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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  Big Red - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sonny and Colleen - July 9 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of have an intermittent distributor problem, Big Red has been a blessing to out family.

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  cav - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By fdaklf - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is well worth the value. I strongly suggest it.

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  It has been a good vehicle - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mgates - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought new,still like its looks not big,dark back windows,nice wheels. Excellent paint,red/tan leather,attractive.ERG valve problems twice.Freeze plug leaked coolant.Replaced the fuel pump.The brakes have fadded several times after alot of stopping with a full load of people.Bigger brakes are needed. The ride is much better than an Explorer or other SUVs available in 95. I like the tail gate. Good for sitting on to put on golf shoes,carrying long items. It has excellent capicity in the rear for tennis bags, golf bags, building materials, gardening materials. Since narrow 68", it fits in smaller garages and parking spaces.

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  A great all around SUV - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jaredmsd - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Blazer, it has wonderful power and has more get-up-and-go than my new 4Runner that has 60 more hp. The interior fits perfectly and is comfortable. I also like the truck features like the 4-Lo and the rear hatch door that lays flat like a pick- up. The cargo space and floor length is still unbeatable in a midsize SUV (try finding a midsize SUV with a floor length greater than 6 ft.). Like others, Ive had problems with my fuel/exhaust system.. I have replaced the EGR valve and the fuel injector. I have 144,000 miles though and it is still running like a champ. Ive never been stranded on the side of the road, and Ive never been stuck in snow.

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  Good reliable and affordable car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Kira - July 9 - 2:00 am

  The only kind of repairs done to the car are general maintenance and a brake job and new battery after 4 years.

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  Burb 2500 LT 4W - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Colorado Paul - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Live in the Rockies, and "this" is the ride to own. Our 2500 LT has been a PRINCE, and we cant say a bad thing about it...unless buying gas causes you disconfort. Its an animal.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Haysucka - July 9 - 2:00 am

  what can i say. thought i was buying a reliable car. not!! few days after taking delivery on the car, found out there was a recall on the motor - piston slap, 4 months later, had to replace rotors, and brakes. the materials lok and feel cheap, seats arent exactly supportive, get sore after long trips.

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  Biggest mistake of my life - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazer Hater - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This 2000 Blazer has been nothing but a headache. I dont have a tow package and most miles are highway. I dont ride it hard or off road, HOWEVER, by 60000 miles the transmission blew, the hub assembly had to be replaced and every little thing inside has fallen apart or off (ie the seat adjuster). Its been nothing but a money pit. I cant get ANYBODY to buy it and the dealerships almost laugh when I drive in asking about a trade. Big time money sucker. Dont ever buy one or any other GM vehicle. Im going back to a Honda. Forget this domestic crap.

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  WOW - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JamesonD - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable

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  Great style at a great price - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ThreeMalones - July 9 - 2:00 am

  We love our Malibu. Few cosmetic problems on delivery (scratches and interior grime) of which the dealer took care of right away. Awesome sound system plenty of storage, and an oversized, "flat" trunk which looks huge. The fold down rear seats are very useful. The features and additions were very plentiful and affordable. We are VERY happy.