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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  Hooked on Chevy, it works for me! - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Orrin - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I find the truck perfect for traveling up into the mountains of CO. It has pleanty of pick up and torque for going up the steap grades. The paint has stayed unusually shiny! The sound systems is great and does not distort. Its great off road and Ive never been stuck in the mud.

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  1997 Chevy Venture - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By pod43 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Very roomy.

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  Solid, True Sport Utility - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J Fogle - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this great SUV new, before the term was around. Solid, great manuverability, and stable on and off road. Currently has 131,000 miles. Have replaced typical wear-out parts along the way, nothing serious. Original powertrain and engine, they work perfect. Replaced A/C compressor and radiator in 2000. Ive driven this brute over steep, mountain roads with rocks and boulders, thru deep mud, and over snow/ice covered roads, and have never been disappointed. I will never sell this vehicle.

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  Dont buy this one! - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Hansenvl61 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but problems. I will never buy another chevy, no lie.

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  a great family vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By JLA - August 29 - 2:00 am

  A great family vehicle, not fun to drive-but comfortable.The suspension needs to be firmer.

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  My third Astro - 2000 Chevrolet Astro
  By JDeFoor - August 29 - 2:00 am

  As indicated by the title I am sold on the astro. I have found it to be the most versatile and dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I have had only minor problems with any of the three I have purchased. I still have my 1991 and have purchased a 2000.

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  6,000 mile follow-up review - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Himm2 - August 28 - 12:40 pm

  Factory-ordered gold-mist titanium LT1 last August. 3,000 mile trip thru the Rockies over the holidays. Drove with "eco" button turned off in the mountains fully loaded with family of 3 and the 4 cylinder handled the snowy slopes without much whimper. Getting 24 mpg in city, 35 mpg @ 50 mph on flat road, 26 mpg @ 70 mph. Handles very well in all conditions. The dash makes for a very enjoyable experience especially with an iPod. Controls are positioned very well. Only regret is they dont offer much discount or 0% financing but when you have a real winner at a reasonable price, why should they I guess?

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  My 2005 Equinox Performs well - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Ted - August 28 - 8:06 am

  My needs require the regular transport of 3 or 4 adults to jobs and other events. The Equinox provides great leg room, easy access and a comfortable ride for these adults and for children. The smooth shifting five speed transmission coupled with a reasonably high torque engine provide good acceleration. I have driven it in numerous snow storms and it handles and maintaints traction very well. I have been very pleased with the Equinox.

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  Excellent Truck & "race car" - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By S-10er - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This truck has pick-up and rides and handles like a race car. It has been extremely reliable which is a rare find now a days. Other than the regular upkeep, it has been an excellent vehicle. Excellent gas mileage too. After 4 years of driving I wouldnt trade it for any other truck.

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  The BIG one. - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By housebuilder - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my tahoe at auction today. It is a big nice truck. I just sold an s-10 and would never go into a smaller truck again.