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:

• 

  SUV Comfort - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By liz - September 4 - 3:53 am

  I enjoy driving my new Equinox. I feel safe and its comfortable to drive long distance. It does not drive like an SUV more like a car. It does not compare to other SUVs I have owned in the past.

• 

  A Great Second-Hand Car - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By LMC - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Corsica in Nov. 97 and have driven it 280000 km with only routine mtnc and very few repairs. This is the second Corsica I have own the first was a 4 cyl, I much prefer the 6cyl. The 6 provides lots of power and a nice hwy ride. If I find a low mileage Corsica, Im going to get #3. Its not luxury, just a plain and simple good used car.

• 

  I Still Love It - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Normierich - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Even though Ive had to change the fuel pump (a 900 dollar job) and paid over 400 dollars to repair the passive alarm system, and now am in need of a major brake job, Im stll in love with this car. It drives very smoothly, performs well and has an excellent stereo system.

• 

  2000 Blazer LT Hi-Mile - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mjvaca - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliable as they get, 90K miles and the factory brakes are still 50%. Rides a little rough but the suspension seems longlasting. Heating cooling electrical are all trouble free. LT model has power everything and leather. Maintance is minimal and I do it myself.The price was right and I think it will last a while longer

• 

  cavaliers are good - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By blo1170 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  the car is fun to drive. it handles surprisingly good with minimal body roll it feels glued to the ground, accelleration is peppy but not a traffic light warrior. the exterior looks great the interior is cheap looking but ok.all in all the best cavalier ever made.

• 

  Great Auto - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By closedone - September 4 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive for this 73 year old man

• 

  excellent - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By code red - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Never throught I would be in love with a truck! When I drive my sister around in it she doesnt want to get out of it!Most people dont think its mine. (cause Im a female) I love being "Up High" It handles like a luxury car. I havent had it long but find it very reliable. Being a woman I wouldnt hesitate driving it anywhere. The only thing I have to complain about is that all other doors have a bar to grab when someone gets in the car,EXCEPT THE DRIVER SIDE! WHY????? Can it be installed now? All I can say is that I will be enjoying my 2004 Avalanche for many years to come. Thank you Snooki

• 

  2nd Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Gundog - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Avalanche and I couldnt be happier. It is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. My 6 yr old loves the DVD player and I love the deal Chevrolet gave me on the trade(GM loyalty rebate).

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By webdog - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Go get one now!!

• 

  perfect for me - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Joebee - September 4 - 2:00 am

  reminds me of my suburban.Handles great.Pulls the boat with ease. Great gas mileage.All in all, great truck.