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:

• 

  My First Corvette - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By LRJOE - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Corvette since I was 20 and now that I am almost 60 I finally got my dream. THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED....!

• 

  Enjoy the car - but not the gas mileage! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By MSFAB - May 27 - 11:43 am

  I really like the car alot. The exterior design is beautiful - looks like a much more expensive car. Comfort is very good also. The leg room in the back is by far the best. My only problem is the gas consumption. Overall, I would recommend this car.

• 

  NeatLittel Crossover - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By beti - May 27 - 5:00 am

  I have only owned my HHR about 3 months but the gas mileage is very good. The look of the vehicle is very appealing and gets lots of attention. It is a fun little vehicle to drive. I feel very safe and comfortable when I drive it. The only thing I could possibly think that might improve it would be repositioning the cup holders. I am not sure where but they are awkward to reach.

• 

  solid car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jonesy169 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 53000 miles on it and three years later its now at 118000 and was still going strong (some bozo crashed into me and it got totaled). It was extremely dependable and the only issues i had with it were normal things like an alternator, brakes, battery, and a map sensor. It got great milage (30mpg hwy) and was peppy for a compact.

• 

  Venture Van - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By ************* - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very practical and does not have the A/C problems or trans problems the dodge and chrysler have. This van gets good fuel economy and has a very good ride. I love the load leveling which is standard on Lt Models. The only downfall is that the engine is a little under powered. Wish for a bigger v-6. (3800)

• 

  So far, so Good - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Calgary - May 27 - 2:00 am

  A dream on the highway, comfortable for everyone. Interior seems a little cheap for the price you pay. Lots of plastic.

• 

  Best ever - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By pharr - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Had the truck for 6 months, 4,000 miles. Greatly impressed with my first GM product. Build quality and performance better than my old Ford Expi. Fully loaded, love the leather seats, and the sat. radio. Cant ask for more, other than better gas mileage. Not one single complaint.

• 

  my 2004 cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By winky681 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  i purchased my 2004 cavalier in december 2003. i really like the styling of my car and the dependability.the downside to my car is the stiff and bumpy ride. and the interior design is somewhat hampering. especially the cup holders and heating and air conditioning controls. controls are too low on the dash. and are hard to reach. especially if you are using the cup holders.

• 

  Rides great! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TBdriver - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Trailblazer for the past two years. No major defects or problems. Great acceleration off the line. I have had several passengers comment that the ride is very smooth. I would agree. The interior styling is not as attractive as the exterior. Inside is mostly one color plastic. Gas mileage is poor (about 16 city), but fortunately I do not rack up a lot of miles. Very easy vehicle to get in and out of (unlike the Mitsubishi Montero).

• 

  uncomftable unexciting - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By haroldthart - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is very uncomfortable to sit in. Workmanship quality is very good.