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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  Equinox LT - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By twbucki - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Only complaint is a vibration just after initial start. When putting vehicle into gear there is a vibration shortly after movement begins then drives great. Smooth comfortable ride.

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  2500HD LS Long bed 4x4 - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By B-land - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Quite the change from plain-jane 1500 series. Love the firm ride and the off road capabilities. Everything is right within reach of the driver.

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  It made it for 10 years - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bett1e - February 14 - 2:00 am

  From 1993 to 1999, the main problems were the coolant was always missing due to a temperature gaurge problem, hose problem or some othe problem. In 1999, all heck started to break lose. The brakes failed totally in 1999 and I luckily made it home safely (back brakes only). From 1999 on, various things happened included all the injectors failed, the ignition module failed, the head gaskets failed, etc.. The most annoying thing that made the repairs not worth it: the car started to look bad. The paint started to fake, the brake light started to melt, and the inside of the door would scorch your arm because the metal would get too hot in the sun.

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  Nice Little Truck - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By snorenore - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my truck 2 years ago, I have the 4cyl 5 speed. Has been a great truck for me, most of all because of the great fuel economy. Has some minor things that dont cause any problems, they are just annoying. Like many other S-10 owners I know the SES light is on. Have taken it in twice and they cant seem to find out what it is. It shifts nice except downshifting into third, that can be a little tricky. 80,000 miles and still going strong.

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  FUNNNNnnnnn SSR !!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By XOXO Bill - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I am definately glad to have the honor to drive this new type of vehicle

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  SSR sweet. - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By jim owens - February 14 - 2:00 am

  if the looks knock you out wait till you get behind the pilot seat it makes you feel special its like no other the ride is very smooth if you want power no need to look any further it has a lot of charm i have never had a ride that makes me feel like this if you are having a bad day take one look at her and you will smile the rest of the day what a piece of cake rating ****

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  Great vehicls - 2004 Chevrolet Astro
  By tmleg - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle with great towing capacity for its class.

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  1991 and 2001 - 2004 Chevrolet Astro
  By T.R.Kuhse - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a used 1991 Astro in 1993 and have put 160,000 trouble free miles on it.We pulled a travel trailer with it,including many trips to Florida,and Kentucky.I have done all general maintenance work on it,and never have had to have it in a shop for repair.In December 2003 we bought a 2001 AWD Astro that we really find very useful with having five children.And we still have that 1991!

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  Unreliable but fun in the summer - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kylefarlow - February 14 - 2:00 am

  The "VATS" (vehicle anti-theft system) was just determined to be faulty, causing an infamous "security" light to come on the dashboard, and the engine will not start. $400 to replace the necessary parts and cut new keys. Alternator has been replaced twice and still cant seem to supply enough power to run all car systems. Glove compartment latch has been replaced more than 4 times during the lifetime of the car. The t-top is great, but leaks when going through a car wash and has since it was purchased. After the VATS debacle, I will never buy another GM car again.

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  great family vehcle - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By jimbo50 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the carlike handling and smooth ride. Lots of leg room and cargo space. Engine has great performance in town and on the highways. Not at all like driving a bulky van. But has all the features we wanted in that class of vehicle.