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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  Crazed Cruze - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Allieverhoped4 - March 13 - 9:15 pm

  Its not a luxury sedan with a V6

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By G Man - March 12 - 11:56 am

  The exterior appearance sold me. However, a test drive drive was required to remove all doubt. Pleasantly surprised with the comfort in comparison to other rides in SUVs. Sound system features becomes simple after a few uses. Great pickup; stops well. SUV looks great in black and white. Other colors not appealing with the dark grey front and rear bumpers. Very roomy in the front and back seats. Chose durable fabric seat covers. Rear seat head rest should be softer. Rear storage space ideal; especially with the adjustable shelf. Not a car for gas conscious people.

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  I wanted the best and I got the best! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Tony G - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 15 months and I havent had a problem with it. This car has only had normal maintenance done to it by me. This is a smooth riding car, sporty and fun. The car drives like a champ. Some of the best features are the dual climate controls (my wife says that we can never buy a car without this feature), huge trunk, 3.8 liter engine and the accessability of controls (steering wheel and center console). If you are looking for a good reliable car this is it. Just remember to give it proper up keep and find one that was taken care of and its a car to enjoy for a long time. Enjoy the pleasure of owning this car.

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  Chev 3500 4x4 Dually - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Bubba Camper - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Never had any problems with this truck, which I use to commute to work and carry my Lance 1161 model camper. Gas mileage is 9 MPG without the camper and about 8 MPG with the camper. Power to spare. Can be a rought ride on a bumpy road.

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  Well Improved! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BKuz - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 93,96,98,99 and 2001 Cavalier Z24s and by far this 2004 is the best! Very much improved!Faster smoother engine and sportier handling. Gas milage great, 28 and 29 combined city/hwy. Brakes improved,workmanship improved.Low wind noise,richer paint finish,even has solar ray glass,others had cheaper glass. A lot for the money! Forget Honda and Toyokey! My nephew has a civic and has nothing but trouble with it.Plus they smell like sulfur!Plus they are 1 and 2 the most stolen cars.

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  04 Malibu makes driving fun again! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JayClark - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 04 Malibu. It really makes driving fun again. I get a lot of compliments and looks from everyone everywhere I go. They are all surprised that its a Malibu, because it looks like a more expensive car. Beautiful car for the price. No need to by a $30,000. plus vehicle when Malibu has everything for less, including looks.

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  comfort and style - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bigaction - March 12 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing more to say than just a great all around vehicle. I am really enjoying it . Great mileage and a soft ride like cruising on a cloud. You have to love it.

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  2000 Cavalier is junk - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By KPoole - March 11 - 10:00 am

  After only 2 years, Already have major engine problems. Vehicle began overheating and cutting off when idle. Returned to dealship and mechanics believe new engine is needed. They claim I am responsible. The back seat is also coming out. This vehicle was a bad investment. I now have negative equity in this vehicle. It is absolutely worthless.

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  I Love this Truck! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By MLS - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this "truck" and I absolutely love it. I had a Tahoe before, which was a great truck, and the Avalanche has the sturdiness and reliability, and then some. It looks great, drives great, and lets be honest, it looks cool and turns heads.

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  2002 IMPALA - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By JAMES CALDWELL - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I am driving my second Impala. they are lease cars,and I use it in my work.The firsd one had 75000 miles on it,and this one has 18000.I took delivery in Janurary.I had no trouble with either of the cars.They have performed with out any serious breakdowns.If I could upgrade,I would get the LS for the extra power.My only complaint is it took a few weeks for the power seat to get comfortable.