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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  awesome vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kalamazoo - March 15 - 2:49 pm

  awesome vehicle

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  Same problems as others. - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James Nemanich - March 15 - 2:31 pm

  I just wanted to say that I am having the same problems others are having. Transmission out, electronic fuel sending system (Controlls fuel guage) replaced 2 times, waterpump, heater core, wheel berings, window motors. GM sold these with the new Dex Cool engine coolant. Around 1999 they discovered this was breaking down and causing internal engine rust. Id trade in before 70k.

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  Not much bad to say - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bryant - March 15 - 7:16 am

  The gas mileage is definitely the worst out of all of my previously owned vehicles, but it is nowhere near the best. Love the ride height, had to take off the air dam to finish the look. Truck way too quiet for my tastes too. That was easily and fairly cheaply fixed. Love the ride quality, radio is adequate, and the 4WD has ample torque. AC is freezing! Thats always good.

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  Great Car, Bad Dealer Support - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sbarer - March 15 - 1:01 am

  The Corvette Convertible offers a level of technology, performance, style and substance that extends far beyond its price tag. While some technofiles might blab for hours about the Corvettes engine datasheet shortcomings, such as a lack of multiple valves and varible valve timing, on the road, where it counts, the LS1 shows that even OHV engines benefit from high tech in the form of never-ending power, 33mpg range and bullet-proof quality. Good looks on the outside. The best gauge cluster on the market inside. Although seats and interior fit disappointing.

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  King of the Road - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Cougar87 - March 14 - 8:57 pm

  King of the Road - thats how I feel behind the wheel of my 2000 Suburban. This is the ultimate "Load up the kids and all their stuff and take a Road Trip" vehicle. At 22000 miles only problems have been both rear window actuators and one rear door power lock went out (dealer replaced in one morning) - this seems to be a common problem from other reviews Ive read. Quiet, confident driving on the highway. Plenty of power (Im not expecting race-car like performance) and towing capacity. I love my Suburban!

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  Nice vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Happythusfar - March 14 - 8:13 pm

  Not completely sold on the looks. Chevy keeps going back to the front ends which remind me of a futuristic robot head. Looked great on the 80s Cavaliers, but looks dated now. The over all ride is probably as smooth as a large car ride can get without sacrificing control/road grip. The gas mileage is incredible for a car this size. It manages the same mileage that my economy car gets, but in this case I have increased comfort, leather heated seats and many other luxuries. It uses standard grade fuel.

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  Two words: WOOO HOOO - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By zenith191 - March 14 - 5:47 pm

  Think you cant afford one of the worlds best sports cars. Think again. For $40K this car has got it all. Looks, performance, handling, comfort.

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  Good around car - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By gizzmo17fl - March 14 - 3:02 pm

  It has enough room for carrying extra people, and has some decent power, especially for a six cylinder. I like the way the interior is set up. The interior is smooth and convenient. I personally love blazers now, wouldnt want any other suv maybe just upgraded to the zr2 package.

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  its cheap & reliable - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By milton - March 14 - 7:51 am

  This is my second ls lumina. my first one was a 95 big disappointment.When I found the second 99 ls lumina and seen all the improvements I was sold .You cant excpect much from a car that sales so cheaply ,but its worth every penny and then more.This car will do util I can afford a corvette. sign satisfied for now.

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  Will buy again...soon! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RedRider - March 14 - 12:18 am

  The only issue that Ive had with my 01 Coupe was the lighter socket came loose due to my cell phone plug-in. Mechanically, the machine is bulletproof. Body integrity is 100%. Dependability is 100%. The ride, feel and stability is absolutely fantastic. Get this...my gas mileage on the auto trans will go into the 28s on the highway during trips!! Im selling mine to buy a 2002. Was never impressed by Vettes until I bought this one. What a machine!