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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  Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Matt Kirby - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned an SUV, until I wrecked my Ford Taurus. I shopped around, and test drove many cars, and absolutely fell in love with the Trailblazer. It handles very well in the city and on the highway, has great acceleration (especially from 40mph- 70mph,) and has a ton of space inside. The engine is strong and quiet, and I have not had a single problem to date (although I have only owned it for 3 months.) My only disappointment is the $25 it takes to fill it up every week, but I guess I should have seen that coming.

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  One major problem - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By rugbyking - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 Trailblazer I bought in march of 2003. I have really enjoyed this SUV. It drives great and has good power. I have had one major problem. My transmission has had issues. The dealer said it was cracked from the cheverolet plant. That was "fixed". Six weeks later, the transmission was slipping, and the dealer found out the transmission pump was cracked, which allowed the radiator and transmission coolant to mix. The dealer did replace the transmission at that point. The clutch fan was also replaced, because it made a ticking noise. I hope my problems are fixed. So far so good.

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  10k mile update - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By daltam69 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Like the power of the 4.8 but I probably should have gone with the 3.73 axle ratio instead of 3.42 for a little better acceleration/pulling power. Barely getting 15.5 to 16mpg in mostly city driving. Overall very happy with this truck so far...like the smooth strong power and roominess. Ride is a little spongy but comfortable and quiet...looking to upgrade suspension for appearance/performance.

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  Nice Car - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Ryu Saotome - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Got this car when it was at about 100,000 miles. So far Ive only had to pay for one repair. A fuel injector shorted out at around 133,000 miles. It cost $300. Considering how inexpensive this vehicle is compared to an import, it didnt bother me. Its quite roomy. The seats and ride are comfortable, and all the controls are within reach and easy to use. I also apreciate the great visibility. Performance is what you would expect from a 4door sedan. I appreciate the available power on the highway. As someone else said in their review, this is a great highway car. Overall, this car is a great value.

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  dont need to be perfect - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By danny in TX - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Its a 1996 LS 4.3 w/auto and 95000 mi. Ive had A/C problems, but I think it is MIDAS instead of GM. Heater not working. Powerful and comfy. Never failed to start. Looks great, not stupid like some others. Prob wont buy another GM however. According to other comments, and wifes Blazer, Ive been lucky.

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  Blazer - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jrm - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the blazer brand new and have put close to 260000 miles on it with relatively few problems. I have replaced the O2 sensor, water pump, and the alternator. Not to bad for that many miles.

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  The last of the fun and sporty camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Danabeth - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second camaro and I am very glad to have purchased the final year 35th Anniversary edition. The car rides real nice and I enjoy every drive I take. If you can find one, I would recommend picking it up!

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By yukonpower - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my implala 2 weeks ago and put over 3000 miles on it. I must say that I enjoy to drive it more then my GMC Yukon...Car seems very solid, responsive and absorbs bumps very well.. Plenty of room for 5 adults..Great gas milage, and planty of safety features..

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By EGH1 - February 3 - 9:03 pm

  On my way to buy a RAV4 and at my wifes request, I stopped at our Chevy dealership to see what the new Equinox might have to offer. I knew it might be cheaper money wise, but I also thought that the Equinox would be cheaper for a reason- lower quality look, feel, ride, etc. The price was the only thing that was cheaper. BOY! Was I surprised- this was quality in every way! And after almost 6000 miles in three months, I have not been disappointed. It gets great mileage. There are no squeaks. It handles in ALL kinds of weather like a champ. The fit and finish certainly equals the RAV4. The back seats are outstanding. XM radio and OnStar standard. Chevys got a winner!

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  All I Can Is WOW !! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rick - February 3 - 2:06 pm

  It was my wifes turn to get the new car. I was going to take the 03 Trailblazer and trade the 01 Accord. She wanted a VW CC orlow miles BMW X3 which was okay. So were talking to my son and he tells me hes interested in the 10 Equinox to replace his Z71Tahoe. Then he tells me the gas mileage on 4cyl. Im driving by a Chevy dealer and decide to pop in to look at Equinox. The showroom version was loaded to the gills and it knocked me over. Next thing you know Obama pops the Clunker deal, my daughter gets a new job and wants to unload my 97 Jeep Laredo. Add Chevys Conquest $1000 for a nonGM and the deal was done- problem,couldnt find any left on the local lots.Drove 2hrs for a 2LT