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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  Satisfied - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kelira - December 2 - 3:50 pm

  This car is good for someone looking for a compact, fuel efficient, lower priced vehicle. It costs $29 @ $1.72 per gallon to fill my Buick Century and only $18.00 @ $2.02 per gallon to fill up my Aveo. I love that! Its a cute car. I love the metallic blue color also. The only thing Ive noticed is that it doesnt do well in windy conditions at speeds over 65 mph. The car is very unsteady at that time. I love my MP3 player also.

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  I told the dealer no way, but then I drove it - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Rick - December 2 - 2:45 am

  I am 52 years old and have owned BMW Audi Volkswagen Acura Toyota Nissan Honda Chevy Ford aad Jeep. The only American made vehicle that I was happy with were the several Jeeps that I have owned over the years. I barely even noticed these little cars on the highway let alone picture me driving one. My last vehicle was a 2004 Volvo XC70 that was a great vehicle for many years and always reliable. But as I got closer to 200,000 miles on it and started having to face some serious repairs I decided that I would rather be invested in a newer vehicle. I am an outdoors kind of guy so was looking for a 5 to 10 year old SUV or truck. I went to the dealer with that in mind but due to some credit issues Ive had I was informed that I could not get into that type of vehicle for what I wanted to pay. The sales guy then pointed me in the direction of the spark and said Ihe could get me into that. I shook my head and told him no way and walked away. He handed me the keys and said take it out for a drive. I was there so I figured what the heck. As I drove it for about 20 minutes it occurred to me that this vehicle was exactly what I need at this point in my life. So I went back and bought one. It came with a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty and the peace of mind that that gave me sealed the deal. I now I look forward to getting into my car every morning for my commute through Denver to where I work without wondering if today is the day that Im going to find myself stranded by the side of the road because my car broke down. That means a lot to me right now and I am glad I made the choice that I did. I got a great price with low monthly payments and I have great peace of mind. I actually look forward to driving places voluntarily. I have had it for a month and I absolutely love it. The CVT takes a little getting used to but once up to speed it performs very well and the fuel economy is unprecedented. Smalll hatch storage but it influences me to get back to my minimalist outdoor camping days because now I can no longer bring along the kitchen sink . I guess thats another bonus in a backwards way for me . Buy one. You wont regret it.

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  Nice to drive and own, Looks sharp! - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Red1 - December 2 - 1:04 am

  Easy to handle, eases in and out of traffic, great handling, looks sharp, comfortable for me, maybe not for larger individuals, sporty style....

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  Best American Buy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Roll - December 1 - 10:18 pm

  Looked for an American made car with a little European flair. Best overall Made in the USA car.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dbrown - December 1 - 4:49 pm

  This is a great sports car for the money. It is FUN and makes you smile all the way down the road!

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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By byerda - December 1 - 1:29 pm

  I bought the Z66 package and it rides great! smooth acceleration plenty of power and looks cool without the body hardware. Took it to the dealer to fix a suspension noise, they found it, fixed it, same day. Best riding vechicle I have ever owned.

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  A love/hate relationship - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By nhblmb - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over a month ago and it was the biggest mistake I made. The seats are so-o-o uncomfortable! The unadjustable lumbar is a killer. Im out of work now with a sprained back!

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  GREAT OVERALL CAR - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DCB2122 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car you can find for the price. The new ecotec engine is great, I love the power and fuel economy. The interior does need to be a little more comfortable. Softer seats. Move ac/heater controls highter, and stop the floor mats from sliding.

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  Better than old ford - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CA1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is outstanding. My job requires a lot of driving and this car is so much better than the Ford Van that I used to drive. I had an Eddie Bauer Ford and the standard/leather Tahoe is just perfect for me. So far so good.

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  WOULNT TRADE FOR ANY OTHER SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By PAM CRUISE - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I JUST LOVE MY Z71. IT WORKS GREAT IN THE SNOW AND ON WET ROADS. ANYONE WHO HAS RIDEN IN IT REMARKS ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR AND GREAT RIDE. I CAN TELL YOU MY NEXT SUV IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER Z71.MY LAST SUV WAS AN EXPLORER WHICH I LIKED BUT NOT AS MUCH AS THE Z71. I PUT APPROX. 25,000 MILES ON MY SUV A YEAR. I RODE IN THE HONDA PILOT AND DIDNT FIND THE RIDE THAT COMFORTABLE.