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 just bought one - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By lisa - May 31 - 7:30 pm

  Overall my experience with this vehicle has been overwhelming! I enjoy driving this, and moved from a sedan to this minivan.

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  Goes in the snow! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By D. Fischer - May 31 - 8:56 am

  The vehicle provides a feelng of security. It handles well on the Interstate, accelerates to pass and holds the ground. Road noise is minimal. The back storage compartment could be wider to accomodate a wheelchair more easily. The center compartment lifts up for a great place to put a womans purse of medium size. The back hatch door is a little heavy to push up, but doable. The leg room in the rear passenger seat is adjustable and accommodates long-legged people better than any other vehicle Ive owned. The rear headrests cannot be removed. They are a little wide and block the rear view more than Id like. Just have to be very careful before backing up. Im happy with the Equinox.

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  Overall Good Performer - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By watergirl - May 31 - 8:16 am

  I went from a European car that gave me nothing but problems to an American car that Im actually looking forward to driving. Gas mileage a little less than perfect but overall, great power, good handling and so much space and comfort.

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  Great little 4X4 - 1998 Chevrolet Tracker
  By sunfun - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This is our second tracker. Having a great time zooming around town in this one.

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  2008 Impala 2LT - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By trainguy - May 30 - 9:23 pm

  This is a lot of car for the money. Plenty of room for the entire family, easily holds 5 adults. We upgraded to leather interior. The trunk is absolutely huge. Very long list of standard frills on the 2LT is more what Id have expected if I had purchased a luxury model. Highway ride is smooth and quiet. A pleasure to drive. Avg fuel is 24mpg, mostly highway. Plenty of pep with the 3.9 engine. Biggest issue was finding one to buy, area dealers had none in stock, had to have it shipped in but still got a great deal.

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  Just Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Tony Schwanda - May 30 - 6:40 am

  I truly enjoy driving this truck. It has performed better then expected it the snow and ice of northern Wisconsin. Yet it is only a 2 wheel drive. The one area that need some attention is the seating. The angle is too straight for long distance travel. I suggest that they make a small adjustment in this area as well as a little more room for the passengers feet. These are only minor problems and can be fixed with a bit of thinking. The ride is smooth and the road noise is minimal. great truck. Just having fun.

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  1996 Monte Carlo - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Bamoeller - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Its comfort is good and extras are excellent. The adjustable leather seat conforms nice. and i have had no complaints from passengers (front or rear) The radio is fun to play with especially on the steering wheel. It overall has a sporty look and is fun to cruise the streets in.

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  Sorry to see my Tahoe go - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mac in Kentucky - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 97. Early on, vehicle required five sets of front rotors due to faulty brake design. Chevy covered it all under warranty -- even after warranty expired. No other problems encountered. At 182,000 miles, brake failure caused me to rear-end a pick- up. This wiped-out the front end. I walked away with minor bruises. I replaced my Tahoe with a Suburban.

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  Bad Chevy - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By a. hickman - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car brand new in September 1999. Two month later I had to replace the rotor. Half way through the year I replace two tires. Give I put a lot of miles, but I have been in the shop a lot of times replacing belts, alternator, and etc. Right now Im having trouble shifting into gear on a cold start but dealer cant find anything wrong. The car is very noisy and I lost value because of the drop in price. Im switching to Toyota. No more Chevy.

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  Less than impressed - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By madmabs - May 30 - 2:00 am

  After 3 years of leasing this car I am very glad to return it to the (less than professional) Dealership. If you are thinking of buying a Malibu Dont. It has developed a squeak and groaning noise from the front suspension. The brakes are sub-par and had to be replaced after 2 years even though I am not heavy footed. The paint finish is substandard and the interior also. Do yourself a favor and check out a Honda Accord