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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  chevy silerado 1500 5.3 LT - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Thom - November 28 - 9:23 am

  a tough truck - 16-17 mpg ongoing, problems : brakes abs system repeatedly , Poor design causes the abs to light up on the dash which so far has always beed associated with the wheel hubs area. Many owners Ive talked with have had same problem. these brakes will fail. brake pads have to be modified when installed new - if not - theyll wear unevenly . design problem again . brake shops aware of this . other wise a great truck

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  My "E" - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Daniel Fix - November 28 - 3:30 am

  My Equinox was bought after looking at other vehicles for a few months. I went and picked up a brochure from the dealer. I was impressed from the first look. Then I went to the biggest dealer in my area they had the vehicle I wanted so I traded two Fords for it. I love it. The gas mileage is the only thing that is wanting but it is getting there the more miles I drive it.

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  GM is Back in Business - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By George - November 27 - 9:27 pm

  I picked up a 2009 Impala as a long term rental while awaiting delivery of my new 2010 Toyota. After the first 2 months of driving this car, I have to admit that I will miss it and even have wished I had considered this before ordering the Toyota. I have owned several GMs over the years 60s - 90s. My last a 1995 Grand Prix convince me never to own another. However, this Impala has changed my mind. This is a lower end rental unit and I would have ordered a higher optioned model. My only minor complaint is the outside mirrors, they are small and triangular and NOT heated. This is the first car I have owned in years not to have heated mirrors. This should be standard.

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  Is this a Japanese car? - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Cindy - November 27 - 4:20 pm

  I have only owned this car for about a week and a half and I love it already. It is the tightest car Ive ever driven and its fun to drive. I just love the xm radio. I bought the base car and it feels more expensive than it is. Im so proud of the car. I wanted a sports car, like a Camaro, as I love GM cars. This car is more economical, but fun to drive in a different way. Fit and finish has come a long way since I bought my 2003 Impala.GM is really going in the right direction. My friends who just bought the Toyota Camry were upset when they found out how much car I got for my money and how great the car rides.

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  over 100,000 miles on the original tires - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By John - November 26 - 11:09 am

  We had a 97 Tahoe we traded in on the suburban because we needed more room I have driven chevys for over 30 years this is the best one yet it pulls well it rides great and is the most comfortable one yet this is one great suv

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  Great truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Neil - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I chose this model as it could be converted to also use CNG and now I get about 20 mpg (CNG) on the freeway at 65 - 70 mph. With gasoline it would be 3 mpg better but CNG is $1.53/gal I use it in the mountains (+9000 feet) and it just goes anywhere. Upgraded to 285/75/16 tires for a snowplow (clearance) - Plow works fine with the 160 amp alternator. Replaced the catalytic converter in first year but otherwise no problems and I now have 34K miles and 2 years on it. I enjoy driving this truck. Its comfortable and rides easy. I tow a 8000 lb back hoe trailer with ease.

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  Inferno Orange Screamer - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 15Again - November 25 - 8:43 pm

  This is the Chevy I have been waiting for since I was a teenager. 2SS/RS auto in Inferno Orange Metallic. Had the dealer install the black rally stripes and it attracts attention and comments everywhere. Incredible looks, nice handling, terrific power, it is easy to drive and quiet when you want it to be and goes like crazy when you want it to. Deceptively fast. Handling is confidence inspiring, I love driving this car and plan to keep it forever.

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  These 5.7s are monsters. - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By The Z28 Guy - November 25 - 7:59 pm

  Simply an awesome car. The 5.7s are torque monsters and are very fast for a 1997 muscle car. LT1s have more torque as compared to the LS1s higher top end, but if you ask me, Ide take torque over top end any day. Replaced water pump, optispark, and starter which is completely understandable. Put on aftermarket cold air intake, throttle body, headers and exhaust which unleashed the true beast under the hood. After putting on bolt ons I began using Castrol EDGE and it went from 288 HP to 318 HP on the dyno. If you want to help the 5.7 breath better and reach its full potential than it is a must to put on a top of the line cold air and exhaust. Find one that is well maintained and buy it!

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  First SUV - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sheryl M. - November 25 - 12:52 pm

  I initially looked at minivans (Sienna, Odyssey, and Routan), but was intrigued when I saw the traverse. All it took was one test drive, and I was sold. I guess I wasnt ready to go the minivan route=) The Traverse rides like a car and is as smooth as can be. I love the back-up camera, back-up sensors, and the blind spot area of the side mirrors. Due to 2 young kids, I had to have the captains chairs for easy access to the 3rd row seats. It is one of the most spacious interiors for a midsize suv that was on the market. I give it 2 thumbs up.

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  Perfect car for the Hwy - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Bryce - November 24 - 10:54 pm

  Very quick acceleration at low speeds due to higher torque from the diesel engine. If your not careful you will peel out. This car goes right up steep hills without slowing down. I average 44-50 mpg. If you do alot of city driving wou will get 40-44mpg if you are mostly driving on the hwy you will get 48-52 depending on traffic. Requires Diesel exaust fluid— 2.5 gallons at walm____ runs 7$ and will get you around 2,500 miles.