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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  What A Ride - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Twelve_v_man - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Slingshot Yellow SSR today and have already driven over 100 miles. I cant wait to get thru the break in period so I can drive it the way it is meant to be driven

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  solid chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By leec - March 13 - 2:00 am

  it is a very reliable car but for big men like me it a little small overall it is super

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  I love my truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By allan - March 12 - 7:16 pm

  Had my calorado for 2 months now. Excellent little truck with plenty of power. Rides a little stiff. Sharp looking ride though. Interior is cheap looking, but otherwise an all around nice truck. No regrets, yet!! Try one, I think you,ll like it!

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  5.0 Litre Eater - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By roddiekarate - March 12 - 6:33 pm

  This is my second Monte Carlo. My first was a 1999 Z-34 with a Series II 3800 engine. At the time it was a very quick car, but increasing the horsepower by over 100 was quite a change to say the least. The torque off the line is startling, but when you learn to control it (or upgrade your tires), a new 5.0 Litre Mustang has a scrap on his hands. Pairing two drivers of similar skill, it can go either way. I love getting a red light next to a teenager in his/her sports car. I live in calgary so that usually means a Beamer, an Audi, or a Mustang. On dry pavement, enjoy my exhaust. Also, Challengers and Chargers should take notice pretty quickly.

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  S 10 are too avg. - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By Saint79 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The truck is extremely boring! The engine lacked power, the stereo lacked umph, and I just dont like the way the look.

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  Built well, but Beware... - 1990 Chevrolet Caprice
  By 87classic - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car off an older uncle in my family who pampered this car and rarely drove it. As of this date it has only 180000KMs and the problems with it are increasing by the day. BEWARE! i have the 307 W/OD engine in this car, it gets a mere 12MPG (THATS RIGHT!) and sucks down oil like you wouldnt believe. I take VERY good care of this car and the engine just seems to want to quit on me. We think its the valve guide seals, or the carburetor float is letting in too much gas and diluting the oil, or possible the piston rings are gone...however its not worth my $$ to get it fixed ($700-1200 job)

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By guff - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Good safety record.

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  wish Id bought a Toyota - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By dissapointed dave - March 12 - 2:00 am

  One of the poorest vehicle buys I have made: Brakes are terrible, replaced engine due to remote oil filter failure. Electrical problems plauge it. 15 mpg is nothing to write home about. Sways side to side too much. Interior rattles due to poor fit & finish. Plastic trim on exterior falling apart, door hinges broke on driver and passenger side. CD player died. Would not recommend to others.

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  n/a - 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
  By carriebe - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My Tracker handles well, has much more room inside then it appears, is comfortable to drive. I believe it gives a "sporty" feel. I am completely satisfied with my vehicle.

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  Former Ford owners fall for the Maxx! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Donna - March 11 - 12:03 pm

  Was dreading our transition from bigger vans to car, due to perceived lack of room. Was on a Ford lot looking at used cars and saw the Malibu Maxx and was drawn back to it over and over. Finally gave in and went for a test drive and was SOLD!! Couldnt believe how many luxury features and sportiness the maxx has.We have never driven a more fun vehicle. The back seat area is SO ROOMY and the back sunroofs are fun too. The many ways to arrange the back seats for extra cargo room are great.We are so happy with everything about this car.