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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  My Third Prizm and NOT a Charm! - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By V. Davis - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Prizm and it has had alignment problems from the work go. I have spent more on alignments and tire replacements for this car than the other two Prizms combined. Between the repairs and the depreciation, it is hardly worth keeping. It is good in bad weather snow, sleet, etc.

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  What a fun car! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jat20 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 1997. The only complaint that I can say is the roof leaked in the begenning. After getting it to the dealership numerous times, the problem was finally solved.

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  Tahoe now 3 years old - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jimc - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck three years ago just after they first shipped. Its been a great truck in general. My biggest complaints are the little things including 3 or 4 recalls. All were fairly minor, but still an inconvenience. Dealer service has been great while under warranty. The only major mechanical problem was the front end suspension had to be replaced even though we only drive 6000 miles per year.

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  Tahoe now 3 years old - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jimC - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck three years ago just after they first shipped. Its been a great truck in general. My biggest complaints are the little things including 3 or 4 recalls. All were fairly minor, but still an inconvenience. Dealer service has been great while under warranty. The only major mechanical problem was the front end suspension had to be replaced even though we only drive 6000 miles per year.

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  Best in its class and the only one. - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Runaway88 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The best riding truck I have ever driven. I have own fords, dodges, and The best in Chevy trucks. The ride of other trucks does not compair. The 2wd with the Z66 pkg.

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  2002 avalanche - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By vancedunbar - January 16 - 2:00 am

  haul horses,race-car and drive to work in winter-great truck-nice big car ride- doesnt do too badly off-road-better than expected mileage

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  First Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Clouddreamtime - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I like my Corvette very much, however I have it in storage till winter passes in Michigan. Thus I have only driven it once since I purchased the car in December.

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  10 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By kejo - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is a great blend of chevys performance,comfort and fun to drive heritage

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  Great Combo: Economy, Versatility, Fun - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By chris_t - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I *love* this 03 Impala. Base, but w/ 3.8L engine. This gets more than just extra horses...you get ABS + better suspension. Seats 6 comfortably. Interior is well thought out. I didnt get all the bells & whistles, but did get steering wheel controls (worth it!) and package with display (compass, mpg, etc.) in overhead console + auto- dimming mirror (maybe worth it). With all the rebates & reasonable list price, I paid only slightly more than for my 87 6000! Remote Keyless Entry is standard. The Impala handles well on dry pavement, also ice and snow, even without traction control.

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  great value for your money - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By cr - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car with excellent safety ratings.Love the smooth ride.very quiet.looked at many vehicles and this was the best.Brand new so dont really know the acceleration.Nice traveling vehicle with lots of room and big trunk.