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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  Its a Winner - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mothergoose - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Unlike the young guys writing reviews, Im a grandma who has owned performance cars since 1964 starting with a gas guzzling 426 Plymouth. Three 5.0 liter Mustangs and an SLP performance package Camaro were among the cars Ive had and, while all were enjoyable to drive, none came close to the performance and handling of the Vette. This is a dream car to drive with great bang for the buck . musta

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jpwood - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I loved this vehicle until the transmission failed twice in 60,000 miles. The first time, it was covered by warranty. The second time it wasnt. According to the mechanics that worked on it, GM made a cheaper gear by welding it rather than machining it. Well it doesnt last. This will be the last GM product I ever buy brand new!!

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  Basic run-around car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Murray - August 18 - 1:36 pm

  Great car to run errands with, take to the stadium or downtown to dinner and a show. Easy to park. Comfy enough for four on a short excursion. Not for cross-country. Roomier than it looks. Reminds me of the VWs of my youth

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  Awesome Car. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Krystle - August 18 - 6:56 am

  I just bought mine but, i love it already. It really is a great car. It drives wonderfully. It handles great. Looks sporty for a great price.

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  Malibu the car with personality - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tyral hodge - August 18 - 2:43 am

  The Malibu reminded me of the driving experience that I got out of my 97 Mitsubishi Diamante a car that was great bang for buck but over shadowed by the big names Lexus & Acura. However I dont believe this will happen with Malibu due to all the advertisement. The car gets lots of looks and people think its a more expensive vehicle. Love the control you have of the car. I love power so its not quite enough but for a person who isnt a car buff like myself its more than plenty. I would buy another one. Tried to get my spouse to get one but they didnt want to have the same car. Car gets stated mpg, engine is quiet & took me awhile to get use to the smooth ride smoother than Accord.

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  Unreliable vehicle - 1995 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Lulu - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems from the beginning when pruchased NEW! Brake problems constantly, ABS problems, cloth seat covers not holding up at all, "plastic" console cracked, replaced and cracked again! The elastic on the visors wore out in no time. Door lock broken. Hood latch cable broken. Gas gauge works intermittenly. Defroster vents on dash board loose. A/C lost its cool! Original tires lasted 30,000 miles.

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  I am proud of my cavalier! - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By agent 99 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  look I am single, working mom. I need a car that works and plays as hard as me and my daughter. I have met my match in the 99 chevy cavalier. Whoopee!!!! The gas mileage is easy on my fragile finances and hey, I look good in its sleek design...met a nice man who noticed me pumping gas...was it me he noticed or the car?

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  2004 Cavalier Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DaveG-in-AZ - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle may have been engineered years ago, but it still has tons of bang for the buck!!

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  99 Silverado LS - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bsgala - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing this truck it has been a great help for my family and I. However, it would be very nice if GM could figure out how to stop the fuel pressure regulators from going bad all of the time. Ive had two replaced under warranty and need to replace it for the second time since the warranty has expired.

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  Best of both worlds - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By stoming Norman - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Great truck rides like a car. Easy to drive can see all around no blind spots. pleaty of power easy to swicth over. Lots of fun real head turner.