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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  S-10 Crew Cab Great - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By Rock34 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for the price. It is sporty and comfortable. It handles well with great options.

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  luv my truck - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By artillaryseargent - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun w/ my Colorado. I take offroading pretty much every weekend. I have had a couple of problems w/ it, like some electrical issues with the ignition and starter, but that is to be expected with a new style vehicle. I am confident that Chevy will work the bugs out of it, and it will be one of the best Mid-sized trucks on the market. The biggest issue that I have is the lack of accessories available for it. I want a lift-kit, so the thing can have a little more ground clearance. So if you chevy manufacturers are listening, get one on the market, quick. Again, overall, I love my truck.

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  Versatile ! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John Mendel - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Always like to brag to my friends how I love this truck. They are usually very informed after talkin to me about it, I cant give it enough Kudos.... TY GM

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  I love this car! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Texas Girl - September 29 - 11:00 am

  Wanted the room of an SUV, but didnt want to give up fuel mileage. Did the research online and the 2010 Equinox looked like the best choice. I was skeptical after driving an unimpressive 2008 model in the past, but was blown away by the style, fit and finish of the 2010. No regrets. This is an amazing small SUV. Fuel mileage is excellent, but it still has the power to tow a large jet ski. Chevy has hit a home run with the 2010 Equinox. If you have trouble finding one, dont settle for something else. This vehicle is worth the wait.

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  i would not buy this vehicle again - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By esther peterson - September 29 - 10:00 am

  this car has had to go back to the dealer 3x for brake repair. I paid $17K hoping to get a reliable car after my husband died instead I feel that I must trade it. Just today, the resistor on the lower part the A/C had to be replaced.

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  The Avalanche is the Pickup for a Family - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Suzuki Kid 400 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Chevrolet Avalanche is simply the best truck that our family has ever owned. After owning 7 Chevy 1500 pickups in the past 20 years, I am no stranger to the abilities of the full bed and limited cab room. But with the introduction of the Avalanche, it has truly showed the innovation of the typical pickup. This truck is a true winner with comfort for 5 (large) people, room for an ATV, fridge, groceries, plywood, (just about anything you would put in a normal pickup). The suspension is smooth and supple while not relaxing on the Offroading scene.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By broker_037 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  A great car for students/kids! The looks and features on the LS are great!

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  Like a Rock - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Nick Collins - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great power with the 5.3L V8. Seates are very comfortable, and the ride is unmatched by any other full size on the market. I drive an hour to work 5 days a week and wouldnt trade my Z71 for anything.

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  Good but not Great - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By davey753 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Just the right size for my needs, and fun to drive. Mine has a custom interior (made by an aftermarket company), so the aftermarket add ons are great but the factory GM parts are cheap plastic. Very nice vehicle, but it can in NO way compare to a Navigator the Suburban isnt even in the same league.

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  Best Sports car ever for the money - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rich c - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Best car for the money. I love the looks, how its handles. Sport seats are a must. My favorite car so far.