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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  Great Crossover Vehicle for the Money - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Chevy for Life - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We downsized from a Suburban to the Equinox due to escalating fuel costs. After searching a long time for a replacement vehicle, we bought our Equinox immediately upon locating one (even prior to driving it). We have no regrets.

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  Love my Colorado - 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Dana - September 30 - 9:47 am

  Ive only had my colorado for a month or so, but I love it. No problems at all. Very comfortable, great gas mileage. Cant wait to see how it does in the snow.

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  My lady bug AKA my chevy aveo 1.6L 4cyl - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tim hershy - September 29 - 11:39 pm

  Bought my Chevy aveo with 32000 and i now have 45000. just recent i had a new timing belt put on because there know to brake at 4000 to 6000 miles. something else you need to keep a good eye on is the plastic thermostat. upgrade is i had aftermarket cruse control installed on my aveo. Good luck if y buy the chevy aveo I had just these 2 problems with my aveo but any car can have problems !! I,m planing to buy another one my next Car purchase.

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  Bigger and Better - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By sorin serban - September 29 - 7:23 pm

  I have been a chevy truck owner for over 30 years. This has hands down been the best truck I have ever owned. I still cannot believe that I am getting an average of 22 mpg on the highway, with the active fuel management. Not to mention the versatility of the back doors opening 170 degrees makes getting the kids in and out a snap. I love the power when I am hauling my boat to the lake it feels like Im not hauling anything at all. GM went above and beyond this time.

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  Buy only if your in it for the long haul - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By turbofiat - September 29 - 6:25 pm

  This is a good little car but I wouldnt buy one unless your in it for the long haul. If you want something thats good on gas, fun to drive and cheap, the Cobalt is a good choice but I wouldnt buy a GM product unless I planned on keeping it for 10 years. Its poor resale value overwhelms the cost of paying it off. Overall its a well built car but the plastic interior is a bit cheap. Also dont slam the glove box or it will crack at the opener like mine did.

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  Excellent auto - except for leaking - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By EmeraldDixon - September 29 - 3:13 pm

  I have enjoyed driving the 2006 HR for the last three years. My only problem is leaking after heavy rains on the floor on the drivers side. Are there other people experiencing this problem?

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  Happy Impala Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By John - September 29 - 3:04 pm

  I bought this car new and it is as great to drive as the day I bought it. The reliability is great and other than a catalytic converter covered by warranty car is trouble free. The size and comfort for all passengers is very good. Gas mileage is good. Terrific in snow.

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  Silver 2001 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob - September 29 - 1:27 pm

  Bought my Silver Vette last year and have enjoyed it ever since. This is my everyday driving car. 2001 Corvette Coupe. Picked it up in Dallas and drove it back. Overall the car has Power from First through Fourth gears. I dont need any more speed after that. Fun car to drive and it looks Great. Would love to step up in Corvettes; however, I will never let this one go.

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  Greatly Pleased, and Proud - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GreenPurgatory - September 29 - 1:20 am

  This car is incredibly luxurious considering it is close to $20,000. I love the performance, handling, comfort, sound system, fuel economy, shifting, styling, and overall just in love with my new Cobalt. I wish they would continue making the Cobalt!

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  Love my Avalanche! - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Willard - September 28 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the Avalanche to replace my Silverado. Couldnt be happier except I cant get my wife out of the Avalanche! Got the White Diamond package with 22" wheels. Took it to the car wash last week and when finished the young man asked for the owner and another customer said he wished it was his. Two of the young men wiping it down mentioned what a "sweet ride" I had. Drove from Utah to Texas and back fully loaded and averaged over 20 mpg at over 70 mph. Extremely comfortable ride on the open road! The folding steps are great! Im over 6 tall and my wife is 5 the adjustable pedals and memory seats make the truck a joy for both. Almost a year and a half and no visits to the shop.