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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  06 Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By scbays - October 12 - 9:23 am

  I love this car. Chevrolet did a great job on the upgrade from the 2005 models. Performance and styling compares equal to or better than any simularly classed sedan out there. This is the value sleeper of the class.

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  BEST CAR EVER MADE - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By GETLOW - October 12 - 2:00 am

  THE IMPALA SHOULD BE A ROLE MODEL TO ALL OTHER VEHICLES THAT CLAIM TO BE "MUSCLE" YET A FAMILY SEDAN.

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  What else? - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fraptician - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Loved it since it appeared in 94. Was only 14 at the time so when I became of age and started making a little money, what else? I LOVE MY IMPALA! Bought a 95 at a steal when I was 19 (though I wish it were the vette 96 edition) but still very pleased. Gets up and goes without hesitation! Was on I-20 headed east here in Atlanta near I- 285. Was doing 120 mph and it was still pulling!!! What elese?! It still turns heads almost 10 years after initial production, and thats without rims. People know an Impala when they see one. And if they dont... "Honey I seen the prettiest fastest car today. Had a deer or something on it. It sure was nice."

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  Dont get stuck like me - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TonyTBone - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I currently own a 2002 Blazer, 4-door, I feel just I should warn potential buyers to stray away from this vehicle. I bought a 2002 Blazer brand new and the resale value is so poor I cant get out of it even to gotoa lesser valued car. Chevy is unwilling to negotiate a better deal for a different vehicle leaving me just plain stuck! I hate this vehicle and wouldnt wish its ugly interior looks and poor exterior styling on anyone. Its too bad chevy wont deal because I would dump it for a new vehicle in a second. Buyers beware, and stay away from the Blazer!

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  My Love/Hate Relationship with my Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lovenhateit - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used in 2002 with 27,000 miles. I am so glad I opted for the extended warranty. The first thing to go were the brakes, of which I was warned. My A/C switch drives me insane (have had it replaced once already), my theft light randomly comes on when I start my car, my windshield wipers move at whatever speed they choose, and I now have a mysterious humming sound coming from the front right, which according to other reviews, seems to be the right front speed sensor/hub. I have also replaced the fuel pump. I however, havent had intake manifold or alternator problems..YET..What an insult to take my car in for service only to be told that it is common... shame on GM...

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  SSR Fun - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Z6603 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Interior is a bit stuffy, forget about adjusting the driver seat with the door closed. Cheap center console lid, will redo in walnut. Other than the above this thing is a blast. Normal driving (if you can) gets good results in miles per gallon. Love the exhaust note, I should charge chevrolet for advertising being I have to show people of all ages the vehicle whenever I stop. So for I am pleased with this vehicle. If you buy this vehicle when you are over 40 like me, get ready for the mid life jokes there are coming.

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  best car ive ever owned - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mag - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd cavalier Ive owned, and I love it. It has a smooth ride, accelerates quickly, and looks great. I have a yellow cavalier, and so many people ask me about my car. Its sporty and drives like a dream.

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  2004 trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By cah - October 12 - 2:00 am

  great styling, solid handling, good performance, overall a very good package at a very competitive price

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  Qalking - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By alan - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought my monte ss brand new in 06. Was very disappointed today when transmission went out at only 70,000 miles. Made me think I was driving a dodge. Thats 3000 dollars I wasnt ready to spend.

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  USA Pride - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank ODonnell - October 11 - 4:43 am

  Wonderful car, looks good, runs great, nice design and 100 K warranty, what else could a customer ask for? Strong points: Exterior design. Interior design. 3.5 engine Quiet ride. Weak points: Auto light switch. Cup holders. Wife loves OnStar !