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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  Why bother looking at anything else?? - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Candle_Guy - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I almost didnt look at an Impala. But on the recommendation of my brother-in-laws brother I checked out the Impala. I went to the dealership to see what "Uncle Jack" was raving about for a test ride and fell in love the the car. Quiet ride, quick acceleration, large trunk, simply everything about the car. The Sutliff Chevrolet salesperson didnt have the exact car that I wanted, but he found one for me. LS trimline (have to have the spoiler), Berry Red Metallic paint, sunroof, and the equipment package so I had all the bells and whistles I would ever want. This is my Mercedes for only $20,000. It just has a bowtie on the front.

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  great car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By MONROE - August 18 - 2:00 am

  only have 400 miles on it cant wait to put more miles on it great car fun to drive feel very safe in it very happy.

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  07 tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By slightbo - August 17 - 9:53 pm

  Granted we have only had the car for a little over a week, but we love it so far and have no complaints. The touchscreen Nav is great, the interior is beautiful, the exterior (we got black) stands out and adding aftermarket 22s helped things out a lot because the stock tires leave a lot to be desired! So far no creaks, rattles or issues. Even with the DOD engine average around town mpg hovers around 13. Rides very quiet and smooth, even on the 22s. Exterior wind noise is minimal and while the car is big it doesnt drive big.

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  No Avalanche to fear here - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By steven suess - August 17 - 8:23 pm

  My wife and I like this vehicle so much that we are planning on trading our venture van in on a second avalanche. This has got to be the ultimate pic-up passenger combo ever built. I dont impress easily, but this truck is it.

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  Great Midsize Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sdelz - August 17 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car for safety and fuel economy reasons but its a whole lot more than that. Its a fun car to drive! Its got great acceleration when you need it and if you dont have a heavy foot you can see 30miles/gallon combined and 40miles/gallon highway. The electric power assist steering is wonderful. However, we just received a "voluntary customer satisfaction" notice in the mail that they have had some problems with a sensor in the steering wheel and on some units they have to replace the steering wheel. This is a warranty item and they will test and replace through 1/31/06 if needed. Great handling and ride with the Saab Chassis. Overall a great car

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  My second Monte Carlo - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By eddiep - August 17 - 3:53 am

  My first Monte Carlo was a 1977, now my 05. Both designs I like, and I like the CD player over the 8-track! Also I like the front wheel drive, better traction than back in 77.

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  blazer - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jim kuhn - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Has performed well in mixed use by various drivers in the family Getting older and its time for a change in the type of vehicle needed. Has done well in bad weather in four wheel drive. AC system works well. No trouble with transmission during life of vehicle. Some body work has been performed and colors not the best match

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  Always Chevrolet - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By American Buyer - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my daughters first. She/we have been very pleased. I put new brake pads on when we first got the car (daddys worry) and other than routine maintenance, have not touched it. Fun to drive and well built for the price. Safety ratings were good for a small, cheap car.

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  Always Chevrolet - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By American Buyer - August 17 - 2:00 am

  First minivan. We love it! Gas milage averages all around in the mid to upper 20s. Plenty of room. Very convienient. Very comfortable, just got home from a 1500 mile road trip. Have had zero problems with our power sliding door.

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  Happy with Chevy Venture WB Edition - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By chevy fan - August 17 - 2:00 am

  We wanted more room, so we traded in our Chevy Blazer for the Venture. We were close to buying the Montana Vision Van, but were able to get a better deal from Chevy. The Venture has loads of features geared toward families on the move...DVD player w/remote, in-dash 6 CD changer, air compressor, rear organizer, seating for 8...I could go on and on. We are extremely pleased!