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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  quality built truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mike - February 6 - 1:49 pm

  This is my second AV. my 2002 had 200k miles when I sold it and never went to dealer for anything. My 2007 LTZ 2 wd now has 130k and only been in once for a cam sensor ($150.00) and recall for battery drain issue. Like my 2002 its as tight as the day I bought it. no rattle,squeaks or flexing. I tow and haul often and does fine. I have the oil changed every 10-12k w/ synthetic oil and changed brakes at 104K and trans fluid at 100K. Thats all Ive done. I hear people talk about American cars and just dont understand where they are coming from. I think its just largely perception of poor quality.

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  2008 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4dr Crew Cab - 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Pete - February 5 - 4:40 pm

  The Z71 PKG is a must have. It gives the truck a better look and better visibility when on the highway. Ive put 22000 miles on the truck and was a little disappointed with the gas mileage until I put a Tonneau cover on the bed which increased the gas mileage to 20.4 mpg. Ive had no brake issues or any mechanical issues. Truck has popped into 4-wheel high twice when I was making a higher than normal speed sharp right turn into my driveway but, I cant say for certain that I didnt accidentally bump the 4H button. Anyone else ever have this happen? I wish the 3500 pound towing capacity was higher and the gas tank range was greater but, all in all I love the truck. OnStar renewal s/b less $.

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  Buying a used Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By crusinlou - February 4 - 7:12 pm

  Since I have not had this car that long I can only tell you that be aware that there is a shift from 1st to 3rd on the manual if you take off at low rpms this is to give you better gas mileage.

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  I Love it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Fertt - February 3 - 7:23 pm

  This car is great looking, safe and fuel efficient... What more can you say. It has great balance on the road and makes you safe as you drive.... Thank you for the best car from chevy

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  No spare - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Larry Carpenter - February 3 - 2:20 pm

  Great car, rides, handles well, luv the looks everyone stares at it. Small windows make it difficult to park, would be difficult to get out of if doors wont open after accident. Issues with lack of spare tire, offered as 150.00 option if ordered. standard tire inflate kit, what happens if you have a hole in the tire? Dealer doesnt sell spare tire kit. cant find one anywhere. Tire mfg.wont warranty tire if sealant used. Most tire dealers wont fix tire if sealant has been used. Dont like the door lock/unlock feature location.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dave - February 3 - 10:36 am

  This is my 2nd posting regarding the Trailblazer, the last being in March of 08. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. It now has 63,000 miles on it and has never needed anything other than oil and filter changes. It is quick, comfortable, and can carry a lot of cargo with the seats folded down. Go easy on the gas pedal and it will get 20-21 mpg on the highway.

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  Fav Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jack Daniels - February 3 - 9:19 am

  6 years old and still running and looking GREAT. I will probably keep this vehicle another 6 years. it has been an absolute pleasure to drive!!

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  Is it a Wagon, or SUV? - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chevyman - February 3 - 12:24 am

  Instant acceleration even with the automatic. SS seats are very comfortable, with an excellent Pioneer sound system!This year they moved the turbo gauge to the middle of the top of the dashboard which use to be a storage compartment for the Super Sport line. Very easy ingress and egress.

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  Love it - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By TCROTTS - February 2 - 8:44 am

  The traverse is the most comfortable more roomy and handles and drives great. I have mother in law that lives with us and 2 dog that go with us on vacations or wherever it has plenty room and very comfortable for them in the back, the only thing I have had issue with is the lift gate the button on the back will work sometimes and sometimes it want they told me to being it back it need to be synchronized. The only other thing is the gas mileage could be better but it better than any other of the vehicles and its as large inside than the larger suvs so I am happy I bought it.

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  Domestics=Reliable - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By bowtieproud - February 1 - 8:04 pm

  240,000 mi and counting no problems mechanically, or electronically. However, GM discontinued analog Onstar in 2004, which stinks!! but other than that this vehicle masters in reliability. Zero problems, and no stranded or unsatisfied drivers. My Tahoe proves that GM can meet if not beat foreign automakers in reliability, and i hope its seen more, and more people will buy GM, and mot Foreign. Despite SUV still looks, drives, and rides great. I have 1000% confidence that this Tahoe will no problem rolling over to 3 if not 500,000 miles. Domestics are as reliable as the Foreign automakers advertise, only Ive got the physical evidence to prove the above statement. I love this tahoe!!