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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  The Hoe - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sgt Gahring - October 7 - 7:14 pm

  I bought the hoe and ever since Ive loved it. Awesome horsepower with a few upgrades, "headers, K and N air filter, performance exhaust." With a fuel system flush and tranny flush I have gotten better fuel economy but for the ponies its pushing Im ok with it. Its awesome for mudding and pull offs. But if working the overdrive transmission it needs a BG tranny flush and the conditioner for protection. Ive had to do regular maintenance but what vehicle doesnt need it. If your looking for fun go with General Motors.

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  A good 1 - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sub Man - October 7 - 5:34 pm

  Our Suburban has served us well, with little complaints.The gas mileage is great for an SUV of its size.Handles winter weather like a dream and is smooth as a BMW. Backing up is challenging and takes some getting used to.

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  Greatest car ever built by Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Lovin It - October 7 - 7:26 am

  I have owned this car for ten years with no problems. It now has 160,000 miles and still runs great. I have only had regular maintenance like oil changes, tires, brakes, etc. Drives great in the snow and rain- easy to handle. I absolutely love this car and really believe it will get another 100,000 at least. Wish they were still rolling off the assembly line.

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tom - October 7 - 3:40 am

  I just bought my new Impala LS. The base model has everything I need. Onstar side, impact airbags, Power windows, locks, 8way power drivers seat and a 211HP V6. It has great handling and pickup. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  OUTSTANDING CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By robert - October 7 - 12:50 am

  O my gosh where to start it rides smooth looks clean love the body style chorm wheels, the only problem is the dang traction light and the check engine light keeps coming on when the weather change, kind confess other than that love it to death.

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  Its About Time - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BrownsChamp - October 6 - 10:20 pm

  ...that GM puts together a car that can compete with the imports. I have been waiting for Chevrolet to give me a reason to consider them again. The design and reviews got me in the dealership. The test drive sold me. My four year lease was up on my 2004 Passat Turbo (another review for another day). For the past year I was planning on getting a loaded Accord or Acura TL. After driving them all, I decided to give Chevy a chance again. This car is right on par with the other brands. It actually drives nicer than the Accord, in my opinion, with nicer controls as well.

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  Fun little car - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By squidjuice - October 6 - 7:24 pm

  All I can say is shes 18yrs old and still loved. never thought I would say that about a cavalier! awesome car fun and reliable still babied and in the garage with 3 coats of glaze still original paint and Still looks show room! 2 more years and she a antique these are great fun economy cars

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Steve - October 6 - 6:26 pm

  This is the best value I have ever owned in a car. I purchased for $13,400 2.5 yrs ago and still worth 10- 10.5k, just got 33 mpg on a 200 mile trip going 62mph. Great handling and acceleration. Quiet motor, hasnt seen the dealer since I have owned it. Purchased with 11k, now has 52.5k. Chose over an Impala since designed and handled like a more expensive import.

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  This car HATES gas!! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Laura - October 6 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this to drive around my 4 HUGE dogs, which took the place of my gas guzzling SUV. I have had this car over a year with no problems. This car hates gas so much, the closer the needle gets to E, the need will jump back up, lol. I am getting close to 30mpg highway, which is awesome. VERY comfortable leather seats, and an easy driving & comfortable car.

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  One of a Kind - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Blacksheep7 - October 6 - 11:06 am

  I have to say that originally I am not a Chevy fan but, my 2010 camaro made me a believer. This car plain and simple is the TRUTH!!!!! My 2SS is white with inferno orange racing stripes,this color combination along with the new design gives this car true beauty. However this beauty has a beast under the hood. The power and handling coming from the 6.2 liter is spine chilling. The interior is well crafted and stays true to the older 69 model. This car was designed well and with a lot of thought. This will be my sons senior prom ride and he is only 5.