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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  Love the Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jayhawk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Though the Tahoe isnt kind to the wallet at the gas station, It is a joy to drive. Love the comfort and well thought out features.

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  One good pickup - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By scottmason - October 14 - 12:17 am

  I love this truck. I hate the gas mileage. But it has a lot of power for pulling trailers. I bought this truck two reasons. One to pull my fifth wheel camper & boat. Second, to go hunting. In North Dakota, you can pull tandem trailers behind your pickup if the first trailer is a fifth wheel with brakes. This truck can pull all day. But be careful in the heat (>90 ) the GMs overheat. I see them on the side of the road. It has not happened to me personally. When pulling tandem trailers I get 6 to 8 mpg. So you really need to watch your fuel gauge, if it worked correctly. Maintenance on this vehicle is oil changes and tires.

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  Not my dads Impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cozman - October 13 - 7:56 pm

  This is not my dads Impala! Love the power. Hope to tap into it more with a Flowmaster system. Only complaint is that the seats need to more bucket than bench. Exterior is nice with crisp lines and a tight fit. Makes long trips enjoyable to drive.

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  Love the SS - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron - October 13 - 4:00 am

  I have only had for short time. But so far I just love it. Its hard to get used to an SS having 4 doors but I like the emblems, reminds me of days gone by. I traded in a crew cab dualy, so this is of course way more fun. I read reviews here before I bought it. And I have to agree about the wind noise and torque steer. But I bought it and like it anyway. I got almost 28 miles to gallon on a three hr. trip. That was at 70 with cruise control. I liked the steering wheel controls in my pick-up (04 Silverado) better than the switches on the dash in Impala.

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  ex-Police LT1 off eBay - 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
  By Anonymous Coward - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Shopping for a second car in 2000 I started on Edmunds.com and selected a couple high-value models (good ratings and low price). Then I went to eBay and started bidding - won a 96 Caprice. Fresh out of service with the Saginaw MI PD it has the LT1 and heavy duty everything. Got it with 75,000 on the clock. So far Ive put a new A/C unit, replaced two front suspension components and put on new Michelins. It uses no oil and has had zero drivetrain issues. Now at 120,000 miles.

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  Excellent - 1993 Chevrolet Astro
  By tuck - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have drove ths van for 10 years and have never had any maintance but normal oil change, tires. Was extremely impressed when I recently was in an accident with the front end and also rear-ended. Strenght of van saved my life in the 50 mph crash. Front end tore off but barely into radiator. Highly recommand this vehicle in every way!

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  Dont buy this car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Savannah - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My Malibu is best described as the Mobile Money Pit. I keep having to invest more money into this car. It is a nightmare to own. It is an okay car when it does run properly, which is not often. Save your money and invest in a Honda or Toyota.

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  GM bulit this one right - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob64GTO - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive now put on 6k. At 21k the stock Firestone tires were cupping already so the dealer put on Michelin LT M&S to close the deal. Very smooth ride and great traction. The solid command of the road is awesome! Love the steering compared to driving a front wheel drive van. No more pull! Last 2 tanks of gas got 16.4 mpg which Im happy with. With bench seats all around the versatility for our family of 5 is great. Mom even enjoys the 40/20/40 front seat moving over close when we go out, havent done that for 20 yrs! Kids say they like it better than our old conversion van after installing a 10.4 video system.

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  its a great truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jjjjjj - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this vehicle to any consumer who wants to buy a safe, reliable,and very stylish truck with lots of power for on road driving and off roading.

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  Great on Long Trips - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DerekW - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Suburban 1500LT is extremely comfortable on long trips. About 3-4 times a year, I make the 8-hour trip from Indianapolis to Kansas City with my wife and baby (presently 18 months old) to see my folks. Theres PLENTY of room for our luggage and all the gear a baby/toddler requires. The aisle between the captains chairs in the second row make it easy to get to the third row bench -- perfect for diaper changes at questionable rest stops! After 11 months of ownership, Ive encountered zero mechanical problems. Lets hope Im this happy after my extended warranty expires. I love this SUV.