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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  Awesome SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By hoozyershelties - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The TrailBlazer offers the best ride, handling, and performance of any SUV I have ever driven or been a passenger in.

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  Chevrolet did it right. - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Ray Barkey - May 7 - 10:23 pm

  Chevrolet did a fine job of combining a great looking exterior to a well thought out and practical interior. The rear seat room has to be seen to believe and the features like the multiple powerpoints and rear fold away table are very nicely done. The fit and finish are excellent and my vehicle is completely loaded with an MSRP at $28,000. The only drawback was the percentage of foreign components GM put in the vehicle. On-Star, in car telephone, 6 disk CD changer and the huge sunroof are great options. Everything being considered, this is a very nice mid sized SUV with a carlike ride.

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  Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Average Joe - May 7 - 12:01 pm

  Great looking, comfortable , good gas mileage,reliable

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  rides like a bucking bronco - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By chevy owner - May 7 - 9:06 am

  I wish i hadnt purchased this truck the suspension is harsh and rides worse than a jeep and the 4 speed trans was a messed up bait and switch deal, should have made sure I was getting a 6 speed. The cargo light is linked with the interior cabin lights- not separately. The performance would be just right for a childs first car, had to get a chip and cold air induction for it to keep up with cars with 4cly motors.The heated seats are only heated in the middle not sides.Wish I kept my old 2000 model ls and done some repairs, it was a superior vehicle,rode smooth and performance was acceptable.

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  Glad I went Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By silvy - May 7 - 8:20 am

  I just purchased this truck, still on the first tank of gas. Traded a 2004 chevy with 39K miles and got $6000 less than I paid. $6000 for 39000 miles is not bad, never a days trouble either. Better than the $10000 less offered to my friend for his one year old Titan with 23000 miles by the Nissan dealer. So much for the the so called great resale value of the imports. This 2006 drives like a dream. Smooth, powerful, quiet, and comfortable. Everything I could ask for.

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  A good family vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Clint Goodin - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This van is very roomy, yet gets good gas mileage on long trips (28 mpg). Engine has ample power. Good climate control for both front and back.

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  Last Chevy or GM Ill ever own - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By fedupwithchevy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Back to dealer 6 times for left rear door latch rattle. Told me they couldnt find it. Latches replaced finally, door still rattles and is pulled out of position, not lining up in frame. Window trim fell off in my hand on day one. Drivers seat squeeks. More rattles and squeeks than the 14 year old car I replaced. Chevy Email Customer Service says that district managers wont call customers, theyll only work with dealers. Cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By DodgeNu - May 7 - 2:00 am

  There is only one draw back to this car, and this only applies to people that are 65" and taller, leg room is a little to short

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  SS Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By doubletap 407 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE 32000 MILES ON MINE AND I STILL LOVE IT! HAVE HAULED IT WITH THE BED LEVEL FULL OF DIRT, AND WITH 30 SHEETS OF 1/2" PLYWOOD, AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF COURSE BUT IT DID GREAT! I HAVE PUT ON A MORE OPEN EXHAUST, AND NOW GET 19 MPG ON THE HWY.I ALSO HAVE A 2002 SUPER CREW 1/2 TON FORD AND THE AVALANCHE IS 4 TIMES THE TRUCK. BETTER RIDE BETTER HORSEPOWER AND GAS MILEAGE.

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  chevy has a winner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dunnehy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck had three suvs prior to this truck lots of changes from 2002 model drives almost like a car for now better than my suvs you dont need 4x4 get 2x4 with traction and you will not have any problems in winter this is my first cheny and if this truck continue performing like it is now i will continue to drive a chevy gas mileage is not good but what do you expect for a truck this big i have the 1500 2 x 4 with all the trimmings except for sun roof just let the mid gate down