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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  Specialty Car - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By nick j ventura - May 14 - 12:50 am

  Not for just anybody, but once you drive one you will enjoy it

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  Driven like never before. - 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Pat Culleton - May 13 - 2:17 pm

  Out of the man trucks Ive owned this is by far the most exciting and wonderful driving. You save over buying a silverado so get all the options you can, they just add to the great driving experience. I really wish I could have had the colorado when my late wife did her bucket list. Every time I get in and drive this colorado Im amazed and in awe of every part of the colorado. Thanks Chevrolet. This is my second colorado, went from extended cab 4 cylinders to 4 door crew v6.

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  Like the Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Heavyink - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Used mostly for back and forth to work, highway driving. Handles and performs well.

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  Dont Buy - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By AmericanCarsStinks - May 13 - 3:03 am

  This is my company car and all I have to say is this GM car is junk. Fortunately for me, I didnt have to pay a penny for this car. I have nothing good to say about it and a lot to complain about. My biggest complaint is the uncountable number of design "flaws". For example, when you open the trunk on a rainy or snowy day, water or snow spills into the trunk compartment! The car also has poor handling, cheap materials and a build quality that leaves much to be desired. Spend your money on a Toyota, Honda or Nissan.

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  Utility at a price - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jwelch - May 13 - 2:00 am

  The 1999 LS 2wd was our fourth Burb, but the first one purchased new. Replaced transmission at 41000. Seems like new brakes every 16000 miles. My biggest irritation has been a periodic starting problem--probably 12 times so far. It will decide not to start. You turn the key and it sounds like a normal start, except it does not progress to idle. The illness can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Then, it starts and runs as if nothing has been wrong. Typically, these incidents occur when were out of town.

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By car_buyer - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car ever and it turned out to be good choice. I have heard from some people that they had problems with this car but mine has tunred out to be a quality car. No repairs at all other than some recalls. I only had to change the oil regularly and tires and breaks once in 90,000 miles.

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  Reliable, economy, sport coupe - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By seattle, wa - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new right out of college, it was what I could afford at the time. This car has been nothing but great to own and drive. I have had no problems or repairs other than one brake job and new tires! I am about to take it in for its first tune up now that it has over 100K miles. This car run and feels just like it did when it was brand new. My only complaint is that the paint has not held up well, it dings and scratches easily. Otherwise a great car that is very fun to drive and has plenty of power. The people who complain about the lack of power do not have the Z24.

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  Love it! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Susy - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Impala. Hey everyone, this is 2003 now, dont compare it to and old version of the Impala. It rocks and looks good too! Lots of room, but sharp looking and drives well for me. I dont even feel the tranny top out it is so smooth.

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  Great Daily Driver - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By GsMonteCarlo1 - May 13 - 12:50 am

  I had a 1995 Monte Carlo prior to this 2002. Chevy improved the Monte Carlo greatly from 95 model to the 2000+ models. There is more room, better stereo, and bigger trunk. The styling is a lot better as well. The only thing that Chevy messed up was the integrated computer system into the radio. This creates problem with aftermarket stereos and remote starters.

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  Very fast !! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By m308c - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this modern muscle car. Its great on gas, it looks good, and it handles like a dream. Not one trip to the dealer in the last 18,000 miles. Whats not to like?