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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  fun car - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By sparkskab - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best. Its goog for the kids because it has a t.v. in it. If I were you I would get it!!!!!

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  To the MAXX! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By browntravis - April 10 - 11:50 pm

  I researched this vehicle extremely well. The European body styling really makes this car an eye catcher. People always stop and ask me what it is and compliment on the styling. The 3.5L V-6 engine makes for smooth, powerful ride. This car is very roomy and the back seats slide back, forth, and recline. Very cool! Definitely some great standard features. Great sound system. Standard rear moonroof, traction control, and power driver seat. This car is an all around good choice for persons of any age or family status.

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  great mini van - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By schawnie - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this mini van in the year 2000. Have had no mechanical problems. Had to replace front brakes once, other then that has been a terrific van. Doesnt feel like your driving a van. No plastic this or that like you can find in other vans like the aerostar.

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  solid van - 1990 Chevrolet Astro
  By Dan. h - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The astro has been very good to us.We live in Canada and our winters can be harsh and it still works great .Its on its 2nd motor but what can you expect with over 450 000 kms on it .It feels solid when you drive it not like the other mini vans and the rear wheel drive uses time proven technology .We love it and would buy another .

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  LTZ - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Leakenkans - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Wife gets in. Top goes up. Down the road she goes/\.

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  good car now i have spent money - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fandfcavalier - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dicent lil car. not something to brag about but none the less its a car. i have upgraded the brakes, exhaust system, and intake system and after that i am impressed with the lil car. i have the 3 speed auto and i ran a 17.33 in the quarter and 9 sec 0-60 the other day. the only thing is that the 2.2 liter motors timing chain tenser is crap. i need it changed and the cheapest place to change it so far is 500 bucks. Another thing i hate is gms crappy alternators and water pumps. i am on the second water pump and the 3rd alternator. but other than all of that is been a good car.

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  happy - 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Big Nasty - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle

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  stuck with mine - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cronic dissapointmen - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had each of the problems everyone else had. Quickly worn brakes (x2), failed alternator, failed battery, failed tensioner, failed water pump, leaking intake gasket, failed a.c. switch, broken glove compartment latch, steering wheel finish worn off, cheap interior quality, erratic a.b.s. light and the list goes on.

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  ZR2 - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By snowbird - April 10 - 2:00 am

  My wifes Blazer and she likes sitting up high and the wide wheel base. Goes great in the snow. 20,000 miles and in the shop for the first time for back side windows leaking.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Larry Cornell - April 9 - 10:23 am

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. The comfort and handling is excellent. I have driven this truck for 16 months and 23000 miles and not a rattle or squeak, very quiet and just very enjoyable to drive. Thank you Chevrolet!