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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  This car rocks. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By nosemovie - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I see plenty of older folks driving this car, but I dont know why. The engine roars and the handling is great. Make sure to get traction control, its the AWD of the future.

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  A Winner So Far - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By GaryinNC - August 30 - 9:56 am

  Had the car for about a month and so far so good. Traded in a TrailBlazer and getting good returns as far as better mileage. 1LT with sunroof and power convenience package, Sandstone color - very sharp! Smooth ride, quiet engine, decent mileage so far (22-25 mpg in mixed driving). Eye-catching interior and every feature you might need. Also looked at Sonata and Altima and this was the best choice for me. Only minuses so far are turning radius (seems like the TrailBlazer could turn tighter), no rear seat armrest, and small trunk opening. Im 62" and it took a little while to find a comfortable seat postion but no compaints now.

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  My Colbalts Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Phillip A. Fivgas - August 30 - 9:00 am

  I am first time buyer with little experience in car performance. However the Colbalt was a excellent buy as it performs great. Its got a great exterior design and the engine purrs, however Chevy can improve greatly in the interior design as well as offering more opinonal equipment as standard such as power windows and locks- but a great deal for the price.

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  My Super Sport has been a pleasure - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By Red Vortec - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I really love this truck. I have put 140000 miles on it and it still looks and drives well. My only troubles have been the EGR valve and the CPI fuel injection pod. I have made many modifications for performance and this truck still moves out well when needed. I plan to drive this truck for at least five more years. It still turns heads wherever I go.

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  My 1999 Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ken Garwick - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The only major problem experienced was the computer/transmission glitch where code 1870 kept coming up after "Check engine soon" warning. First happened at 12,000 miles. At 60,000 miles I had to replace valve body ($1,100) but that did not fix the problem and the "bumb" rough shifting from start thru 2nd. Replaced valve body again at 160,000 and all is fine. Chevy tried many times to sell me a $3,000 tranny.

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  I love it!! - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By wanted a truck - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a truck, bought it used. When I first bought it...I had problems with Air Bag Light, brakes, and stearing. The dealership stood behind everything (it was all fixed). Since then I have no problems with it

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  Chevy Cavalier LS - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By raseco - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Since buying my car used in 97, I have never had a problem w/ this car. Other than the normal maintenance and upkeep, I have not had to replace any other parts.

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  4 Transmissions in 4 Years - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dhawk - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my Tahoe. I love it so much that I keep putting transmissions in it instead of getting rid of it. Just two days ago it ate its fourth transmission. Apparently there is a defect (complete with s TSB to fix it) that makes these trucks eat transmissions. Unfortunately, GM doesnt feel they owe the owners for the transmissions or the fix. Other than that, the truck is awesome. It will tow a boat, trailer, or car. It will haul your family and all their luggage. While driving, you feel totally safe. My gas mileage averages about 17 mpg and the ride is smooth.

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  TAHOE RULES! - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mrp - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Best suv for the money. With now over 140,000 miles its still running strong. All original parts except battery, belt & tires.

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  No complaints for my ZR2 - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Todd B. - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Whomever had this vehicle before me took good care of it. Looks brand new minus a couple of minor scratches. The interior is in perfect shape. True, it has a lot of plastic but it isnt as bad as some say. What do you expect? This isnt a luxury SUV. I have the Bose stereo with 6 cd changer and it sounds great. I have nearly every option available on it. I truly love driving it each day. All of my friends love the way it looks. My only issue so far is that the rear windows leak if you go through a high pressure car wash. No big deal, easily fixed. Other than that I have zero complaints.