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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  OK - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By 67getx - February 8 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my truck with 5300 miles on it. I was replacing a 98 Xtra Cab GMC that I loved. This truck does what it is supposed to do. I pull a 18 trailer regularly and it does fine. It has a rougher ride and the seat is not comfortable to me. They raised the body from the older ones so you have higher to lift things into the bed. Gas mileage is about what I expected. The transmission slipped and the dealer replaced my convertor. No other problems since. Has more wind noise in the cab than the 8 year old truck I got rid of.

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  Love The Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Todd - February 8 - 5:33 pm

  Tried all SUVs on the market. The Equinox was the best fit based on comfort ( Im very tall ), gas mileage, looks, and affordability. Give one a try. You will be greatly surprised at the room and gas mileage. In town 25-26 mpg is what I get. I purchased the 2.4 L four cylinder. Plenty of power as long as you dont drag race from light to light. I set out to purchase an import, but GM really made this vehicle appealing. Hope this helps.

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  07 LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mlbender - February 8 - 4:43 pm

  We just picked up our 07 LTZ. So far its been absolutely wonderful. Weve got every option but the Nav/rear cam. Previously had a 00 Yukon, and the new platform is by far superior. Love the new interior, very high quality materials, no "cheap plastic" look that was common with GM for so long. Weve been running only E85 because its almost $0.60 cheaper here (South Dakota) than regular unleaded. Were getting about 11mpg in town and 15 or so on the highway. That compares to about 14/18 with the Yukon on 10% Ethanol. Im going to run a tank of 10% Ethanol next time to get an idea of how well the Active Fuel Management does. So far, cant tell when its in V4 vs. V8. Been great!!

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  Excellent Reliability! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jdeluca1 - February 8 - 1:36 pm

  This is my 4th Silverado and love it. It has everything I want in a truck. The Bose sound and 6disc in-dash stereo is great. Very comfortable inside. I bought this truck used with 36k miles on it. Since then--in the past 3 years, now it is up to 106k miles on it----still no problems. The only complaint I have was the face of the radio. The paint or numbers would peel off. The other thing I love is how much this truck holds its value. Unlike other cars--it holds its value really well. Great truck!

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  Excellent Reliability! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jdeluca1 - February 8 - 1:18 pm

  This is my 4th Silverado and love it. It has everything I want in a truck. The Bose sound and 6disc in-dash stereo is great. Very comfortable inside. I bought this truck used with 36k miles on it. Since then--in the past 3 years, now it is up to 106k miles on it----still no problems. The only complaint I have was the face of the radio. The paint or numbers would peel off. The other thing I love is how much this truck holds its value. Unlike other cars--it holds its value really well. Great truck!

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  Great people mover! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Patrick - February 8 - 9:50 am

  This is a nice all around crossover. For people that love an SUV it delivers. For people that love a mini van it has the qualities without the looks. The styling of the interior is well put together and I love the easy use push buttons for the climate and audio controls. The best part is the way it drives! Fun, fun, and more fun. GM seems to have put a lot of thought and quality into this vehicle and I just hope that it performs like this for many years to come.

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  Big, Bold, & Beautiful - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mike 95 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1995 Impala SS as a present to myself. As a young man I owned a 1965 Impala SS and when I saw the 1995, I new that I should have another. It is a great car to drive. The 2 ton behemoth handles the road and speeds ike no other car. I cruise to car shows, cruise ins, and just everywhere in style. It has won many trophys so judges and peers know it is a great car, too. I have had no problems with my Imp. I love it.

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  Happy Owner - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 2 Corvette Owner - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with my 96 coupe. I do know what everyone is talking about when the top comes off-- lots of shimming. I actually pulled over the first time because I thought something was wrong with the car. Most of all I think the car is awsome with its power and looks. I would recommend this car for anyone except for young adults because they would get in trouble. If you do buy this car own another car because you will not want to drive this car in the rain or snow or park near anyone that may hurt it. This car will surely be a classic.

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  I like my Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ed in Huntsville - February 8 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle on a trip and around town very reliable reasonably good gas mileage (16mpg) great hauling capacity.

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  GTZ is the best model! - 1990 Chevrolet Beretta
  By andy Mckevitz - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to have when you are sick of seeing those hondas with the park benches on back. This car will put them in their place and uphold American car-pride!