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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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By T Treadwell - February 19 - 10:33 am

  The Suburban is a little hard to get use to at first, but when you do get use to it there is no other car that will compare.. Long rides on the highway produce no back pain or fatigue.. The gas costs you a little more but the safety and ride is worth the price of the gas.. also there is no complaints from the back as there is ample leg room as well as seat comfort.. Also no bumpy rides here..

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  Problems, Problems, Problems - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ECRISS - February 19 - 2:36 am

  I have loved everything about this car up until about a year after I bought it, Within the last four months I have had my tire sensors replaced numerous times. I have had my tires replace at no charge through the dealer, the steering shaft was replaced a month ago and today I had both front tie rods replaced! Something not of the norm at 24,000 miles. Poor, poor gas mileage! I was originally looking for an Acura, but wanted to stay American. Guess I made a wrong decision.

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  2005 Malibu Maxx LT hatchback - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Jim McAlpin - February 18 - 10:40 pm

  Very pleased with highway mpg -- 34.6 at 70 mph. City mpg about what I expected, 22.0 mpg. Tight body, doors, etc., means quiet ride. Remote start feature is a pro in summer heat, and will be helpful in the winter, also. Handling is good, very responsive to demands on the road -- passing, entering freeway traffic, braking.

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  Loving my Monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Silver Monte - February 18 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had my Carlo for a few months now. So far Im loving it, no problems with it. Recently got dual exhuast for it with bow tie tips looks nice. I would definetely buy this car again if Chevy brought it back. I would not give this car up for anything else. except for my moms 2008 Malibu LTZ.

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  Bad Bad Car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joshua - February 18 - 2:23 pm

  Ive had this car since new and everything has been replaced. Everything that other people have mentioned going wrong has also happened to me.... Have had the brakes replaced 10 times since new! Went through a whole set of tires in 8 only months because the front end is messed up and theres nothing the dealer can do unless I spend $1500. This car has dealt with quite a bit of abuse on my part but I would never get another one or recommend it to another person.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Harold Pittman - February 18 - 1:56 pm

  I love my Avalance. I didnt think Id like it at first, but it rides smoother than any other truck I know and having a weather-proof bed is great. Ive pulled trailers and boats across country with no problem and it hasnt failed me yet. I think it is the most practical truck available, mostly because of the water-proof bed. The four wheel drive works great too, Ive done some serious off- roading and havent been stuck in a place I couldnt get out of with a little work.

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  the exterior is terrible - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Tod bryant - February 18 - 2:00 am

  the front end of this truck is awful hard to clean yet not very appealing the ford is so much better. a different front bumper would help. cheap looking wheels typical for a chevy. The rugged looks seems to be missing the powerful durmax is way over priced and doesnt offer has much horse power or torgue as the ford or dodge. interior is yet maybe a little behind the time. the dash looks the same as it always has you chevy owners know what im talking about it to plain and some spice would help check the new f-150 or dodge. The price WOW! the ford is lower priced by thousands. the ford is stronger built more powerful and better looking.

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  Pretty but it loves the repair shop - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tom Baker - February 18 - 2:00 am

  50th annaversary edition. 1280 miles and its been in the shop five times. Relaced the ride control computer twice, left rear shock (part of ride control problem), air conditioner repairs twice and now the gas gage doesnt register past a half tank! What a piece.

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  I love my new car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By smooches - February 18 - 2:00 am

  It is very comfortable on long trips and is very suitable for a family. It has great asthetic value. All the parts and service have a good quality.

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  GRAN SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By OSO - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, high power, super confortable ride, no major problems in 25,000 miles, computer alert about oil change.