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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  Pros and Cons - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Heather - November 16 - 12:30 pm

  I love my car but there are a few issues I have. First of all, the CD player is a mess. I have already had one replaced and another replacement is on the way. The CDs get stuck in the player and will not come out. Second, light interior. I have had a light interior in cars before but never as easily stained as my Equinox i.e., my hair was wet when I got in the car and it made a water stain on the head rest that will not go away. Lastly, at times I have noticed the car will make knocking noises or jerk when I turn corners. The adjustable back seat is great! I can make extra room for the kids on long trips or make extra space in the back when I go shopping. Overall, great car!

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  Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By DavidJump - November 16 - 6:00 am

  Performance is excellent. I hit 80 before I realized it. It felt like I was at 60, given noise and road feel. Gas mileage for the trip from Dover, Delaware to Somerville New Jersey was very close to 30 MPG. In fact it exceeded the EPA estimate of 27 MPG for that vehicle. Build quality, fit and finish is clearly equal or superior to any similarly priced import. This car has the leather seats, which are very comfortable. The quality of workmanship from design to engineering to assembly and dealer prep that went into this car is impressive. The trunk is large and well thought out. Hardware is out of the way, so it doesnt interfere with cargo or luggage. To summarize - WOW!!!!!!

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  Commemorative edition corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rock Spraggins - November 16 - 1:18 am

  Overall, this is a fun car to own and drive. My only complaint has been getting some of the electronics repaired correctly by the dealership. The traction control engages itself and the cruise control will not stay activated. I would recommend the 04 vette to anyone considering an older car purchase.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By Bustinyourchops - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that I wish I wouldve looked into more on this truck was the gas mileage. I get 15 city 19 highway. When I had my Cavilier, I was filling the tank up maybe 1 a week, and I noticed that I fill this one up maybe twice a week. A bit disappointing, but a great truck.

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SVEN - November 15 - 2:00 am

  NOT MUCH TO SAY OTHER THAN THIS IS A GREAT TRUCK. VERY SMOOTH AND POWERFUL AND GREAT AT HAULING PEOPLE AND GEAR. MY MILAGE IS BETTER THAN 17 ON HIGHWAY, AND I MOVE. EVEN IN CITY IVE NEVER GOTTEN BELOW 15. I CARRY FOUR TO EIGHT PEOPLE OFTEN AND LOTS OF GEAR. NEVER A SINGLE PROBLEM, NOR A SINGLE BLEMISH. PAINT STILL LOOKS NEW. HAULS TRAILER WITH NARY A WHIMPER (I PASSED MANY CARS GOING UP MOUNTAIN GRADES WHILE PULLING A CAMPER -- AND GOT 17

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  My ol girl - 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
  By GM Employee - November 14 - 2:00 am

  My Lumina is one of the best cars I have ever owned. Granted Ive owned only one other car, a 95 Escort Hatchback, the car outperforms anything in her path. I purchased her used as she was traded in and when i saw her poking her front end out from between two trucks, it was meant to be. I worked for the chevy dealer when i got her, and i still work for a gm dealer now, but i will not get rid of this car. Shes young with 118k miles. i would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Aggravating seats - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Robert Denney - November 14 - 2:00 am

  No problems with the engine, transmission, or rear end. V-6 Vortec engine runs good and has plenty of power. Front driver seat is poorly designed. I have replaced the seat adjusters twice, and the backrest adjustment is broke again. None of the drivers weigh over 150lbs. The lumber adjustment is broken. Just recently had problems with rust in the gas tank. Turns out the tank is completely rusted, and had to be shot peened and recoated. Ruined two fuel pumps before the problem was properly diagnosed and corrected. I did not expect these kinds of problems with less than 55000 miles on the truck.

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  cant beat it - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By mr.STAGE - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF VANS, BUT THIS VAN HAS OUTDONE THEM ALL,

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  The perfect truck - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Aetatis - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my favorite vehicle right now. It is just the right combination of comfort and power. It is so versatile. What other V8 can haul long pieces of lumber covered from a rainstorm at Home Depot? The z66 package rides like a cadillac. But it is still a truck. The midgate function has proved invaluable. I have no complaints!

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  The Beaste - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By H. Pollak - November 14 - 2:00 am

  What to say... When I forst saw the previews in 99 I was impressed. Now that Im an owner, Im even more impressed. Vary little body role, great get up and go, I get anywhere from 18-21 MPG pretty regularly. Though I have to say I have made some modifications. Not only is it a big vehical it drives like one. Parking is no problem. Im used to larger trucks. the only area I have a problem with is being able to see out the rear end. It has its challenges. Overall, best bang for the buck. Most versitle truck I have ever owned and Ive owned many.