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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  Looking Back.... - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 4carowner - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 LS that is identical to the 03s. With 60k miles I have to say it has been a good car. Initial problems with brakes and tires have been fixed. Only other problem is a short in AC switch & alternator failed at 45k. There are only 2 ways to buy the Malibu. First use rebates, GM card promotions and Insist on Invoice price. Second is to find one 2 yrs old and pay half price since resale value is horrible. Right now in SE Region there is 3000 rebate plus 1500 bonus cash and they are clearing out the 03s left for the improved 04 version. With GM card savings you can get it for 6-8000 under invoice!!!

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  great - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By john adams - December 7 - 2:00 am

  i realy love this vihicle and i am in the army it gets me everywhere i need to go and more.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tim maloney - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is better than I thought it would be. It has great power and handling and especially comfort.

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  Duramax Deisel - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Aggie - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Diesel to buy am I am very pleased with it. I dont have a worry in the world when I travel and its great in town to. I get on average between highway and town 16.5 miles to the gallon. The Allison transmission is great also. Its definately a selling point.

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  2004 TrailBlazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chem_man - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and I love it! While its a littel narrower than I expected, it meets or exceeds all my expectations. Great ride, plenty of power when you need it and, love the memory seats! I have already recommended it to several thinking of buying similar SUVs.

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  I Finally Got One! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bertha J - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have dreamed of having an SUV since they exploded on the market. My husband was against ownership due to roll-over accidents. Market improvements and common sense driving have decreased the number of reported accidents. My christmas present to myself was a 2004 Trailblazer and I am totally in love with it. My husband has even fallen in like with it since hes had one available to drive.

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  The best, fastest, most fun - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By masterforklift - December 6 - 6:26 pm

  I traded a 2000 Impala for the 06 SS and I am pleased. 0-60 is about 4.5 sec and 60 to 80 is like lightning. I have the full package and am very pleased. Fully satisfied so far. It is a thirsty car but hopefully gas will stabilize

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  2001 2500HD - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Swiech - December 6 - 3:00 pm

  I have the pop-up goose neck hitch and the 8.1L engine. Massive power, but massive gas guzzler. It will pass everything but a gas station.

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  Underappeciated... - 1998 Chevrolet Tracker
  By cxvargas - December 6 - 2:00 am

  by consumers and press. I bought mine new and had the car shipped to the UK in 98. While stationed over there, I truly enjoyed the Tracker qualities. With gas prices at $5 per gallon I never worried about gas bills. Also, it was so easy to park at the local shopping malls or drive in the city. I had the car shipped to several places and is still performing flawlessly. Main concern is with GM dealership service/customer experience. I just bought a new Accord instead of a GM product because such poor experience. Regardless of GM I would recommed this car just because of the excellent built and troble free experience.

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  A Handy Van - 2001 Chevrolet Astro
  By astro FAN - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Van is excellent in snow.Optional seats are comfortable.Cruises well on the highway but can be a little wishy washy on windy day driving.Very solid feel and LOTS of power.Plenty of cargo room.Ride is a little firm but better than a suv.The family loves it!!Oh... and not a single problem yet!!