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 hauling vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By Erik - January 26 - 10:22 pm

  I have never had a problem with the vehicle besides the intake manifold gasket. The vehicle is very reliable.It always starts on the coldest days and passes emissions. Great vehicle for going 2 the hardware store with except the chore of removing the seats.

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  Love my Chevy truck - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By roxsann - January 26 - 5:36 pm

  I have ordered this truck twice. And I have had a great experience with it. I only drive Chevy trucks. THEYRE THE BEST! Im glad they will make them in 2005 because my lease is up soon and I plan on ordering another one.Need I say more?

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  The Beast - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By neiz15 - January 26 - 2:10 am

  Out of all my trucks that I have owned this has got to be the best built, best handling and most comfortable one yet. Chevy has shined on this one. Their isnt a foreign truck in the world that will compete with this American made machine. Tows like a dream...at times I forget there is a racing trailer behind me. Well done Chevy!

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  Safe Truck To Drive - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cynthia - January 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my 91 Suburban for four years now and I still love it! I come out to the parking lot and there is my black & blue monster truck - his name is Bruiser. He keeps me warm at night, he waits for me no matter how late I am, and he keeps me safe. No one is ever going to hurt me again in this big truck. And there is so much room - whether I am hauling kids or a washing machine. Long interstate drives are a pleasure, and I have slept in the back while camping. If you want a safe vehicle to carry your family in, I sugges

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  Safe Truck To Drive - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cynthia - January 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my 91 Suburban for four years now and I still love it! I come out to the parking lot and there is my black & blue monster truck - his name is Bruiser. He keeps me warm at night, he waits for me no matter how late I am, and he keeps me safe. No one is ever going to hurt me again in this big truck. And there is so much room - whether I am hauling kids or a washing machine. Long interstate drives are a pleasure, and I have slept in the back while camping. If you want a safe vehicle to carry your family in, I sugges

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  2005 review of Cavalier Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Reginald - January 25 - 6:10 pm

  Good for your money. Quite engine. More room than a coupe if you want the extra space. Nice ride. Will have cruise control installed on vehicle for long distance driving. Overall, a good price car for those who want to save on gas/economy.

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  A Solid Truck for a Good Price - 1990 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ALANR - January 25 - 5:11 pm

  This Blazer has served us well. We bought it with only 33,000 miles on it, and still love it. Its been extremely reliable, and build quality has held up well on the dirt roads that we live on. The 5.7 L 350 V8 is amazingly quiet, smooth, and powerful. For under 10,000, the Blazer is a relative value even in todays market. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. I wish that Chevrolet could bring these Blazers back.

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  Go and get this car! Now! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BaltOwner - January 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was a Cavalier Z24 owner before this car and this is, in my opinion, the best car that I have ever owned. Its fast, fun to drive, and it has a SuperCharger! I dont see any others on the road so that is a plus as well. I normally drive a lot and when I had the Cavalier, I was very fatigued when I got to my destination. Not in this car, I still am amped up when I get there and I just want to get back out and drive it. Only put in 91+ octane in the tank, anything less and you dont get the performance.

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  Function & Style plus Fuel Economy - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hitchwitt - January 24 - 2:36 pm

  I think Chevy surprised the market with the Maxx version of the Malibu -- it has more functionality than a wagon, yet European rear styling cues. Some have told me the back end looks as refined as a Saab! Low monthly payments and I get premium features like remote start, adjustable pedals, ABS, traction control, sunroof. And with gas prices high, I like the fuel economy I get compared to the SUV I traded in.

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  The Ultimate Utility Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By randal Shinn - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The avalanche is the most versatile, comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. It rides like a dream and has plenty of room for our large family. We have taken it on many trips and have enjoyed the combination of comfort and practicality in transporting and hauling camping equipment, etc...By far the most enjoyable vehicle we have ever owned. We have been a truck and SUV family for over 20 years and the avalanche is the perfect combination of truck and SUV.