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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  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.

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  Our familys Equinox! - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Amanda Richardson - March 11 - 7:40 am

  Being a mother of 3 and doing the house chores, I have experienced the new Equinox. From doing everything around the city from going to the cottage. Equinox is a great dependable SUV. Its big, roomy, and its...well..great!

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  Hmmmmmm..... - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Matt R - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Well, I cant say I havent been totally dispointed.. But, I have owned this truck since it was brand new. I had to replace the transmission at 35,000 miles (which sucks). My wiper blades went out and than broke. But, other than that this truck has never has left be stuck somewhere. Its gets okay gas mileage. The performance sucks, it doesnt have a lot of pick up, but that is probably because I have an auto.

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  MY RED SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By JAYDEE - March 11 - 2:00 am

  FROM THE MOMENT I SAT IN THE SSR I WAS HOOKED. I COULDNT WAIT TO START IT UP AND HEAR THE NOTE OF THE EXHAUST. IT PERFORMS AS WELL AS EXPECTED AND THEN SOME. FUEL ECONOMY IS POOR, BUT EXPECTED CONSIDERING THE WEIGHT OF THE SSR. CONTROLS ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AND THE BOSE SOUND SYSTEM WILL DROWN OUT ANY UNWANTED NOISE. THE SSR IS VERY QUICK ON THE TAKE OFF AND HAS PLENTY OF PEDAL LEFT EVEN WHEN CRUISING AT HWY SPEEDS. FUN TO DRIVE, BUT DRAWS A CROWD EVERY TIME YOU STOP FOR A BREAK. I LOVE IT, MORE FUN THAN MY LIMITED EDITION DAYTONA 500 TRANSAM

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  OK SUV - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chaz7311 - March 11 - 2:00 am

  No problems so far, replaced thermostat and rear window release. Transmission shifts extremely had when driven on the highway for an hour or more. Not easy to drive in the wind, reclining seat handle broke.

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  I love my Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By angola20 - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I am definitely a Tahoe person for life. Its the perfect vehicle in my opinion. Roomy, comfortable ride, dependable, and very stylish. Its never given me any problems.

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  White LT 4x4 - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mhardison - March 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Sub after a minivan and station wagon. Nothing compares to it. It has great room to fit the family very comfortably. I love this truck. We bought it with 12k miles on it and have had no major problems. Fuel economy is decent considering the mass you are driving. We get 16-17 mpg on open road, and 11-12 around town. It is very capable in wintry weather, very stable and confidence inspiring. Auto 4x4 works great.

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  2004 Dale Jr. Monte Carlo SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MonteCarlo2004 - March 10 - 9:16 pm

  I have little to no problem with my Dale Jr. Monte Carlo SS for the last 2 1/2 years.

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  Need a Truck and an SUV? Here it is! - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Mike - March 10 - 4:13 pm

  Good space inside. Great ride quality, very quiet. I dont know why most "professional" reviewers dont like the seats. The upgraded leather package seat are fantastic! Some inside features could use redesign, but mostly they are the "little things" The cupholders are horrible, useless! Cruise control arm is confusing. No footrest/deadpedal on drivers side gets annoying on longer drives. Too much gray plastic in general. The door panels are rough, and the armrest is uncomfortable. Great stereo. Go for the XM. Awesome looks, and very solid fuel economy. Great backseat utility in the crew cab model. Ive had four buddies in the truck 6ft+ in the backseat 3 wide and its fine for local drives.