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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  Wonderful Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ggwes - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tahoe, especially on road trips. The ride is extremely comfortable. The truck has incredible power. I did not intend to get the third seat, but now we cant live without it. We can pack a ton of people in it.

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  2500 6,0 4x4 - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By crackdaddy - November 13 - 3:56 pm

  Having good luck so far 3.73 gears 6speed auto getting 14.5 average 6 mile drive to work. Pulls good havent checked pulling mpg yet. Wish the cab had more room behind the seat and seats dont flip fwd far enough. Overall happy with it has 13,000 miles

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By LOVE MY MONTE - November 13 - 6:20 am

  I purchased this vechile in Oct 05 and I am loving it. It was a one owner vehicle and had 150,000 miles on it. It has 165,000 now and looks and runs like new. No rattles, doesnt burn any oil, drives like a new one. I would recomend this car to anyone. I contacted the original owner and he said he had no problems in the time he owned it other than a traction control malfunction that was fixed by the dealership under waranty. I drive it everyday and would reccomend this car to everyone.

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  My new old car - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By millboy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Had always wanted a truck. Thought Id start with a used one that was well cared for. I like the feel of ride. Its a good size Tahoe and sofar so good. Anything I should know?

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  GMAC - 2001 Chevrolet Astro
  By abewat - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Good running used to commute to and from work.

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  Blazer works - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LKing - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall satisfied with the package. Does well towing a ski boat and running through the snow. Although the turning radius needs to be shortened. I have had to get the main computer replaced on 3 different occasions though. I think most of it had to do with the MTBE in the Ca gas. The MTBE also destroyed my fuel injectors. All was under warrenty at no charge. Chevy sent a notice out warning consumers of the MTBE within 6 months of purchase. I am glad I kept that letter!

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  Its Ok? - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jonboy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I dont love it but I dont hate it. The car has a unique shape to it that I like. Its bold and rigidy. Brakes stink on it but manages to stop. I gotta say for a Chevy 3.1 V6 170hp, thats pretty good. Its got great acceleration,but it just sounds like a truck. Its an ok car in my book.oh its got good speakers for factory.

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  2002 Camaro SS - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By wickman43 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I am having a blast with this car. It has been chosen for weekend fun only and it answers back in spades. I highly recommend this car to any responsible driver looking for something fun to drive when the sun is shining and the beaches are full of ladies! Her road track capabilities are incredible. I ordered mine with the optional 2000 dollar 1LE suspension upgrade. Couldnt be happier. The double adjustable Koni shocks are awesome and the optional BFG G-Force tires look and perform like they were meant for this car. For the money, you wont find anything like this-not even the 2003 Cobra can keep up through the cones.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jwoodie - November 12 - 7:26 am

  Although the extremely long wheelbase of this vehicle impairs parking lot maneuvering, it also provides a limosine-like ride and amazing interior room. I am not aware of any other SUV which can transport a 4x8 sheet of plywood entirely inside the vehicle! Also, the third seat is very comfortable for two adults. The V8 engine has more power yet gets the same gas mileage as the 6. Replacing the stock Continental tires greatly improved overall handling.

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  a lemon? - 1991 Chevrolet Caprice
  By mikeinwi - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought from a great uncle at 8 years old, 70,000 miles. EGR valve went at 85000. EGR valve and catalytic converter went at 114,000. Trans went at 114,000, radiator leaks 2x in last 3 years (brand new one even), blew headlights/turn signals in 1 weekend, more trans problems. This car sucks and Im dumping it...has 116,000 on it.