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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  We named it Tugger - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By J J B - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We haved loved our AWD Astro. It has pulled the camper over the Rockies, forded Jeep trails in the mountains, hauled the dogs, kids, and everything else you can think of. Very versatile. Tight foot room in front, but all vans do that. With AWD and ABS it is the best snow and ice vehicle we have ever had. It still gets 14-19 mpg and the 4.3 is underpowered, but very reliable. Still doesnt burn more than a quart between oil changes at 125K miles. Too bad they plan to discontinue. We keep driving this one because we cant get another set up the same way.

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  I love it - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bushido - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I like that its so powerful, looks good its roomy, its comfortable. The controls are easy to get to. Everything is right there in front of you not alot of reaching. I have nothing bad to say about it. GO TO PADDOCK IN KENMORE NY TO BUY IT. They were great to deal with.

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  Biggest piece of scrap metal I own - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jano - March 23 - 2:00 am

  In the 8 yrs that I have owned my Nissan, I have less problems with it than I have had with this hunk of scrap metal. A totally rebuilt engine at 38,000 miles? Left and right wheel hub assembly replaced b4 33000? I look at it and despise the day I bought it. Should have paid attention to the poor reviews for reliability and mechanical soundness.

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  Tahoe Z-71 - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dilligaf32301 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Will Haul anything! Mileage is very good even at altitude. One of the best SUVs Ive ever owned

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  my first vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BluByYou - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely fortunate in that my first Corvette was a new Z06. The car has met and exceeded ALL my expectations in overall performance and driving enjoyment, but you must be prepared to drive, and pay attention to your driving at all times. This is not a vehicle to drive while talking on the cell phone, putting makeup on, or, heaven forbid, reading while cruising in the right lane. Buy this car if you love to drive.

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  First Time burb - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By burb lover - March 23 - 2:00 am

  WOW, What a ride! Upgraded from an Explorer for the room but, got a whole lot more. I love this vehicle. The XM and Bosesound is incredible for a truck. The kids love the room and the DVD sytem in the back and with the wireless headsets we are all happy!!

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  My First Car - 1995 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Foo24Z26 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  It was very sporty looking for a 1995. I love the acceloration and quickness of the car, its easy to pass with on the highway, nimble and agile in the city. I bought it with 38,000 miles on it, and now have over 150,000 and I still love it. Ive only ever had minor wear and tear items be replaced on the car and its been extremely reliable.

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  Xtreme-ly good, so far! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By raceannouncer - March 22 - 2:00 am

  This truck has the Xtreme package along with the 4.3 V-6 and 5spd. tranny. Truck has all the goodies too: A/C, tilt/cruise, PW/PL AM-FM/CD player. Standard cab doesnt have much room for anything other than the two passengers. Handles extremely well due to factory installed lowered suspension. Engine is better than average but not a speed demon. Shifts smooth, brakes well, ride is good despite the sport suspension. Fit/finish is very good and cab exhibits no rattles at just 12000 miles (bought used as a repo!) If you want to carry stuff inside, youll need the extended cab version.

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  Like a Rock - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By dasford1 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been quite pleased with my S-10 extended cab 4X4. I ve taken it on a 2,500 trip and wasnt worn out at the end. Enjoyed the CD and cassette during the trip. Its been an easy starter - even in our cold Montana winters. Bucket seat could use a bit more padding but is adequate. All in all, after having driven a Ford Ranger, I prefer the S-10.

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  Excellent SUV but awful gas mileage - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By cbednar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I just got my SUV but I am getting about 300 kms to one tank of gas. Thats like 60L, 300kms. So thats is 20L/100 kms. Thats really no good. I am going to the dealership tomorrow and see what is up with that.