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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  Fun Sedan - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gossett - January 8 - 3:00 pm

  Fun car to drive. Lots of power and handles great. Gas mileage less than advertized but who cares? The interior is pleasing and confortable. The Bose system is great.

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  A+ Transportation - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Snowy2004 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Before purchasing my Aveo I must have read hundreds of reviews. So far anything negative I have read has not applied and I have 2000 miles on vehicle already. Acceleration is not a problem in the least bit. Also, it handles nicely on the highway at high speeds. Being able to adjust the seat height is also a plus. I could go on forever about how much I love this car. I think its a great first car or a new car for someone who usually purchases used.

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  3 months now - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By scraphappy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  after looking for and researchig new cars for 6 months this fit all my family of 5 requirements at a bargin price.

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  Chevrolet has a Winner in Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Maxxrider - January 8 - 10:00 am

  The Malibu Maxx is an excellent choice for a family or single person. It has so much to offer in a very well designed car by GM. It has plenty of power with the 200 hp v6, but good gas mileage at 30 mpg since putting my first 1000 miles on the car last month. I love this car. GM should be proud to give America a quality car and great value.

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  Equinox 2005 Best Car of the Year - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By CertPharmT15 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I believe that this car is the best SUV in its family. Space in this car is the most amazing thing. Im 62 and 240lbs. and this car is big enough for me to fit in it.

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  Poor Mans Lexus SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Pesky Eskie - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Picked my Equinox up yesterday (7/13/04)...Fell in love with it when I first laid eyes on it.When I test drove it I couldnt believe the steering responsiveness and the ride smoothness.Havent had it long but so far I just love it.Time will tell about the reliability aspect but my initial feeling is that it is a well designed vehicle at a great value!

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  My ZZZZZZZZZZ - 1993 Chevrolet Lumina
  By srgsmm - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I remember the first time I saw a Z34 back in 96when I was looking for a used car. I thought it was the hottest car ever. I couldnt wait to get one. I found one that had only 20,000 miles on it and was in good shape for a three year old car. I took it for a ride and that was it mine forever.

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  99 6spd Cpe - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By OC1Dave - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This is one the most fun and best cars I have ever owned, including Cadillacs, Mercedes, etc. I drive it daily except for big snow days when I drive my 4WD Suburban. Obviously the power and handling are the strong points, but I was pleasantly suprised at how civilized and comfortable this car is to drive. I get over 30 mpg on trips and arrive relaxed.

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  IROCZ Best of the Best - 1990 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Seges911 - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Car and Driver rated it the best handling car in the world and they werent kidding!!!

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  Minivan it is not... - 2004 Chevrolet Astro
  By Todd H - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I would have to disagree with Edmunds on the "dated" Astro/Safari vans. Are they the newest design? No. Do they still sell units? Yes. This van is not a mini van. Find me a competing Japanese unit that can tow 5400 lbs! This is a towing vehicle that can also seat 6 in style, and 8 with comfort. And you can park it in a mall parking space with a minimum difficulty. It doesnt handle like a minivan because it isnt. Its a 1/2 ton pickup with a big cabin for people. It really is in a category by itself. When mine reaches 200K miles, Ill go buy another one.