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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  Fun to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anne - December 24 - 11:43 am

  This is my second Impala. While disappointed with the gas mileage (21 Hwy), it is fun to drive. Great pickup and steering. I upgraded to a sunroof, and the digital dash is easy to read and access. Its comfortable for me at 55" as well as my 6 ft husband. Lots of room inside and a huge trunk. A really fun car to drive.

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  LTZ v6 3.0 lt equinox 2010 - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Me - December 24 - 2:40 am

  fun to drive, has lots of features. more than I expected.

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  Malibu equal to or better that imports - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By junie - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Chevrolet did their homework and have introduced a great car in the Malibu. I researched all I could find and finally was able to purchase this car. The Epsilon plateform is truly world class...tight, firm, quiet and confident. I had been an import owner, but never really believed in their hype. Now Chevrolet has the car that will convert many like myself.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By tintigab - December 23 - 10:00 am

  A great looking car with a well-made interior. No squeaks or rattles of any kind. Ride and handling are wonderful. Steering is tight and responsive. Plenty of power on the highway, but could use more low-end torque. (I am used to driving a truck, so this may be why I feel this way.) I am very satisfied with this car.

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  Finally a real sport sedan from Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RNis - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The Impala SS has the best build quality I have ever seen on a Chevy (and I have owned several in the last 15 years): No rattles,squeaks or wind noise. Excellent acceleration which will fool many drivers of more expensive luxury sedans(BMWs).No body roll in corners and excellent handling for front wheel drive. Its not a V8 or rear drive but very competent.

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  great truck - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By alburg - December 21 - 12:06 pm

  Bought this truck new in 2000 have 278,000 miles and it still runs great have had to put 2 fuel pumps and one alternator in ten year, not bad. Have used synthetic oil and trans fluid. Changed to Bosch platinum plugs at 79k and now have 200k on the plugs, still runs great. Just bought 09 crew cab and hope it lasts this long. Keeping this truck just to see it roll on to 300k.

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  Versatile Flex Fuel Sedan - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By psreid - December 21 - 5:06 am

  Very good car! Ethanol (E85) compatible with good miles per gallon. Spacious and quiet interior make this a joy to drive. Traction control and excellent crash safety ratings makes this a good all around car! Sleek and stylish exterior puts the competition to shame!

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  Beautiful Sporty Classic - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ambuter ambuter - December 20 - 9:43 pm

  Great Fun meets Great quality, a quality car from Bumper to Bumper. If this car gets your blood racing then you would love owning this Classic Camaro.

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  Happy with Choice - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Happy Chevy - December 20 - 8:56 pm

  Have had for over 2 years now and has always been reliable in the snow/ice or heat/rain. Had steering shaft replaced because of weird feeling when turning or going over slight bumps. Factory warranty took care of it. Love storage in back as I sue it frequently to haul yard trash to dump site, haul lumber, fishing equipment and radio control model airplanes. Gas mileage is excellent compared to wifes new Buick LaCrosse. Rides comfortable and get very favorable comments from my buddies on looks and ride.

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  My Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By MIke - December 20 - 4:23 am

  The Equinox is a great SUV to own, Fun to drive, with great comfort, and safe to drive. But the fuel fconomy needs to be improved.