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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  Bring It Back - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Herbie - December 11 - 4:36 pm

  I love this car. In black it has this stealth look. The car has been bullet proof. Only regular maintenance in the 3 years I have owned it. Negatives: paint does chip easily, and interior fit and finish is overall "good," but some of the trim parts dont fit well. I switched to an "H" rated Goodyear Assurance (Eagle GT) series; this permitted better cornering. My Monte is loaded....whatever was available it has.

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  A world-class small car from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ed - December 11 - 11:06 am

  My Cobalt is light years better than the Saturn ION it replaced. Interior material quality and fit and finish is up there with the best from Japan, and performance is like that of a European car. Its the best of all worlds.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Randy - December 11 - 8:33 am

  So far so good. Our first major test was a vacation trip from Ohio to South Dakota. Nice.

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  This Is My First Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Knicole - December 11 - 7:43 am

  This car was my first purchase. I absolutely love how much room you have in the back and front seats, when compared to other similar sized cars. Also has great trunk room for storage or traveling. My Cobalt also has excellent gas mileage. It only takes $30 to fill up my tank, and lasts me for two weeks of going to school and work. Ive noticed that it also has great quick acceleration that comes in handy when on the interstate. Im definitely satisfied with my Cobalt.

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  K1500 - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mms - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I will buy from a GM dealer next time versus private party. The money I saved from buying from an individual versus the dealer was what I had to pay for repairs/maintence. This full size SUV provide the cargo and passenger space while providing towing capability. The space and towing beats the Ford Ex (cursion and pedition) series and the undersized Durango.

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  California "Cadillac" - 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cliff D. - December 11 - 2:00 am

  My 96 Suburban has been great. Its travels well with my wife and 4 children and all our luggage. Great for cruisin to Vegas, camping or in town. Have electronic 4WD and it works great. Leather interior is a must. Radio and factory CD is great. Added a few engine tricks got MPG from 9.5 up to 14 MPG. The Vortec motor is the best !

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  kims sub - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By puppy - December 11 - 2:00 am

  family car. great for vacations or road trips with kids and friends. garage keeped ever since it was bought. bought car from friend with 23000 miles on it.

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  Taylors Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Taylor - December 10 - 8:30 am

  Superb in every respect

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  A mans Car - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Glenn1782 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems with my impala, runs beautifully, looks beautiful, best car Ive ever had.

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  Who says Japanese cars are more reliable - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Mikie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My wifes civic motor blew at about 100k highway miles despite oil changes every 3k miles and perfect maintanence. My fathers new Toyota Corolla burned up its oil and almost blew at 15k miles despite oil changes every 5k. Toyota tried to claim it wasnt covered by waranty because he didnt have it changed at the dealer. He can keep the car running if he uses synthetic oil and changes it every 2500 miles. Ive had my Camaro for over 8 years. While driving 80k hard city miles, I have had to replace tires, clutch, brakes, alternator, brakes, radiator, and air pump. In other words, routine maintenance. I plan to keep this car for a long time.