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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  Green Ride - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Brand x - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has been much more dependable then my Mercury Cougar, although the alternator went out in the beginning. It drives very sloppy around curves but it gets decent gas mileage and its peppy

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  A very reliable Chevy--98 Cavalier - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By matjag - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had moderate to heavy usage since its purchase in December, 1997. It seems virtually indestructible in that it has required only oil changes, brake work, and new tires in the past 6.5 years. Very quick (2.4 litre engine) for a compact vehicle making it a joy to drive. The only drawback is its very low profile. At times it appears that kids on tricycles can reach down and touch the roof of the vehicle. The motor is still very quiet and smooth despite the 85,000 miles of Houston city driving. With minor supportive vehicle repairs, I see no reason why it cannot attain 150,000 -- 200,000 miles. This is the best automotive bargain Ive received.

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  Great SMALL SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Kaylees Mommy - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SMALL SUV. If you dont need a lot of room then this is for you. The gas mileage is great, I have a 4cyl automatic and get around 23-25 city and even better highway.

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  my fun machine - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By iriahman55j - June 18 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best vans that i have ever driven. i have driven all the way to virginia and back with it. i am now planning a trip to seattle, washington this year.

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  i love my chevy cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By galaxiewoman26 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  i like my car .. theres no other car id rather have..its good on gas.. and its very dependable..

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  Strange Pricing - Love Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maxriderdoon - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Like many other reviewers I love this car compared to everthing else in its price range. Car seems more refined. Drive out price was 23K after buying new tag. Dealer gave us a 3K Rebate instead of 2K with proof of ownership of non GM car - Strange I find that nowhere on the internet.

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  Time to Review - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bruce Rogers - June 18 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our 1500 LT (w/autoride) for close to two years. We routinely load our car with six people. We have crossed the USA and made several interstate trips. Weve driven in snow and off road in the Mojave Desert. We have realized 18 mpg on the highways … not too bad considering much smaller cars (read sport cars) and smaller SUVs get worse. In short, I feel very fortunate to own such a safe and well performing car. One problem, however, was that the sunroof motor had to be replaced. If you are considering a large SUV, you owe it to yourself to experience the Suburban.

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  Fun new car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brenda - June 17 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my Cobalt for over a month and it has been exceptional in fuel economy, its fun to drive and handles well. The engine impressed me with its quickness. It doesnt have a lot of road noise and the ride is nice for a small car. Its a great step up from the Cavalier, that basically a disposable car. The frame and body on this car is built more solidly, and the styling is nice, especially the rear end style. Nice that it has 15 inch wheels on a small car. Just a real fun and nice car to drive.

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  No matter what color, impalas r lemons - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By troy8432 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Electrical - Turn signals wouldnt work at 3K miles. Brake rotors - Warped at 3K miles. Chevy replaced but told me next time I would pay. Transmission - Fail to shift at 15K, 20k, 25k, and 35500 miles. Chevy found no fault until 36100 miles. Hmmm...just after original warranty expired. Ignition - 38k, intermittently wont recognize key and fails to start. Cant disable system. No matter what I will sell this car at 69999 miles or before. I expect the fenders to jump off at 70k.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Frank Romeo - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, good styling, great comfort, tough truck chassis.