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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  I love this car! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By happycamper - August 9 - 2:00 am

  We have four kids and this is an awesome vehicle for us because it is so comfortable, drives great & has plenty of extra room for all our "stuff". We drove all the other large SUVs & the Suburban drives the absolute best. Great vehicle!

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  An American Built Success Story - 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Ross A. - August 8 - 11:33 pm

  After hitting 8,500 miles with my 2016 Sonic, I think it is time to review this surprisingly well put-together car. I commute over 100 miles round trip a day in upstate NY, so the Sonic and I have spent a lot of quality time together over the past months. Before the Sonic, I drove a 2013 Honda Fit, a car which the Sonic has blown out of the water (I decided to part with the Fit after it was out of commission for a total of 6 months for an airbag recall-and there will be another to follow). First of all, for what you get, the Sonic is priced exceptionally competitively. I paid just over $11,000 for my LS Hatch, brand new. True, it didnt come with a lot of bells and whistles, but its an American built car that is a top safety pick, had Bluetooth and Onstar, and looks stylish to boot. Though I looked at getting a new Fit, I couldnt spend 5k-7k more for a car with the same features built in Mexico. Second, driving wise, the Somic outperforms the Fit as well. For a subcompact car, the Sonic is fun to drive (while getting an average of 35 mpg) and you sit fairly high up in comparison to other subcompacts. My wife has a Subaru Impreza and when riding in her vehicle one sits noticeably closer to the road. Third, the Sonics interior design is functional and well thought out, however the materials could be of higher quality, though if I cared about being surrounded by "soft-touch" materials, I would have opted for a more expensive car. Overall the Sonic seems like it will be an excellent vehicle that will last a long time.

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  Excellent Product from GM - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kanys - August 8 - 9:26 pm

  Wow. This car has blown me away in the week and a half I have owned it. Every day I look forward to driving it, it looks so good in the garage! The exterior is stunning, I dont think anyone has ever designed a car that looks this good for the price. Interior is very nice too, although not as good as the exterior. The quality seems good, everything is solid and convenient. The seats are very comfortable, and it is easy for a 63" guy like myself to get in and out of. The styling on the inside is kinda retro, but I like that so it works for me.

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  OneGreatTrailBlazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By fastfreddy - August 8 - 7:26 am

  This is the nicest and most powerful SUV, I have owned. The only one I would recommend above it is the Chevey Tahoe.

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  Love almost everything - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By kimjef - August 8 - 7:00 am

  We have owned this car for about 7 months and have 10K+ miles. Overall we have been very pleased. This is the entry level car. We average about 19- 24 MPG ( this is disappointing). Power is alright and it handles well.

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  Runnin son-of-a-gun - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By HGW - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Im extremely happy with my S-10. My gas mileage isnt too hot, but its so fun to drive, I dont care. Besides, Im probably most of the problem (quick jackrabbit starts, driving fast, etc.).

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  Rons l992 Corsica bought as a demo - 1992 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Ronnie Jackson - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Only minor problems over the years except evaporator core in air conditioner had to be replaced while under extended warranty in about 97. Air went out again in 02 and will need condenser. Also lots of problems when first got by trying to use ash tray/cup holder as cup-holder. Always messing up gear shift indicator. Finaly quit using it after taking back to dealer several times while uder warranty.

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  Almost four years and counting! - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By kites0852 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Problems with left front turn signal leads to repeated "burnout bulb" flashing that comes and goes without changing the bulb. Could be switch/socket. Had problems with the plastic fan for the A/C condenser shifting back into the condenser but R.K. Chevrolet did an excellent job of repairing it. They also performed the mod to the cruise control to prevent the shifting into a lower gear when on a road and engaged.

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  Favorite Vehicle in 30 years - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PEDE - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in order to carry 1 child, 3 Grandchildren and my faithful Dog. I couldnt be happier with any other vehicle. Iv been buying & driving for 30 years and have had some pretty raw deals. This one has been AWSOME. I would HIGHLY recommend a Suburban for a family or a person needing hauling/towing capacity.

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  Its everything you want....but - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tmack - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A true American sports car. Former Porsche owner - won over. Bowling Green w/Tan top, love color combo, obviously for others as they have discontinued the color. Modest interior design but coming from a Porsche,a step up. Problems w/fuel gauge (6x) replaced tanks, senders, etc.. A/C condensation leaking onto passenger floor - my own interior swimming pool.. electrical issue with radio, etc., staying on after engine shut down and door opening. Told this is not a big deal but for a 55K car it should not there in the first place.