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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  Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DNGorham - October 10 - 6:33 am

  Most comfortable and easiest to handle. Steering wheel has to be easiest Ive ever been behind as far as handling. Ride is like a dream and Id recomened this Avalanche to anyone that wants to keep their truck and be happy.

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  Time to Give Up MY BABY!!!! - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Overall Happy Owner - October 10 - 2:00 am

  OK, my Cavalier and I have been through alot of events. My kids becoming teenagers, three 1500 miles trips out of state, one marriage, some repairs, and my twenty-some-things. Anyway, I have drove my Cavalier for about 8 years. She has at times cost me money but, never more than $500.00. Transmission still runs, you will fix breaks alot, has started up mornings for years (except for those repair times), and BEST FEATURE.....MY BABY has 184,000 miles and still running. In early 2004, I will retire her but, not to get rid of her. In two years, my son will be at the age to drive....and guess what he will be driving!!! Thanks, for reading.

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  Teal Convertible - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By RS LOVER - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Have owened four 3rd gen camros but the one I have now is the best. Its only a show car and has won at many car shows pluse this year I have taken it to 2 Super Chevy shows and has won runnner up both times.Great littler car

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  excellent - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By tadea akin - October 10 - 2:00 am

  It is a great Mini-van, I like it.

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  Malibu LS - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Migs - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car at an affordable price, especially enjoy decent gas mileage around town. Roomy for trips with plenty of trunk space. Three trips to the shop in 2 years -- water seeped into car during heavy rain (factory failed to ensure sealant was applied in all the right places), A/C control sensor and turnsignal controller. Overall were pleased and would buy another.

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  big fat date mobile - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sharon lee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is a blast to drive and turns heads everywhere I go! Only wish I had more time to drive it.

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  Fits All Needs - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Smod - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great truck/SUV fills both perfectly. Holds 5 comfortably, and converts to fit 4"X 8" sheets in under a minute, and only take the #3 panel off to carry home your lawnmower Side storage great for stuff and as a cooler. Great ride. Almost bought a F-150 crew cab but this out shines it all the way.

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  First Corvette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SteveK - October 10 - 1:36 am

  I first drove a Corvette in 78. I thought it was pretty awesome. Well, my new C6 has exceeded all my expectations. It has blazing speed and dazzling handling. Going through the gears has to be similar to flying an F18. Its a head turning beauty and so much fun to drive. I have to believe its the best bang for the buck true sports car available today. When you sit in the cockpit, grab the wheel, push the ignition, put it in gear and get it rolling you know you have a superb vehicle under your control.

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  Will buy another HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By bobby boos - October 9 - 9:10 pm

  I have had my Chevrolet HHR for about 5 weeks and absolutely love it. People stop and ask me what kind of vehicle is that, and I say HHR and they say, boy I would love to have one. I will definitely buy another one in 2008 with even more whistles and bells on it. They should put a 6 cylinder in it and dual exhaust.

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  Exceptional Mid-Size Sedan - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Alan - October 9 - 7:26 pm

  I was an import owner for 20+ years before purchasing a Malibu. I was skeptical, even after a lot of research. But after 1500 miles, Im really amazed. GM has done a great job. The interior is incredibly quiet. The interior styling is wonderful, especially in beige with suede seats. Theres wonderful attention to detail everywhere inside. I especially like the ambient lighting. Controls and switches feel great, better than most imports Ive driven. Performance is surprisingly good given the fuel economy. The suspension is a bit soft but ride is great. The engine is as refined as any 4 cylinder Ive driven. The Malibu feels more like a luxury car than a family sedan.