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:

• 

  Red Racer - Youre Great!! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Sqqzieq - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is the fastest, most throttle responsive car I have ever driven. The styling is great and even at 4 years old attracts a lot of attention. I havent had any mechanical problems with the car and only wish that Chevrolet had not decided to discontinue it. I plan to keep the car for a long time to come.

• 

  surprised by my Tracker - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By dskyyboi - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to buy a Tracker but was talked into it by a friend. I am surprised how smooth it rides and the power it has for a four cylinder. I felt I definitely got my moneys worth. I actually enjoy driving it.

• 

  Chevy Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick1 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this from a GM technician after my 87 S-10 Blazer was on its last leg and must say I do like it alot compared to what I had. Interior is very nice, stereo is good for being O.E., handeling and ride quality is good for its size. Dont expect to beat any speed records with it, its not meant for that but it can get up and go when you need it to. I installed an after-market cold air intake and it has improved gas milage and acceleration a bit. Definately a step above some others out there in its class for the price.

• 

  Resliable responsice economical Malibu - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Seerp - August 5 - 2:00 am

  At 58000 miles this car has never been back to the dealer for fixes! Excellent on gas as I get close to 30 mpg, it has pleanty of pep and is nicely road responsive. I would buy another one in a minute. I hope they dont screw up the new model coming.

• 

  Wonderful - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By candybarbaby - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I had previously driven a Malibu before and fell in love with it, so when it came time to buy a new car, that is the only car I would even consider. I love it. It is very dependable, and low maintance. I love my car so much, that in only a month I have put 2000 miles on it, I love driving it it, it is comfortable, and drives very well. I dont what else to say, except that Malibu will be the only car I buy from now on.

• 

  The best performance car 50K can buy - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By PeterKoch - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my second C5 vette. The performance is simply astonishing - yet the car is very civilized. Ive shopped for a used viper - but found it not to be a car that you can drive to work. Z06 fits this category nicely - excellent dayly driver + screaming performance

• 

  MADE IN AMERICA - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joe Mac - August 5 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car I had a little question mark in my head - now I have a big smile on my face! This is the best sedan on the road - PERIOD. I drive 65/100 miles a day (Local,Highway,City) and look at all the "non" American four door vehicles that cost thousands more yet have less room, power and comfort. I laugh as I pass them by. The Impala LS is the best kept secret around. I have ordered an SS and cant wait!!!

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jmeakins74 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my suburban. I feel totally safe and rely on it to keep my kids safe too. I wouldnt trade it for the world!!

• 

  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Main Driver - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I drive the Suburban daily! I cant imagine hauling groceries, kids, backpacks, sports equipment, etc. in anything else! In the winter, with icy roads, I feel safe and secure taking the family where ever they need to go! Great Auto!

• 

  Good for the traveller - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Richievan - August 4 - 5:13 am

  This car is great for those who need to travel. It has room, but gets pretty good gas milage (20 mpg). Rides well and is loaded with convenience.