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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  Fun to drive vehicle - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 40yearfan - August 3 - 2:53 am

  Got on a 2 year lease for my wife. Quality throughout the vehicle is on a par with the Acura Legends I used to lease. Plenty of power, ultra quiet ride and loads of amenities. Even the engine compartment is well laid out and looks neat and clean. Its the LT2 with the engine package that gives you the V6, 6 speed auto., and 18 inch wheels. All of this for a little over $25,000 MSRP is amazing.

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  Best $12,995 (new) I ever spent.. - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Marantha - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Has survived 2 accidents and 1 minor "rear-ending". I am amazed how strong the engine is on my beater. Thank God I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY--or I would be in serious debt over this vehicle. This car went through 3 batteries, 3 alternators, a power steering pump, 2 Oxygen sensors and numerous sets of brakes. It also goes through tires like crazy due to the shabby suspension, but thanks to GMPP I didnt spend a dime and got to test drive numerous higher end vehicles. The engine (V6) will long outlast the chassis. Its good for a beater, be rough with it and it loves you back. I will miss it.

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  Avoid at all costs - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Matt198 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new at the beginning of 1998. Within four months/4,000 miles, the car had its first problem-- ruptured fuel pump I think--and that was only the beginning. Over the course of the next two or so years, the car, an automatic, would sporadically stall without warning or cause. On top of all that, GM refused to acknowledge the problem until the car stalled out as I was leaving the dealership. Anyway, I sold the car during summer 2000 and bought a Protege--I couldnt be happier with the new car.

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  What A Truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Paul - August 2 - 10:13 am

  This truck was well worth the wait. Everything about it blows me away, as fast as my 3000GT and just as fun to drive!

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By DianeS - August 2 - 10:00 am

  We just love this truck! It has excellent performance (V8) and a beautiful interior. We have all the bells and whistles on it including a DVD player and 3rd row seat making those long trips with the kids a little more peaceful. The gas mileage is surprisingly good, and the interior is very comfortable for up to 8 people. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interesed in a SUV.

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  Great Pickup - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By LBL - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Best pickup I have ever owned and fun to drive.

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  Cargo Area - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By kmk36 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  The only fault I have found in this vehicle is the fact that the rear seats do not fold absolutely flat. This presents a problem when carrying my dog in her crate along with luggage. Also, I wish thaat the rear seat head restraints were removable as they do present a somewhat obstructed view and I seldom have rear seat passengers. The ride is comfortable and the steering very responsive on the highway.

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  EQUINOX 804 - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By clarenceG - August 2 - 10:00 am

  This Suv is a really good ride. Its not to small and not to big. I wanted a SUV that I could easily manipulate like I did with my previous car.

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  Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Shirleys Publishing - August 2 - 7:43 am

  Have an extremely bad back. This vehicle fits me quite well without any added cushions, etc. Am very pleased with whole automobile, looks, driving comfort, performance, etc. My husband and I both enjoy the auto. Has been a pleasing experience to have other adults travel with us as the back seat rides great and the room provided in all seats is wonderful. We are basically a family of long legged person. Thanks for a great automobile!

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  Monte Carlo 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Kristina - August 2 - 3:50 am

  This car is great and very reliable. Im a single mom though of 4 children. I really need to get a larger car. However I love my Monte Carlo! This car is very comfortable even with my children in the car. 4 doors would be nice though.