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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  Follow up on my review - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By tmac6 - August 5 - 4:40 am

  I have now had my 07 duramax 2500HD for two years (see review under by name) Over 30,000 miles later, I am even more impressed with this truck. I have had exactly no major issues.... None! This is not what I had expected since it was an American made truck. This is our car of choice for long trips...it is so comfortable. Gas mileage seems to be getting a little better with diesel engine (around 19 to 21 on long trips, 16 to 18 in town). I would buy this truck all over again.

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  My new daily driver - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bob - August 4 - 6:43 pm

  I had waited for the Camaro to make its official debut before deciding between it and the Mustang/Challenger. For the money asked, the Camaro SS was the best performance bargin. Just over $30K got me 426HP, a 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, Independent Rear Suspension and a perfectly proportioned coupe body style. This car is fast but can be driven with maturity in city traffic and still return a lot of fun for the time spent behind the wheel. Just listening to the sound of the exhaust as I go through the gears makes even the standard audio system unnecessary. Combined mileage with the V8 is around 18-21 right now. I can live with it. Well worth the wait to get it.

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  Great car! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe Sailman - August 4 - 6:13 pm

  The Malibu is awesome! The interior feels good and look refined. The 4 cyl gets great gas mileage and has good pickup. I would recommend the Malibu over the Camry or the Accord.

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  Great truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JeffH07 - August 3 - 10:56 pm

  Ive owned 6 Silverados over the last 15 years. this truck has been one of the best I owned. A lot of room for the kids, and very smooth ride. This truck had one problem that would not go away even after four visits to the dealership, a rattle in the steering column. The only reason that Im trading this in is to get a 1500HD to pull our new RV. Also all my brothers and my brother-in- laws are ford pickup guys but Id rather drive a truck than a pickup.

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  Driving a beauty - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jay - August 3 - 4:10 am

  I have enjoyed driving this beautiful vehicle. Its a real eye catcher, and iI have had numerous compliments on my SS Monte Carlo. Many thanks to the guys at the Chevy corporation. I just wanna jump up and click my heels!

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  excellent - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By kevin - August 2 - 4:03 am

  I purchased the vehicle in 2004 with 15,000 miles from original owner. I have had no problems with this vehicle. This vehicle is our first choice to use on long trips because of its comfortable ride. Its more like drive a luxury vehicle than what you typical expect from a truck ride.

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  What a deal - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mason0511 - August 1 - 9:53 am

  Nice quiet ride on the interstate, plenty of interior leg room (front/back) huge trunk. I absolutely love this car and wish I would have bought it a few weeks sooner, less time driving the ION

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  03 Silverado - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By scott - August 1 - 4:40 am

  Overall a very nice truck. It does have its share of build negatives, but no more or less than any other make. Strongly recommend replacing brakes/rotors with aftermarket. OEM is inadequate and duly noted by GM. Corrosion should be monitored. (frame and underbody components). Power, ride, comfort, and reliability are all there. I got mine 4yrs old with 48k, for only 15 gs. mint cond. Previous owner(1st owner) paid 35 gs for this new. It also carries a heavy payload with ease.

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  07 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joey Frey - July 30 - 11:26 am

  The Tahoe is my second large SUV purchase. The other being a Navigator. There is little comparison between the two. The Tahoe is much more refined, with much better fit and finish. Fuel mileage has just been a bonus that makes me enjoy this purchase that much more. We really enjoy the style, comfort, handling,and overall appeal the new Tahoe has. It makes me belive that GM is really getting it right! We did upgrade to the LTZ model, the 20" rims are nice!

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  Love my YELLOW Monte - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Mindy - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my car for a few weeks now, but at this time I can truly say I love it. I have been wanting a yellow one for some time now and made up my mind that when my lease expired on my Blazer my next car would be a monte, yellow one!!!