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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  Feels Great So Far - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Angel - May 18 - 10:26 am

  I just bought this car recently and I must say that so far this feels like the best investment I have ever made, overall the car looks decent, great acceleration, very smooth ride, I cant complain

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By C - May 17 - 11:43 am

  This is my first truck and it is great. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not lose any fuel economy when I moved into this truck from a mid size SUV. Chevy truly has made a great truck. I have had the truck going on ten months. It handles wonderfully both on and off road through out various speeds. I wish would have purchased one of these sooner.

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  I love my HHR! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Maxs Mom - May 17 - 5:50 am

  This car is a blast! I downsized from an Envoy. I have had it less than a month and love the 26mpg versus 17mpg! Gas mileage will get better as we have it longer. Lots of room in the backseat. I like the height adjustments on the drivers seat. I am short and I feel taller than I would in a regular car. I get so many compliments wherever we go in it. I have a baby and can get him in and out of the vehicle easily. You have to drive one to really like it. The steering is great. I had first liked it because of the look and then drove it and thats all it took to buy! My husband is a "truck" person and he loves the HHR. We fight to drive it! Thank you, Chevrolet!

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  One nice car. - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Gary Mills - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the first brand new car I have ever owned and so far I am completly satisfied with the car. My only complaint is when the air conditioner/defroster is running the gas milage on this car goes down the crapper. I have taken it back to the dealer but they have not be able to find anything wrong. Except for that, the gas mileage is good for a car running with a six cyl. Handles very well and has a smooth and quiet ride.

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  2002 LS Black with Sport App. Pack. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heavy D - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Had 2 Honda Accords since 92. One was V6. Wanted to use GM Supplier program. I did extensive research on the GM cars. Compared Regal LS/GS, Grand Prix GT, Intrigue and Impala base/LS. I am pretty happy with my choice after 10k miles. The stereo/sound system is the best Ive ever had. The homelink was a must. This cars ride/handling/suspension is very sporty for its size, A+. Safety ratings are a key selling point for this family man. We fit the two car seats in the back with room to spare. Dual climate control is nice, and the trunk is roomy. I also like the taillight covers. The rear spoiler with the raised butt takes a little getting used to.

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  Avoid this Vehicle and Chevrolet!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chipwich - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle and have never achieved higher than 15MPG despite window sticker of 21MPG. Have been to the dealership twice for inspection and they claim nothing is wrong. Chevrolet refused to address my concern indicating that their engineers do not expect this engine to achieve better than 12-14MPG. So why do they advertise 21MPG?!?!? Will not stand behind their products or customers. Go buy a Toyota, at least you will know what you are buying.

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  Awesome - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RULIN COBALT - May 16 - 11:30 pm

  This Cobalt I have is such a dependable, sporty car. Wherever I go, I cant help myself but to put the pedal to the metal with it. Its just awesome.

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  I Love My Chevy Cobalt! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By susan kreger - May 15 - 2:10 am

  This is my 3rd lease with Chevy and this car is my favorite by far! I got a 2005 Chevy Cobalt LS with a stick and the car gives 150 percent. Its fun to drive, looks very sporty and the car never disappoints me. I get lots of complements on whoever sees it and each time I get in the car to drive it (no matter where) I am excited. The car is awesome!

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  Full Monte - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By third - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Bought it new (and loaded) almost 2 years ago and have had nothing but fun driving it. It is comfortable, reliable, stylish, has a great ride, low interior noise, great stock sound system, power when needed, good fuel economy......what can I say...I love this car and will keep it for a long time. Way to go Chevy!!

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  D-Max Diesel Rules! - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By RobnCar - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The 6.6L DuraMax Turbo Diesel w/ Allison 5sp 2500HD is the best truck Ive owned. It will out haul and out tow the others hands down. We had a 96 Suburban w/454 and this diesel makes that look like a toy. We were able to tow a 55 Chevy uphill with the windows up and A/C on at 70MPH and the truck acted like there was no trailer there at all. What a brute! I forgot to mention the 20MPG highway! What a great truck! Id buy another in a minute...