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 Experience - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Howard - February 2 - 7:06 pm

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable (I am 64"). Plenty of head and leg room, even I can fit in the backseat without sitting sideways. Very smooth ride, the car drives itself. Radio is confusing but the sound is great. Rear view is a negative. Its like a looking through a tunnel. For safety I put in a "Lane Changer" Mirror (cost 8 bucks). I have to get use to a smaller gas tank. (Use to 22 gal vs the 16 gal). Engine responds very smoothly but you have to watch your speed when you going 60 it feels like 30. Gas pedal is very touchy. The low end model does not come with a cargo net (cost $104) bought a generic one for $6 and does just as well. Limited cargo space.

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  LT: Great Value - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ejcamc - February 2 - 12:34 pm

  Had LT since Oct 04. My main concern in choosing the LT over Camry and Accord was quality. So far, my concerns were unwarranted. You get a lot more for less money than you do with Camry or Accord. Especially like ABS brakes included. Like the ability to fold front and back seats. Gas mileage is 30+ on highway. I like the styling of the car and the brushed leather seats add a nice touch of elegance.

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  Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ems - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. My wife has driven to Boston a few times and she loves the way it handles and the power. She said she feels very safe an secure in it. Gas mileage is a little questionable.

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  2005 Silverado 2500HD Crew 4x4 Diesel - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By R. Carey - February 1 - 11:06 am

  No complaints with this truck. This is my second 2500 HD Diesel in two years. My 04 I got all of my money back on trade for the 05. You cant beat the interior space,comfort and ride. I tow a 30 travel trailer weighing approx. 9500 lbs. loaded with ease.

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By timothytheroux - February 1 - 10:54 am

  I wanted a cheap commuter car that was good on gas, cheap to run, and that I would not feel guilty about racking up excessive mileage. I have to say that I have been very pleased with this vehicle, especially when I factor in what I paid for it. Including the rebates and incentives, I got my car out the door for less than $10K w/taxes and fees! For this money, I got a good looking, decent performing vehicle that is maintenace free until 100k miles. I have been very satisfied with the engine and transmissions performance, as they are the same used in the new Cobalt. The interior looks respectable, and is comfortable for an average size person.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Maddog - February 1 - 10:41 am

  Im in the military and do alot of traveling. Ive found the Trailblazer to be a very reliable and fun to drive vehicle.The quick acceleration from the Chevy Vortec allows me to move in and out of traffic with ease.

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  Lots of show with a little go - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ren Jonsin - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I found this car while looking for a Mustang. I probably should have kept looking because the performance, although good for a V6, just isnt what I really was looking for. Its not a bad car at all though, well appointed, plenty of room and quite reliable to date. Looks great from the back and side and since the popularity of coupes is waning, you dont see many of them on the street. The MC handles competently and pulls through corners well, although it certainly wouldnt be at home on an autocross course. If youre looking for a sporty looking car that wont set you back a ton of money with reasonable insurance rates, you couldnt do much better.

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  Surprisingly good car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By olted - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im pleased with the car. I was amazed at how tight and quiet it is. I bought it for town driving but find it more than adequate for highway. Very peppy on the interstate! Good build quality.

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  Examine it closely before signing - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Craigster45 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Dealer never checked the car. Took delivery in the rain (delear made sure of that)drove home, all 4 rotors warped. They wouldnt replace even though brand new. The Area Rep would only cut them. Went back, waited 4 hours. Sun came out, 2 pass. doors didnt get enough paint, you could see sheet metal. Chips in window.

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  Love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lois - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I started researching vehicles about 6 months ago. I thought I had my heart set on a Pontiac Vibe until I drove it. I was driving a 1990 Toyota Cressida (now my daughters car) and the Vibe was a step down from that ride, noise, features & comfort wise. Also test drove Honda CRV, Toyota Rav and the new Dodge Magnum. The Malibu Maxx was on my list but didnt think it would be a keeper until I drove it. Went on vacation to Colorado the first week I had it, did great on gas even in the mountains and using the A/C, kids loved the DVD player and made the trip more pleasant, husband has even approved of my purchase.