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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  Practical Coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jctuning - February 22 - 6:11 pm

  Very practical. Large trunk, has great fuel economy. Sat in the back for 200 miles down to South Dakota and it was very comfortable. Wish I had the leather seat option though. Front wheel drive is great in the winter. Throw on some Conti Pro Contacts and I can go through 9 inches of snow with no problems on the unplowed roads. I do all my own matinence since I work at a shop which helps keep my costs down.

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  Not enough room!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Sytek5 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle when we found out that we were expecting our third child. We thought with the third row seat we would have plenty of room inside, Wrong! With all the kids in car seats and then having to take the stroller for the baby, we are unable to get anything else in the back of the car. We like the way it drives and I think it is comfortable. It may look like a station wagon, but it lacks the cargo space inside. Also it is very hard to buckle up the child in the third row, the way that the floor is (knee killer).

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  Her name is Betsy - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By R.T. - February 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive owned this truck a little more than a year and I love it. Yeah, it costs some money to drive, my 50000 mile trans service was ouch, but the 4 wheel drive, and feeling safe with my 3 yr old in the back is worth it. I didnt like the look of the 4 door, got the 2. Victory red. You know Ive waxed, and keep the underneath clean, these last few winters.

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  Great Little Car for Short Cash - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By moremileage - February 21 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car in 01/07 with 19,000 miles on it. I love the car, it is great for my trips to work, and for short jaunts around town. Its not a Deville, but it sure is what it supposed to be! Small, and economical!

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  Disappointed - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By PS - February 20 - 7:52 pm

  We had to make a fast purchase after our van was totaled. The car felt solid, tranny, engine, and suspension. Bought it with 110K now 8 months later has 118k, so far have replaced windshield (all pitted), battery, intake gasket. Headlight switch is bad (lights go out on whim, brights wont stay on), engine light is on, drivers window is stuck open, all door gaskets are torn when bought it. Hub cap paint is peeling off. So disappointing. Never have we put so much into a vehicle. I thought Id like a new Impala for my next vehicle, but not now anymore.

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  Loving it more every day! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By snowbadger - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Safest truck you can drive! Gas mileage is the only drawback (I get about 13-14 MPG), but utility more than makes up for poor mileage. Tall vehicle. Strongly recommend step up bar. Conversion from SUV to truck is very easy. Ride is smooth whether on the road or rough terrain. 285HP engine has plenty of get up & go. Surprisingly good turning radius. Ingenious drainage system ensures water doesnt leak into the cockpit, even from the folding midgate. Took a while to get accustomed to the dimensions. A vehicle I liked when I bought it, & love more every time I get behind the wheel. Best purchase Ive ever made & most fun Ive ever had driving a vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GV - February 19 - 7:28 pm

  Ive owned the car for about a month and havent got a single regret. Got the car at an exceptional price with all the incentives even though I hadnt planned on buying a car. This car is way quicker than my venerable 98 Sunfire and with way more ammenities for thousands of dollars less. The car is a pleasant surprise with all its features, conveniences and style.

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  Severe Neck & Back Pain - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jan Burns - February 19 - 2:37 pm

  Ive had this car for less than 2 months and I have had horrible neck & back pain the bulk of the time. Husband complained about the passenger seat on a 3 hr trip being uncomfortable as well. The head rest pushes your head forward and after intense arguments with the dealer, we were able to get written instructions on how to remove it and turn it around (Dealer would not touch it !) Im now under the care of a chiropractor. Now I drive with a full size bed pillow just to make the 30 mile drive to work without pain. I love all its neat features, smooth & quiet ride, classy interior, but cant wait to park it and relieve my pain. Probably will sell or trade it soon.

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  2005 AWD 1500 Express Cargo - 2005 Chevrolet Express
  By MattCicanese - February 19 - 12:15 pm

  I bought this van used for my plumbing business. The AWD is incredible in the snow, better than any of the 4x4 trucks I have had. It rides great, decent on gas 14-15 MPG, and drives nice. I wish it came in an extended version.

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  2007 Impala LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff Newman - February 17 - 3:45 pm

  Bought used. Already have had new tires, alignment, brakes, steering shaft, battery, and now the alternator is squealing, just past the warranty expiration date. The rear end bushings squeak, and the seat heaters refuse to work when you sit down in them.