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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  Suburban Review - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By S. Hottle - January 5 - 10:34 pm

  This is the 2nd Suburban that I have owned. I have also owned Chevy Tahoes (which are great vehicles also.) I like the cargo room that the Suburban offers. I have kids and dogs, so the Suburban allows us to travel very comfortably on trips towing a travel trailer. My commute to work is only about 5 miles, so fuel economy is not high on my priority list.

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  So far, so good! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ERUSS44 - January 5 - 9:01 pm

  I really enjoy this vehicle...The fuel economy hopefully will rise a little as I break her in..I also hope that I am one of the winners of the "Build- quality lottery" that happens across the automotive assembly industry spectrum,r egardless of the manufacturer or brand name. I cant wait for some lake-effect snow to go out cruising in my new Trailblazer!

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  Best of All - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By canted3 - January 5 - 7:40 pm

  The Z-71 sub is the best suv we have ever owned, could not think of owning any other brand. Service from the dealer is also outstanding.

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  Love my Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Marilyn - January 5 - 5:17 pm

  It holds my family and all the musical equipment very comfortably. With a double base and an electric guitar player, we need all the room we can get. I love driving the Suburban and parking has not been a problem in any way. The comfort and control I have with this vehicle is remarkable.

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  Love the Venture - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By Shar - January 5 - 2:15 pm

  This is my familys second Venture. I love this van. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It has great features on it and it drives like a car. It drives well in the snow and rain. I have recommended this van to several people and I know that at least two of these people have bought one, and love it! The only thing that bugs me is that Chevy is replacing the Venture with the Uplander. I wish this vehicle was a comfortable and as drivable as the Venture. It is not! It seems to me if this is the vehicle that Chevy is using to replace the Venture, it should have been just as good or better then the Venture. I test drove this vehicle and although I loved its look, nothing else impressed me.

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  Second Venture Van - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Rich Larsen - January 5 - 2:14 pm

  This is my second Venture van. The first was totalled when it was rear ended at 50-60 MPH while I was stopped waiting for a traffic light. There was no choice for a replacement van except for the color-the dealer had about 90 Ventures in stock. I have toured the country with my first van. It had 77,000 miles on it when totalled and my present van has 38,000 trouble free miles. I dont understand the poor rating and comments you gave it. What are "coarse engine characteristics?"

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  Only a Vette - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sean.c - January 5 - 1:30 pm

  98 Vette Ragtop with the six speed. Unbeatable performance-to-dollar ratio. Bought it with 17k miles on it the Delco 12 CD-changer never has worked, the steering column lock failed first at 18,000 miles and then again six months later. Both times got no help from GM (dealer and corporate), $500 per repair out of my pocket. Finally found a company out of Texas that sold an aftermarket bypass and had the local Vette shop install it. Problem solved. The performance and status outweigh the GM quirks. After my experience with GM customer service I would NEVER again purchase a GM product...except, of course, another Vette. Go for the extended warranty next time, Ill need it!

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  Great Truck, Best for the money!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Hoosier Shaun - January 5 - 4:26 am

  4.8 V8 is tough, just as good as the 5.3 minus the extra torque. I test drove the V6 and found it to be poor. Wish I had a back cab at times, but the tonneau cover does fine when i strap things in. Bought this truck used with 20K on it. Havent done much to it except air and oil filters/oil. The previous owner installed performance exhaust which roars and gives extra HP. I put on 17" 2007 avalanche wheels and 265 70 R A/T tires. Put on rear air lift suspension (airbags) and have been hauling anything from dirt, rock, stone, furniture, appliances, and tow a 5250lb boat/trailer. Its a half ton but with the bags i can easily load 1750 as i have scaled it at landscape vehicle scale.

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  Why did I buy this car? - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Elaine - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  When I bought my Trailblazer I was excited because I had a new SUV. But that feeling was short lived. After 3.5 years driving this car I am tired of the wind noise, the rough ride, the body roll, the seat belts, and the poorly designed seats. I have also had a number of mechanical problems with my SUV and at least 7 recalls. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants good gas mileage or a comfortable ride. It does have alot of cargo capasity which has come in handy with large loads. It can also easily haul a horse trailer.

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  Big Boy - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Big Dredd - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  I have always wanted a truck and I got my chance after my brother bought my Honda. I am about 60 230lbs so I needed something with some space. Picked up a fully loaded Z71 and havent looked back since. Smooth and powerful engine but mouse quiet interior. 2nd row buckets make inside look like a living room and my kids love having their own seats. Bose/Navi system are great and add a sweet touch while the Rear DVD keeps kids busy. The DVD also has input/output ports for my game systems! Very easy to drive and handles like a car but doesnt sip gas like one. BEWARE! GAS GODZILLA! I fill up every 10 or so days. I also live in the city but wow. Gonna trade up in 2007 if GM develops a Hybrid!