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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  911!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Redhot Avalanche - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck was great until 18 days after I bought it. I heard the horn and went out to find the interior in flames!.. The fire bureau said it was a short in the dash and 17 days later , I still am waiting for GM, Chevrolet or my dealer to give me any word on what they are going to do for me. They have been absolutely no help at all!!

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  Aveo LS - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By DanielA - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. It is a low end vehicle but it does have power everything. Good gas milage and 5 star frontal impact rating. No cruise control avilible???? Wonder why. Good design and versatility, great starter car.

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  For 9 Grand, What the Heck? (Plus 33 MPG - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sausalitodougie - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when it first came out in March. I thought I wanted a hatchback but I bought a black sedan (with trunk) and everyone thinks its a Toyota Echo. I went to Pep Boys and bought some gunmetal gray eight spoke alloy wheels that nearly match the black metallic exterior color for $50 each. I bought a slightly wider premium set of tires from Costco to improve the ride and handling for about $400. (Michelin MXV4 Energy Green) It has good headroom for people up to about 66" and a decent back seat. Build quality not bad so far with few complaints to date. If it had power windows and cruise control I would be very happy.

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  back to GM - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By whr105 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving the nissan frontier for two years I was glad that chevy introduced a new mid-size truck. this truck is roomy, great handeling, lots of power form the 4 cyl. 5 speed. its a fun little truck to drive

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  Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mtngetter - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This Vehicle has comfort,performance,and luxury. I found that giving up a little in fuel economy for the above was well worth it. With the 4x4 You can go anywhere and feel confident that you will get there and back.

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  Great First New Vehicle Purchase - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By edodson68 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Chevy back and forth to Detroit within a month of purchase, I must say, it was a very comfortable ride. It is spacious for the luggage and just a pleasant vechile to be in on a long trip.

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  Love at first sight - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Brandon Abarca - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I tried to find this car for awhile. Finally found it, test drove it and bought it. Love everything about it. It surely is a head turner. Smooth ride, roomy interior, and sleek exterior design. I highly recomend this SUV. Worth every penny.

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  2005 Chevrolet Silverado - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bill - October 14 - 7:50 am

  75,000 miles on Vehicle: Replaced brakes at 15,000 miles, 40,000 miles, and 70,000 miles (I have not historically been hard on breaks); Replaced Torque Converter and rebuilt transmission at 40,000 miles; Replaced Intermediate steering shaft at 40,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 75,000 miles (grease repacked at 30,000 and 70,000). This is apparently a known issue with many models of GM vehicles. Replaced front wheel hub assemblies at 65,000 miles; Transmission clunk while turning at low speeds and accelerating from stop since truck was new. Told by two dealerships that this was a known issue that cannot be resolved. Cannot recommend this vehicle.

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  Great little car! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By REVBOO - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The best part about this car is the maintenence costs. Ive owned it since new and have never had to spend anything on repairs. Im just now starting to spend on normal items that wear out (tires, brakes, etc.). The only thing that has been replaced on it is the stereo. The CD player quite working while under warranty.

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  "I Love My Z71 Burban" - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pink - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My sister asked us to find her a Suburban. Once we realized that this would fit our needs we bought one. Up until we purchased our Z71 I have been a sport coupe advocate. After taking the Z71 on two trips, I will never own another car. It is comfortable, safe and stable with plenty of room for all of our luggage, a 90 pound chocolate lab and will tow the camper we plan to purchase.