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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  2001 Chevolet Malibu - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bdean - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Paint peels on front bumper, got two of these cars and both bumpers are peeling GM says it is not their fault. Tires cup on rear causing a lot of road noise. Would not buy another Chevolet of any model.Have had Chevolet in the past that I enjoyed for years,but not these 2001s.

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  2002 SS Camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By lastSS - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The car is absolutely a blast to drive. The acceleration is unbeatable. The handling is superb. I have beaten many cars, some of which were double the price of mine. Dont think you are getting a Mercedes when you buy this car. It is not for the weak hearted. It is a muscle car, not a spors car. There is a difference.

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  Fun To Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By K Klingenberg - September 15 - 10:06 am

  Just purchased a 2006 LT AWD Black. Drives very nice for a vehicle in this price range. I am 6-5" and the vehicle has plenty of room and is very comfortable. Would love to have "OS" handles on the passanger side. Not sure why this was not incorporated into this vehicle? It would have been nice to split the rear bench seat. That would allow for more flexiblity when using the 60/40 seating. The turn signal and wiper handles are somewhat stubby and the driver has to reach for the handle to turn or activate the wipers. Lets bring those out a little so we can keep our handle on the steering wheel. Overall, very well put together vehicle. Only time will tell how dependable the vehicle is??

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  I like my car - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Norma A. Padron - September 15 - 2:00 am

  It is a very spacious car, with great visibility and high. Dont like at times the high because for short and old people it is kind of difficult to get in. Window motors are not too good, both, driver and passenger brake easily and when you need it the most.

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  Do Not by this Car - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Angry Consumer - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car because of its stylish apperance. However, in the two years that I have had it, I have replaced almost every major portion of it. It has been in the shop almost twenty five times in 18 mo. The suspension went out at 39,000 miles. I have had several electrical problems with every electrical component in it. The radio cuts out for no reason, the window motors have been replaced, the alternator, the battery, the speakers, the power locks fuses (12 times before the problem was found.) The car is beautiful and everything I need, but its in the shop and the driveway more than I drive it.

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  My last Tahoe - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Fruit - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my third and final Tahoe...I thought the 95 and the 99 Tahoes were much more comfortable in their rides...this 01 gives a more trucklike ride..the cargo capacity is also smaller. The smaller engine didnt save anything in the gas milage dept. I also found rattles in the front end...the rear tailgate window came off its hinge. I think there is better value out there in the future....

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  Z06 Outstanding Value - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By L.Bonacchi - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been Excellent in every way. I also took the Option "museum Delivery" ($490.00 - 2003)Which in my case was offset by destination charges (aprx $750.00)this is offset by travel- pick up expense. My only criticism was before the actual purchase NO LOCAL DEALERS (JAX FL & St.Marys GA) Would order the car with the "museum Delivery" option ? 1 of 2 reasons for the "Volunteer chevy sevierville Tenn" Dealer purchase

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  Best Ride in the WORLD - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rmb727 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Love this SUV. No problems ever has everything I need and Want.

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  Sweet Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Francesco Blotti - September 14 - 3:40 pm

  This thing is so reliable. I have had it for 3 years and I just gas and go. No repairs no problems, and I put a little over 37,000 miles on it already. Everything is tight and in great working order. Another quality GM vehicle.

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  #1 Ragtop Beater - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rainman5355 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  1997 Convertible LS.Bought it new in 05/1998. Rarely in shop. Have spent maybe $1000 in non-warranteed work. A blast to drive. Every day driver. Holds five passengers. (name another american convertible that does that) Huge trunk for a car its size. Have vacationed in it with the wife and 3 kids comfortably.