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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  I love my truck! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Truckin in Chicago - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Suburban Z71 when I had my third child. I needed a comfortable 3rd row plus cargo space. I was a bit apprehensive about maneuvering a big SUV after owning a Blazer, but it was no problem. I love the size, the styling and the comfort. The Z71 add ons make it even better looking. I have been thoroughly happy with my truck and would highly recommend it!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By CKA - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Nothing else comes close, and consumers know what they want. Throw a Japanese nameplate on this and even Edmunds.com editor rating jumps off the scale. Its cool again to own a Cheverolet.

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  Not worth it - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Go Navy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I honestly dont know who Chevy was trying to fool. They bring back the Monte Carlo with only a 6 cylinder and FWD. This is not the Carlo of old. The V-6 is lacking in the acceleration department due to the excessive curbweight. For an upgraded performance package the Z34 offers little more than four-wheel disc brakes. The interior falls apart easily, while the engine is a pain to work on. Hiding the battery under the washer fluid makes it a joke. The steering is alright although the turning radius is terrible and handling is typical American making hard cornering a pain.

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  aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cdig1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  good solid all around economy car.I was a little disappointed with the average mpg of 28;however,there are no glaring deficencies.fit and finish are good.Long term reliabilty is still to be determined.

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  Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Pinky Kingsley - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this is a really super fun car to drive and it is very reliable to drive. the roadside assistance is really helpful and keeps me very pleased that i can have people there all the time that can be able to help me. the visibility isnt to good but once you learn to use the mirrors you should be in good shape. this is just a really super fin car to drive that is all that i really have to say about this car besides that lack of visibility the car is very comfortable. i love the moon roofs in the back and the table that folds out of the trunk it is great for tailgate parties or football games and stuff like that. it goes like its a viper or something.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Towin samowin - September 26 - 10:00 am

  beyond any questions an awesome ride and the best tow vehicle Ive ever owned and I had almost every other tow vehicle at one time or another. Set an 8000 lb trailer on the hitch and this truck never grunts or wimpers all thru the Grand Canyons and across the country from NY to Cali. My expedition would crawl up those same hills and kick and moan

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  my equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By j jONES - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride sports car handling and plenty of room

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  winner - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By curt3253 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun truck even low on power its still the best looking truck on the road. Test drive one today you will see.

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  True american muscle - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By strealthyguy - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This vette is the first ive owned and I love it. It is an amazing vehicle. I strongly reccomend it.

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  Worst Chevy Ever - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By x chevy owner - September 25 - 11:20 pm

  I bought and payed for this Silverado thinking it would be a nice truck since I paid over 20k for it. Very basic no extra nothing and the ride was really bad. It started wiggling at 50mph! My wagon had a better ride. I was so disgusted that I let them have it back! Another ex-Chevy owner.