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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  Almost there...but still just a Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By SlashDG91 - May 11 - 9:12 pm

  Ive used every inch of this vehicle and it can handle any type of cargo. One of the best options for self employed construction, plumbing, etc. Z66 impressed early but as time goes on it needs far too much dealer work. Comes with almost anything you could need for short, mid, or long drives. Comfortable seats both front and rear but leather is very cheap and wears quickly. Stereo is well below the quality that should be expected for the price of this vehicle. Eats oil like nothing Ive ever driven. Gas mileage is horrible...and I was prepared for bad mpg, but not single digit bad. Tires become worn easily for some reason. Any truck is as good and 10K+ less with fewer overall hassle

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  A versatile truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Avy Owner - May 11 - 3:48 pm

  Many have suggested replacing the removable glass with a rear power window that retracts into the midgate. I like the existing design. By lowering the midgate, while leaving the glass and tonneau in place, I get extra load space AND protection from the elements. I love the adjustablity of the drivers seat, especially the lumbar support. Its the most comfortable seat I own. Ive owned trucks with both the 5.7 and 5.3L engines. GM claims the 5.3 has more power and better economy. That has not been my experience. The 5.7 always felt like it had more grunt and got better mileage. This truck needs both. I average 14-15 mpg. On the whole, though, a great truck.

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  Well worth buying - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By 2004 Venture - May 11 - 1:30 am

  Overall, its well worth its money. That same day I went into the Toyota dealer and walked out and Im glad I did and right into the Chevy dealership. Good on fuel, handles well, lots of space and the kids loved the DVD player.

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  This Car Rocks - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By iglazzman - May 10 - 7:16 am

  Only problem has been air pressure with the tires. This car is the best of both worlds. FWD for the snow living in the northeast but a real sports car feel. One word, awesome.

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  Not so blazin - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ZR2broke - May 10 - 6:51 am

  I`ve owned my Blazer for two years,had nothing but problems the first year and a half. The following has been fixed or replaced, 2 universal joints, idler arm, 2 lower ball joints, alternator, no heat in the dead of winter, CD player, front speaker, pass.side recliner lever, ABS is junk, 4wd works when it wants to.

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  2013 LT 1500 crew - 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ndoutdoors - May 10 - 4:58 am

  I have owned over 60 vehicles in my life. This is my second new GM Truck, first was a 2005. I looked at toyota as i drove a tacoma before and loved it but needed bigger. Not impressed. Then Ford, nice truck, but in order to get a decent looking dash you were looking at 40K. I walked away with a 2013 for 31k. Sticker was 43K. Very happy so far. Best value in the segment.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tracy - May 10 - 2:30 am

  I love my Malibu. Its roomy. Great gas mileage. It has power. Great turn radius. Large trunk. Beautiful interior.

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  Great Deal - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joe P. - May 10 - 1:10 am

  Purchased the car just before Thanksgiving to replace the old one that was past its time (the rust finally got to it). Have no complaints or problems with the car. Been getting an average of 25 mpg in the city and on the longer drives right around 29, although Ill admit Im a a bit of a leadfoot. Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  It works well - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By yasth - May 9 - 11:23 pm

  Rather nice car really, there are some glaring if rarely dealt with design problems (the rear sunscreen system is scary, as are a few areas fingers rarely go. Lots of pickup all things considered, if you floor it you will find all the acceleration you need. The automatic isnt great at times, sometimes sticking to too low a gear. I get consistently better then the EPA gas mileage as long as A/C is off. Explaining how to work the back seats fold down/recline function is comical, but it is more that people dont expect such a "front seat" thing then anything wrong. Overall, I am happy so far, it rides, and handles well (though new tires are boon). On smooth roads it is shockingly quiet.

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  Sporty Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By wfujioka - May 9 - 7:04 pm

  I purchased the Sports Appearance package and this is the best car that I have bought so far, it has a lot of pep & go and is exceptional on the road. The steering is a little loose. I am currently getting 27-28 miles per gallon. Looking forward to the 2006 edition. That is when my wife will exchange her 2002 Monte Carlo for another Impala.