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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  What a car - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By morningman556 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the aniversary edition. Red w/black convertable, leather etc..loaded. The only problem I have had is the door seals leak. The dealer fixed them and I love the car. Everybody looks whn u drive it. I did add a few effects to the car to dress it up a little. All considered, I would recommed this car.

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  Like A Rock - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Bowtie - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I finally bought the truck after following the model since I saw it on a poster in the dealership in 2000. I love the truck and I am not disappointed in any feature of this truck. It handles great, look even better and is extremely versatile. I recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Best Ever - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MCKass - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Handles very nice and is cheap to own.Handles our boat and trailer very well. Its nice to own a quailty America made vehicle

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  Big, Sweet Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By John - September 13 - 5:40 pm

  All the features I wanted and nothing more. Cruises great at 70. But if you want the supercharger it will let you know its there. I drive a lot during any given day and dont feel drained getting home as before. Ergonomics are fine. Dont pay attention to the pinhead critics that dont like the layout of the cup holders and derate the entire vehicle. Not impling there are things I wouldnt change or like changed (full display with XM, and location of parking brake) with the interior, but for the money Im not complaining. Love the body style, small in front and big in back.

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  S10 Mean machine - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By billsfan90294 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Has so mucn power and is very dependable. 4.3 L is the best enginee GM has ever put out. Tows trailers with ease and has great traction in the snow.

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  Love my girl - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Changita - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My Cavalier is three years old this month and I still love her. Had a few problems with the converter at first but since replacement shes been running like a champ. Driven across the country 3 times and never had a single problem. Shes small, sporty, and reliable.

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  My 2001 Astro Van - 2001 Chevrolet Astro
  By sharona61bio - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my van used in January 2003. It had 38,000 miles when I bought it. So far, it has been a really good vehicle. The only problems that I have experienced is a bad window motor, a bit of vibration at idle and an intermittent squeak from the rear on acceleration. These appear to be more annoying than detrimental. I drive it to work everyday and have made a few 100+ mile trips to visit relatives. Its comfortable, roomy and it handles real well. The dash controls are very user-friendly. The front/rear AC does a nice cooling job even with 6 adults aboard in July heat.

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  Best Year Ever - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KamaroKid - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is deffinetly a highway car. Rides superb and has ample horse power for a nice sunday drive.

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  Chevrolet Venture - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Erron Woodard - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this 2003 that was a rental vehicle. Van is very smooth riding and has plenty of power. The only thing they should have thought of was more power outlets in the front. There is only one. My previous GMC Jimmy had 3 power outlets. Enjoy having the sliding passenger door, makes a big difference with our little baby getting her in and out. Rear air is a life saver!

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  2500 HD wimpy truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By JELAY114 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is strong off the dealer lot. After a few miles it was nothing but problems. bad transfer case, 3 BCMs, wiring harnesses, fuel economy, now I have just found diesel in the crankcase...