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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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By DGrey - February 26 - 11:10 pm

  Power is decent, rides well. The turning radius is large. Excellent room for larger passengers, especially the back seat. Unlike many other vehicles, my knees do not hit the dashboard or back of the seat. Interior is better designed than other GM products. Great overall value.

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  8,000 miles strong - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MaxxFaxx - February 26 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my Maxx last July, and now have over 8,000 miles on it. Every bit as good today as it was driving it home the first time. Great gas mileage, versatile, comfy, reliable. Bought this car to use as a "van" at the Worlds Longest Yard Sale in Tennessee last year, and it didnt disappoint. Theres acres of room for storing and moving, which has come in handy again and again. But I like it because its a "ladys car". You dont have to jump or climb to get in or out of it. Its got more room than many SUVs, but drives like a ladys car... plus has a ton of great features.

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  Fun little car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Javeo - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Great pickup for a little vehicle, zippy little car!

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  EXTRA BENEFIT IN LESS MONEY - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By DHEERAJ RAHEJA - February 26 - 10:00 am

  AVEO IS VERY GOOD CAR.VERY GOOD MILEAGE.IT HAS A GOOD PICK-UP WITH EXECLLENT ROAD GRIP.

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  Best GM since my first in 1964 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By TexasCoins.com - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had what appears to be the worst GM vehicles ever produced (excluding my Corvettes)since my fist new one in 1964. My first aggrivation was the always hesistating "73 LeMans (5.7L); Next came the "5.7L" Diesel nightmare; and the never ending problematic Safari Van. They finally got their act together with this 4.8L Silvarado Truck. I cannot give enough praise. Everything works, AND VERY WELL. Great performance ! Great economy ! Great looks ! Thanks GM. I nneded that.

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  Black 3.4 l - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Black 3.4 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  The 3.4 spun a rod bearing at 50,000. Ever since I have a tack noise in the upper end of the motor. Otherwise it has been a great car to own/drive.

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  little big truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By doxidaddy - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I tow a 4000lb trailer with this thing and it tows better then my old F150. Not a single problem in the year Ive had it.

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  Buyer Beware - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By silverlemon - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Loved the style and comfort. Had Tranny problems and seals blew at 26,000 miles constant problems with electrical (windows, blower motor, wiper arms) Manifold gasket leaks- finally traded in at 45,000 for a Ford Explorer-No more GM for me!

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  96 Tahoe - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By driesterer - February 26 - 2:00 am

  126000 miles. no rust, no breakdowns, uses less than 1/2 quart every 3000 miles. nice truck.

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  Camaro SS: Excellent power per dollar - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Qwerty327 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a solid built beast that will tear up the street as easily as it will shred a set of $1000.00 tires, the camaro is the ticket (if youre on a budget, otherwise go with the vette). Ive owned 2 - a 91 RS and my current one - a black on black 2002 SS. If youre looking for the frills that you get in a luxury car, forget it. Sure, you can get plush leather, power everything, and a very respectful stock radio, but the heart of this car is under the hood.