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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  Lovin it!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Lovin it!! - February 3 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased the "Nox" on February 14th fully loaded (heated Leather front seats, sunroof, XM Radio, 6 disc CD changer, etc). No regrets so far, I thought about the Nissan Murano but I would have had to pay at least another 10,000 for all of the options I have with the "Nox". I get lots of compliments and its so fun to drive. The only thing that is concerning me right now is that there is a noise coming from the brakes. Leather is the only way to go in this vehicle, you wont regret it. Love it!!!!

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  Love my Monte - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Burkie - February 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the fun car to drive. Has great pickup and lots of room Has a big truck for traveling. It has been in the shope three times.Once for a steering problem, airconditioning clog and brake cable came out of a holder. Nothing major just inconvence.

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  My 2001 Chevy - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By cecil m. hickman - February 3 - 10:00 am

  It takes 2 acres to turn around. Very difficult to park, steering problems with engine in idle.

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  Response to Trailblazer by Knoxville - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailblazerAtlanta - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my wife a LT 2Wd last year and have been nothing but pleased with vehicle. The 4.2L does produce 270HP. Frankly, I was shocked to here you say that it will not keep up with the Cherokee. I know for a fact that there is not a SUV out there that can run with the Trailblazer. I even shocked a few sports car with the Trailblazers power and speed. I suggest that you carry yours to the dealership and find out whats wrong. If Chevrolet would market and advertise the Trailblazer properly no one would buy a Explorer or a Cherokee again. CHEVROLET has a WINNER this time.

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  This is the truck to get - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By texas truck fan - February 3 - 5:10 am

  I have been on the market for a truck for about a year, and this is by far the best out there. I test drove a Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Nissan and Toyota. I went with the Chevy as it was the best by far. The Dodge and Ford looked cheap on the inside. I honestly dont see how anyone could pick the Ford over the Chevy. Great comfort.

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  Excellent Car - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Gregory Jackson - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My car was purchased new I have 378K miles and never had any engine work. It does not leak any oil.Ive put new belts,alternator,plugs and wires. But that basic maintenance on a vehicle. I put new chrome rims and tires on about 4 years ago. I need a new A/C compressor and will be getting a paint job soon. As for engine work it runs great. Its the Heartbeat of America!!

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  stole it and fell in love - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By purtycoolguy - February 3 - 2:00 am

  bought a fully loaded lease return for $10k...low miles and four wheel drive- got me through snow and ice in the mountains of colorado and new mexico, good traction and power for highway speeds...compared to other suvs it is not the gas guzzler others bought!!! love it "like a rock"

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  Never Buy a Cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jon&Stacy - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have to say they are good for gas milege. As a over all car would never own one again. They do not have any power and are very prone to break down. They are not worth your time or effort or money. They are only good cars if you want to spend the money onthem to repair.

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  Great Car!! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By B1Mario - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Ive never had a problem, though I only drive it a couple times a week. Car is extremely fast and sport seats are comfortable to boot!! I have every option available and wouldnt trade it for anything. This car has the performance and ride quality second to none. Will definitely buy a new C6 when they arive!

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  AV - Good or bad - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By MeCanada - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Too much windshield. Broke one allready. Gas mileage not great. Fun to drive. Lots of power. Make a diesel, soon???? Too much room for mud to hide in the wheel wells. Big grill to catch hoppers No slide decking on box is a pain some times