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:

• 

  Hard Driving - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 04Tahoe - September 5 - 11:28 am

  I now have 85k miles on this tahoe. Mechanically, it is in perfect condition! Only repair was the 4wd system sensor: $700. Cosmetically, I keep it washed and waxed and am amazing how it still turns heads. I drive Pacific Coast Highway every day, and to the mountains or river every weekend. I have absolutely not concern that this vehicle will make it to 250k miles if cared for properly. This is the best SUV for the money.

• 

  Improved - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By kurb - September 4 - 11:46 pm

  I am very pleased with the smooth ride in the 06 crew cab. I had a 2000 Silverado and it wasnt nearly as smooth of a ride. Very strong engine. Sound system is great. Very comfortable seating.

• 

  My dream comes true! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sr. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It is affordable, stylish and fast. An American built dependable car. For over 40 years the Vette has always been the "American Classic Dream Car". I prefer the Coupe, that way you have the best of both worlds, wind in your hair and still the quiteness and comfort of a semi-convertible. Drive one, youll want it!

• 

  great - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By andre - September 4 - 10:00 am

  real fast nice ride a got huge exhaust so it sounds cool if u get this car u need tight rims

• 

  corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kyle blake - September 4 - 10:00 am

  i love my corvette it is the greatest car ive ever had in my life.

• 

  chevy tahoe LT - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By backstopmom - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Very surprised, did not expect this car to be this great.

• 

  MY TRAILBLAZER, 2003 MODEL - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By S.E. DUVALL - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED IN A GRAND CHEROKKE LIMITED ON THIS TRAILBLAZER, IT SURE FEELS GOOD TO GET BACK INTO A CHEVY. NOTHING BEATS THE PERFORMANCE OR RIDE OF THIS SUV. I AM VERY IMPRESSED!

• 

  Built Like a Rock - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chevman2004 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Chevy Silverado LS 4x4 ext cab, and it drives better than most of the luxary cars I have driven. This truck can haul-a$$. It bought the 2004 for a work truck. I soon found out that I can press the padal and beat the corvette in the next lane. the top speed is electronicaly limited to 95MPH but it could get up to 130 easily. It does guzzle Gas. I would not recomend it to the person that wants a fuel effecient truck. If you want a fun to drive truck this is the one. I have taken this truck off roading and it has been twisted and turned in ways no vehical should. I checked out the vehical later, every part was still stong. BUILT TO LAST

• 

  Enjoying the ride - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mark - September 3 - 3:37 pm

  I bought a gently used and fully loaded LTZ and love the truck. Just came back from 2,400 trip and was glad I took it. Plenty of room for luggage in box/trunk. Felt safe on the road being higher up. Could see great when driving in bad weather with too. Handled well even at higher speeds. Kids loved the DVD player. Bought it because wanted a box to haul things, and a size like a surburban. Sharp looking truck. Now wife wants one too. No surprise on fuel economy, 12 mpg city, 18 hwy @ 65mph. I live where theres alot of snow so the extra weight helps with traction, much less rear slippage than a pickup.

• 

  2007 LT 4.8L Silverado - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By laline - September 3 - 3:23 pm

  I had an 04, when the new style was out, had to get it! Looks great, beautiful ride, and the new warranty isnt too bad either. Fuel economy could be better, the 5.3 on my old one got just as good MPG. Overall I love it, the pros outweigh the cons.