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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  I had to have one!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Sean258 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a new black Z28 at the end of OCtober. I felt that I had to get one before they all disappear new and the only way to get one will be a used one. I got the 6 speed with the t- tops, Chrome wheels etc. I grew up with the Camaro. It was born in 1967 ( Iknow actually 9/66) I was born in 1967.So we turn 35 together. I love the car so far. I bought it as a collector /pleasure car and so far, it has been a real pleasure

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  Great Buy!! Great Car!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rjwes - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband brought home the malibu to test drive. i thought it was a really nice car. through the next couple of days he brought others home for me and the malibu just stuck with me. well, needless to say, i have had the malibu for 4 days now and i LOVE it! it has excellent power, great steering, and so many extras...all for a low price! i love that all i have to do is drive, the car practically does everything else!

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  My Baby - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By twwinmd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is the best car I have ever owned and at age 44, I have had many.

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  First 4X4 - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ktauto - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck for one week. Have had older Chevys, Fords, and most recently a 2001 Tundra. This is the first 4X4 that I have owned. So far Ive really enjoyed this truck. Ride comfort is surprising. Noise level is also surprising. Really have enjoyed the XM radio and the heated seats. Being just a little larger than the Tundra makes a big difference.

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  My Red Chevy Blazer 2000 4D LS 4WD - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By rick konopka - November 4 - 10:00 am

  No problems. Very relable. Gets a little squeaky and louder by 35000 mi but sturdy as a rock.

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DARLENE FERGUSON - November 4 - 10:00 am

  MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THE AVALANCHE AS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY REASONS BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS, QUADS AND OFF- ROADING EQUIPMENT TO TOW. WE LOVE THE FACT THAT THE REAR WINDOW IS REMOVEABLE AND THE VERSATILITY OF THE BED. HAVING THE HARD COVER COME STANDARD IS A DEFINANT PLUS FOR BIKES AND ATVS. THE KIDS HAVE ALL THE ROOM THEY COULD EVER WANT IN THE BACK AND HAVE TONS OF ROOM TO GROW. THIS IS THE BEST TRUCK WE HAVE EVER HAD AND I WONT GIVE IT UP, I DONT EVEN LET MY HUSBAND DRIVE IT!!!!

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  GM ON THE LEADING EDGE WITH AVALANCHE - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By PAUL M. WILSON - November 4 - 10:00 am

  If I were to design a vehicle, this would probably be it. Lots of room, good performance, quiet, and very versatile. There is enough traction control for almost any circumstance (lock-up rear end, auto 4-wheel, 4- wheel hi and lo, as well of course, 2- wheel drive). We had a customized van for family use and I had a Concorde but at times could have used a pick-up. The Avalanche now takes the place of the van and the Concorde and gives me the truck I occasionally need.

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  1999 Silverado 1500 - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jerry wilcox - November 4 - 10:00 am

  three factory recalls, dealer (not the seller) reluctant to service recalls) recall repair not adequate. repaired sticking accelerator, it sticks now but warranty will not cover it. The auto trans shifts, noticably rough. (dealer, not the seller) said it was germaine to the year model. "whitewash"

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  dependable little beretta - 1994 Chevrolet Beretta
  By saverill - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Never had a problem other than the stubborn Check Engine light coming on often. It should last me another 30,000 miles, unlike similar Ford cars with the same miles.

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  The best value!!! - 1990 Chevrolet Astro
  By Marge Williams - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Astro new. The biggest repair I have ever had on the van was the locks failing. All I have had to do is normal repairs. The back door just failed last year at 185,000 miles. I havent had it fixed. It almost has 200,000 miles on it and I still has get up and go. It doesnt run like it has 198,500 miles on it. Im looking at getting a newer one.