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 LOVE MY TAHOE - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wyche227 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Im very impressed with the handling and power. The truck is easily driven through tight spaces and on the open road (unlike the bigger Ford Expedition). I suggest installing after-market front brake pads and rotors. Also, I opted for the rear bay doors but I should have purchased one with a barn door with the optional windshield wiper/cleaner.

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  Unbelievable automobile in every way - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By razal - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for almost two years. Not many miles because I dont take it out in bad weather in the north, but this car is just beyond my wildest dreams. A real headturner. Cant wait to drive it. Have zero complaints. Would buy another in a second.

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  My Avalanche = my buddy - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Big-Daddy - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I drive this teuck 650 miles a week. It is my familys choice to ride in when we go out. I have used it to haul lumber, as trasnportation on a 5 adult trip, and as a commuter vehicle. The comfort and drivability are superb. I am amazed at how nice it rides, and yet is an exceptionally functional truck. It even fits in the garage.

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  Bobby girl - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By allygirly - February 28 - 2:00 am

  they are really fun to drive and cool

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By suska - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Chevy got it right.

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  Well I was suprised.. Maybe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By markyboy@sbcglobal.n - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Well, I was suprised. I owned a chevy truck C10 for 10 yrs in the 70-80s, and was basically happy. No major problems in 10 years. Then I started buying Japanese cars. Enough said. I was looking at the Toyota Sequoia to buy and did not even thaught of buying a Chevy. Then, on the way home to pick up my wife to go to the Toyota dealer, for some un explained reason I stopped at a Chevy dealer and test drove a Tahoe. Well after a few months, of being downright confused (I didnt want to buy the Chevy), I bought the Tahoe and havent looked back. I have the LT w/ Autoride, and have been extemely happy with it. Well, again, I was suprised.. Maybe not.

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  Back to GM, Again! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dixon - February 28 - 2:00 am

  After getting away from GM (2 p/us and 2 Suburbans) came back in time to get a 2002 T/B 4x4 with an excellent engine. Has not caused me any concern during first 20,000 miles....

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  The clear winner in its class. - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FINNS - February 27 - 4:40 pm

  My wife and I tested the Altima, Camry, Accord, Mazda 6, Sonata and Ford Fusion before deciding this car was the winner. Each car had its strengths and weaknesses with options and price, but for overall solid feeling ride quality, and value the Malibu beat them all, in our opinion. I had the opportunity to drive a 2008 LS rental for several months for work and thought it was great. Testing the 2009 LTZ with 6 speed transmission seemed like a different and much nicer car altogether! The interior is roomy and the cocoa/cashmere leather with wood accents is very attractive. The interior LED lighting is very soothing at night. Had strangers tell us how beautiful the car is/ask questions.

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  IMPRESSED TOTALLY - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By RANCE H. GREGORY - February 27 - 2:00 am

  THE 1999 CHEVROLET S-10 I HAVE HAD FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS IS A FUN WELL, WELL BUILT AND A GOOD PERFORMER WITH THE 4.3 V6. I STILL ENJOY GETTING IN IT EACH DAY AND DRIVING IT. IT IS THE 1ST NEW VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT I STILL LIKE IT AS MUCH AS WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED IT,

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  Lumina: sporty and functional - 1991 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Brian H. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 years now. I love it as much as the day I bought it. It is fast, comfortable, has an awesome loud exhaust sound, and a great stereo. It has had a few minor problems like fuel pressure regulator, TCC solenoid, and spark plug wires. Other than that, it has been close to perfect. Great brakes, contrary to what some say. Never touched them in four years, and they dont make a sound or hesitation. Very roomy car, mine fits six nicely.