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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  Super car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Katrina and Hank - February 17 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I decided to buy another Impala since the 200 we own has been trouble free. The 2004 is the best of both sport and luxury. It quick, vey comfortable and the best value out there. This is a cadilac in alot of ways. Now we are a 2 Impala family, and will go for a 3rd down the line.

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  My Cheverolet sonic - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By L. Walker - February 16 - 8:38 pm

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  Nice - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Adan - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 98 monte carlo..its real nice

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  Very good car (for older driver) :) - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By KS~Driver - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I decided to buy my Monte after totalling a Cavalier and deciding bigger WAS better. It has been very reliable! Its only been in the shop every 3,000 miles for its oil change. The only complaint is that it looks like a "old peoples" car and not very attractive for a teenager, like me, to drive.

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  it is actually a fun and SAFE car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By schatzie - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I drove my Monte for about 1 1/2 years before getting into an accident this week. I loved my car, the handling, the acceleration, the quick response, the awesome sound system. But what has really sold me was its performance in my auto accident. The crumple zones are a feature I can personally appreciate, since the car was totalled, and I walked away with only a couple of little bruises. Not only is this car fun, but it is safe!! This car and the Good Lord above saved my life. I am sold on this car and I am now shopping for my next Monte Carlo -- I am convinced!

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  Sold on Chevy Trucks - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Tommy Teal - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had extremely good results from my 99 silverado--recommend this truck 100% for highway travel as its smooth, responsive and fun to drive

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  New 2002 TrailBlazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Pete2002 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Has a lot of power but lousy MPG. The sticker MPG rating is over-rated. Most consumers are getting around 13MPG in City driving with stop and go traffic. One thing I am very upset about is an annoying valve train tapping noise that appeared within the first 500 miles after it reaches operating temp. It sounds like a vehicle with high mileage. Dealer and GM do not want to attempt to correct until after 4-5K miles of break in.

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  Good/reliable car for the money - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Steve D - February 13 - 10:40 pm

  I leased this car in 1999 and now wished I had bought it. Pros... great mileage and reliability. I have had zero problems with this car. Cons...not all that comfortable but roomy enough for an averaged size male. I chose the manual transmission because it had a little more zip. Shifting is smooth and forgiving even for beginners. If youre looking for an economical, reliable small car...dont look any further.

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  Best Ive owned - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Donna King - February 13 - 8:16 am

  We go to the mountains and the winding roads are something else. I have to say my car takes curves awesome. It has to be the best thing Ive driven that hugs the curves so well, and the braking system is awesome too

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dave - February 13 - 4:03 am

  I bought this 2005 because of its low miles. It is very quiet to respond in steering and has great handling. We really like the AWD. I would like to see a little better gas mileage. The headlight system is a little confusing and it could use better lighting on the floor by your feet. Also on the highway there is some wind noise at the mirrors.