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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  Great rig - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ber - November 14 - 3:03 am

  Had initial isues with rattling at start, time and mobile 1 fixed that. 15,000 miles now 27 highway with kn filter and special chery bomb muffler. Run 34 in tires. Leveling kit sure helped take away the 60s raked look. And handles better. Great truck

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  Great car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nellis - November 13 - 9:26 am

  I know that the Cobalt is an upgrade from the Cavalier but its way beyond that. The cCobalt is much more comfortable and rides much smoother. I would recommend this car to everyone. Its great for travel or just your everyday driving. Chevy is definitely a winner with this one!

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  Great car - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Frank - November 13 - 5:55 am

  We bought this car to replace my wifes car, Honda Odyssey. After having this car for about 3 months we are really impressed. This is a well designed, comfortable car that we both enjoy driving very much. My wife likes it so much that she doesnt want to use it as our primary kid hauler, but as her car. Now well have to buy another car for the kids. Chevy did a nice job on this car.

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  Little Trailblazer - 2009 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mark - November 12 - 4:37 pm

  I bought my 2009 Equinox to replace a 2002 Trailblazer. The vehicle I love except I could use more room in the back to haul things. I can not haul four golf bags and four golfers. Other then that I think it is a great vehicle. Very well deck out with options.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned. I love it - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hd - November 12 - 9:23 am

  Its a great car. I bought it for college and Im now out of college and Im still driving this car. It is an absolute blast to drive. Its wonderful for someone who is going to be going to school and doesnt need a full size four door car but Im the the point where I am going to be having a baby so Im going to be needing a four door car or SUV.

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  Impressed former import owner - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By GFI - November 11 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased vehicle after more than 20 years of Toyotas and Hondas. I am well pleased with quality of design and with build quality. I have had four months of trouble free ownership and continue to be impressed by roominess, comfort, performance, and ride of vehicle. I was somewhat skeptical of domestic products, but am totally won over.

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  Gotta Love the Av - 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Av Daddy - November 11 - 2:13 pm

  This is my second Avalanche. First a WBH 2004 and now 2011. Would buy another one if they still were being built. Reliable, dependable, comfortable, and one of a kind. You gotta love this beast!

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  forget echo- buy this - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By railroad man - November 11 - 10:00 am

  old car broke.rented toyota echo for 1 month. read my review. one aveo test drive and i was sold. im at 6k miles and the only 2 problems ive encountered are during winter-a stiff rear hatch seal and ice damming up inside the fuel filler hatch. both very minor design problems. 30mpg solid at chicago tollway speeds. sunglass holder hell-saftey glass holder. how many of us have to wear them? dealer threw in mp3. station wagon no charge.real useable storage. my 400lb girlfriend even fits in it comfortably. hauls me and dive buddy and all our scuba gear with the rear seat down.nice ride quality.

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  Best driving car Ive ever owned - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tootoads - November 11 - 10:00 am

  It is absolutely fun to drive. Still get gawks from on lookers esp. youngsters. It is a rocket! Solid.

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  Best of the class - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rag - November 11 - 10:00 am

  In the high performance class, there is nothing close for the price. And add 37mpg on the highway with the 6 speed!