Family - May 29 - 12:39 pm

  From an appearance standpoint, I am pleased with my 2000 Venture, and enjoy driving it. As far as quality of the build, it blows me away how GM continues to flood the market with poor quality vehicles with embarrasing resale values. Among the mechanical problems Ive had in my first 3 years of owning it (between 45,000-90,000 on the odometer): -Expensive leaking manifold gasket/coolant problems at 50,000 miles -Expensive ABS brake issues -Expensive front end & ball joint replacement -Warrantied sliding door Issues -Int. and Ext. electrical constantly flickers because of a short somewhere. - Fuel gauge always pegged on Full until the low fuel light comes on (then it shows empty)

• 

  Maxed Out - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Alec - May 29 - 7:03 am

  I bought the LTZ Crew Cab Vortec Max with all options including Navigation, and all other associated goodies. Wife and I purchased it new in Nov of 07, and I cant throw enough accolades out there for this newly re-designed truck. It looks as good as it feels. Mine is black with custom chrome 18" rims. I love the gadgets, performance, and the look. Backup sensors, DIC, tilt mirrors when reversing, and the choices I can have to customize settings within the DIC.

• 

  G1500 Regency Conversion - 2002 Chevrolet Express
  By g wright - May 29 - 1:30 am

  We use our van for long trips and to haul grandkids and anyhting you might need a pickup for. It is the most versatile vehicle we have ever owned and the best Chevy product, we think. Roomy, comfortable and decent on the gas (18-23) on the road. Excellent reliability overall after few electrical problems ar first. Regency conversion elegant and perfect since day one. It runs and looks like new after 3 years and almost 60000 miles. Trying for 100000 before getting another one. Much better bargain than large SUV.

• 

  Chevy SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Susie - May 28 - 8:33 pm

  We love the car - Fun, sporty, great ride.

• 

  Above Average Car - 1990 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Masked - May 28 - 8:05 pm

  I have been impressed with the cars reliability, but it has nothing to offer that would make you love it.

• 

  love it hate it - 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Missy - May 28 - 7:37 pm

  Its a comfortably reliable SUV. The steering goes out. Chevy is aware but doesnt recall. And has a clause in warranty to not cover. But I love my SUV. Hate Chevy for not fixing a issue that there aware of. Safety concern.

• 

  Chevroloet Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By David - May 28 - 11:11 am

  I have had the instrument pannel replaced due to a malfuction or defect. The vehicle has been very good for my family and the overall performance has been outstanding.

• 

  Awesome Redesign - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By BigDaddy1973 - May 27 - 11:13 pm

  My decision to purchase the new redesigned Impala SS has been a welcomed one. It has an all new body style that I am sure will entice buyers to rethink going away from American sport/luxury. I am very pleased with its acceleration and handling as well. The interior has a rich feel and an impressive sound system, as well. Overall, I am excited at my new purchase of the 2006 Impala SS.