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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  Incredible! Is it really a Chevy? - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By adhurdler - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I went and test drove a FWD LT on Saturday and took it home that evening in Salsa Red(second choice; glad I purchased over Silver; traded in Pontiac Vibe). Wasnt going to buy a new car that day, but couldnt leave without one. Dealer made an offer I couldnt refuse. Let a relative drive and they want one as well(trade in PT Cruiser). Incredible ride quality and handling for a Chevy Truck. Purchase due to need for extra space in back seat and it has plenty of room and then some. It is very quiet, has plenty of power, and it nicely equipped. Take one for a drive and you will take it home!

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  Chevy Saddness - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Pmont - March 22 - 10:00 am

  While vehicle was still in warranty I noticed that the vehicle was using oil when cranking. Dealer oil consumption tests showed the engine was using 1 to 2 quarts of oil for every 3 to 4k miles driven. Chevrolet said usage of up to 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles is within spec. They are essentially saying use of three to four quarts of oil between my normal changes is within spec. Chevrolet was not interested in any goodwill deal to repair the deficiency. After purchasing many GM vehicles over the years, I must say I am extremely dissappointed in Chevrolets lack of customer service and desire to back up their products. Thats my last Chevy.

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  2004 Silverado - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David Hernandez - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Unlike any other truck on the market, I find that the Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab combines the interior space and comfort of a full size, 4- door SUV with a full-length extremely practical pickup bed. Big, roomy fun to drive, good sounds (music)....very comfortable and a go getter on the highway. I find that it gives me a very good response with a minimal amount of effort. It just goes. Great Truck.

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  2.4L SS is best - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff804 - March 21 - 11:36 pm

  This is a acceptable car. My Jeep Cherokee (inline 6 cly) was only getting 14 mpg. I needed better mpg. for my 50 mile daily commute. Right now I am avg. 28mpg. and expect that to go up as engine is broken in. This car has some pep but nothing as exciting as Mitsubishi or Acura. Performance is good. Comfort is good for 100 miles but, I would not want to take a 500 mile trip in this car. Fun- to-Drive, the manual transmission was a lot more fun to drive than the automatic. It just felt like it had more "omph" in the manual trans. car. The SS supension is a lot of fun on winding turns but, big pot holes are definitely felt. Lt version suspension was much better for "in town" daily driving.

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  Reliable car. Good 1st car. - 1992 Chevrolet Corsica
  By WVE - March 21 - 11:01 pm

  This was my 1st car, I bought it in 2003 with 119,000 miles and owned it for 2 years. Never had any serious problems. Had some leaks. Fixed the fuel pump and thermostat and a battery, also had to get new breaks all of which werent too expensive. The car was always reliable and started even in the coldest weather. The 3.1 V6 provides enough HP for passing and what not. Could still drive the car over 100mph with no problem when I sold it. I also thought the sound system was pretty nice, until the speakers started to go a few months before I sold it.

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  Astro Van - 2005 Chevrolet Astro
  By b veitch - March 21 - 10:22 pm

  I own and show dogs. The Astro van is perfect size for transporting dogs and crates. Crates are easily stacked for the smaller breeds. I have had no problems with this van.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By deminin - March 21 - 5:36 am

  We have had our 06 LTZ for about 3 months now, and it has been flawless. The more we drive this car, the better we like it. The build quality is excellent, the ride is firm, but not harsh, gas mileage is acceptable, and improving. The Bose radio is outstanding, and the car is very quiet, even at highway speeds. I would have to call this car an outstanding value for the money in todays car market.

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  Blazers Stink - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bill Jenkins - March 20 - 7:24 pm

  The Chevy Blazer really, really stinks. It is suppost to be a strong built, heavy duty SUV. I am here to tell you that it is NO such thing! In the year & a half that I have owned my Chevy Blazer the front end has virtually fallen apart. This is not a well built SUV in my opinion. I will not recommend the Purchase of any Chevy Product to anyone. As they would be upset shortly after purchase.

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  2006 Chevy Silverado 4WD WT 4.8L - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Oakhiller - March 20 - 2:16 pm

  Great truck! I have owned many Chevy trucks and this is the best one so far! I definitely prefer the V8. Better gas mileage and power than the 4.3L V6. Fit and build flawless. Sure footed in ice and snow.

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  My Vette - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Thought - March 20 - 2:10 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! Its quiet in the cabin, huge trunk space, all seats are comfortable. Driven in all 4 seasons (heavy snowstorms too!) with no problems. Its simply the best car for the price for me. Ive installed Stage 2 and now the car is the king of the road and still better gas mileage than advertised for the 2.2! I love it, please dont buy one so that Im the only one with one!