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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  My Baby!!! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hoffy1209 - March 11 - 3:18 am

  I bought her almost 5 years ago and she has been nothing but a blessing. I purchased my Camaro, after having a mechanic look at it, just to be sure, with 43,000 miles on the odometer. I changed the tires recently after my purchase, and bought a new battery. My Camaro is a Florida car so it had no rust underneath. My only major replacement on this car was a wheel sensor mod that went bad after 51,000 miles. I have no other problems to list, minor or major. I have really enjoyed my Camaro. It is by far one of the best cars ever built. It was genius that GM finally decided to put the 3.8 engines in the Camaro, which was in 96. The 3800 series engine is GMs best engine ever built.

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  95 Lumina - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Happy Driver - March 10 - 6:21 pm

  We bought this car in 97 with 40,000 miles on it. It now has 150,000 miles, mostly highway, but we live on a dirt road and it has seen some rough trips! I love this car - it has been very reliable and the interior is so roomy. Two car seats and kids stuff in the back is no problem, Ive squeezed three in the back, but wouldnt want to do it very often. Only problem weve had (and it cost a lot!) is at 98,000 miles the transmission went out. Mechanic said its very common on the Lumina and Grand Prix.

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  Great tow and work vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By T - March 9 - 5:50 pm

  The Tracker is easy to park and gets very good gas mileage. We tow it behind our motorhome and it is very easy to hook up. The shift on the fly 4WD is great. I drive this vehicle to work on the interstate and in town and it handles well in all situations. If youre looking for a dependable tow vehicle or work vehicle this one will do the job.

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  Incredible - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By sae185628 - March 9 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a the 4wd work truck with the upgraded chrome package and seats. It also had the chrome 20 inch Chevy bowtie rims. Absolutely beautiful truck. This is when they came out with the split grille that is much better looking than the 2003-2005 models. Very pleased with this truck. The only reason I got rid of it was because of a round trip commute to work of 60 miles. Gas was going up and I had to do something. I really regret getting rid of it.

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  Bigger and Better - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tracy Scott - March 9 - 4:05 pm

  I traded in a Tahoe, so I am more than familiar with the Chevy line. I have 5 children, so this type of car is a must for me. I love the vehicle and the ride is smooth and quiet, and powerful, even with the "smaller" engine. I am pleased with the vehicle and plan to keep it for at least 2-3 years. Taking our first long trip in it this weekend. It can be difficult to park due to its size, even for experienced SUV drivers like me.

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  So far so good - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailBlazer - March 9 - 5:26 am

  Only 900 miles so far, mostly city, and driving, comfort, sense of security and somewhat fresh styling are all making me glad I bought it. Vehicle is a big hit with family and friends, partly due to plush LTZ features. But the truck has a nice sturdy feel. While I give a slight edge to Envoys exterior, I went for "it is what it is" simplicity of the Chevy interior vs. the Envoy "wanna be luxury" styling. Flexible dealer, great price made this a value not to walkaway from.

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  I love my car but... - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sarahlynn - March 9 - 5:03 am

  I love this car! It is a lot of fun to drive, there is plenty of storage space, my friends love the backseat legroom, and the shelving system in the back is awesome!

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  My 2005 AVEO is GREAT! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By John Hunter - March 8 - 9:26 pm

  Very well built auto in all aspects of a compact fuel saver transportation and just plain fun to drive car! I use the car for comuting to and from work on city streets and highway. Interior comfort is more than I expected for the price. The prime reason for this purchase is fuel efficency and thats what I got!

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  02 Triple Black - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Steveo242 - March 8 - 6:38 pm

  Phenomenal ride. I have also dreamed of a Vette all my life alone with the posters in the forums. It definitely lives up to the hype. For a little more dough than a Trans Am or Mustang, it is so much better.

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  Beats all others - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Kinsey - March 8 - 4:26 pm

  Weve had a Town & Country and a Quest that cost much more than our new Uplander. The Uplander handles like a dream, wonderful acceleration & braking and the interior looks like a luxury vehicle. We could not be happier with our Uplander. It looks like an SUV but drives like a Cadillac.