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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  avalanche 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By char - August 1 - 2:00 am

  im very happy with my new 03 avalanche.. i had a 99 silverado Z71 ext cab. previous to this avalanche and a 96 chevy silverado before the 99.. im a chevy person and buy thier product for the dependability.. in my business i need something that will handle the mileage and the weather.. having 2 growing boys and a dog just as big i wanted a new vehicle for room but still have my truck space for work and camping supplies... (the avalanche has a tent and air matress that can be purchased for it.. which to me is a good investment.. all in all, its a good truck...

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  2002 Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By larryfl - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned this car for almost 18 months. Very few problems, nothing serious. Car handles well for its size and type (sport suspension) and gets phenominal gas mileage -- upwards of 30MPG at 80MPH. Lots of room and huge trunk. Its an excellent family car and were very pleased. If I had to list a few negitives, Id say the interior fit and finish could be better.

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  outstanding Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ww67317 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  great vehical smooth ride - space for passengers and luggage. Excelent trim interior & exterior Love the 17" rims

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  1st new truck purchase - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Brandon - July 31 - 9:00 pm

  This is the first truck I have purchased new. Totally enjoy the truck so far (3500 miles). I did have a leak in the front trasfer case, took it in and they found nothing. It hasnt leaked since. Looked like a seal was leaking. The only complaint I have is something I have seen on here, the cloth seats need constant removal of lint and seat shedding. Didnt know if this was due to "new" seats or if this will be a constant battle. Maybe should have spent the extra money for leather. Other than that it is an awesome truck, get lots of looks and compliments. Added a soft bed cover, spray in liner and chrome door handles. Back in black and lovin ever minute of it. Like a rock!

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  waited for a deal and found it - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By jmorris@vertafore.com - July 31 - 8:02 am

  dont skimp on what you want

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  dependable car - 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
  By dtorma - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a neighbor who was reluctant to sell it because she liked it so much. Its been very reliable as a second family vehicle with very few repairs needed. I wish they made more like this one... I also have a friend with one of these cars in a 93 with many more miles and a happy owner.

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  Money pit!! - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
  By lb505 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has been one expense after another. Three fuel injectors have gone (at different times), the transmission needed to be rebuilt at 6 years old, various other engine fixes that seem to cost me at least $500 a fix. I was averaging over $200 a month for repair bills. Paint has peeled off in huge pieces.

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  Warrning!! Watch out for this truck - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By Carney - July 31 - 2:00 am

  71,000 miles the transfer case (NVG246) electronic shifting developed 3 holes. Cost to repair $1400. Rear brakes ruined fluid contamination. Truck is highway driven only, no off road, or heavy towing. Transfer case is poorly designed and built to fail. Internal oil pump wiggles and wears holes in the case. Repair shop said they see A LOT(!) of this. Replacement parts are the same as the old ones GM and New Ventures response, “out of warranty YOUR problem”! Nice response for a truck that coast $31,000 new.

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  A very, very good car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sly Foxe - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars overall that I have owned. It has a high level of comfort. Particularly the front seats. i am a big guy (250#s) and I have been very comfortable on days that I drove 600+ miles. One small problem with the power steering pump that was replaced under warranty and that is all after 26,000 miles. Fuel econmy is 19-21 in town and 28-30 on the road. Excellent for a car as large and comfortable. I also like the ONSTAR system. Still riding on the original tires and brakes that should be good for another 5,000 miles. Acceleration is above average and handling is secure and predictable.

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  A great truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JBN - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with this truck. Very quiet and great ride. Minor problem with front suspension fixed under warranty. Not happy with factory Firestone tires.