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:

• 

  Chev Z71 Crew Cab 2005 - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Truck Buyer - October 30 - 8:00 pm

  Vehicle is very comfortable on long and short trips. 4X4 has gotten me through off road terrain as well as some fairly deep snow! Family feels very safe in this truck!

• 

  Very pleased GM customer - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heartnurse - October 30 - 5:20 pm

  Very happy with purchase. This car has a lot of power and can be a pleasure to drive

• 

  2007 Avalanche-Chevys "Pinnacle" Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mr. D - October 30 - 1:00 am

  The 2007 Avalanche delivers the "finishing touch" for its unique features,luxury,performance and technology. Truck lovers will sit-up and take notice at the design of this rugged, tough looking vehicle. Along with its powerful performance, the comfort and luxury can make you forget your driving a "truck". But when you want or need truck features, youll not be dissapointed! The standard and optional features deliver a generous level of safety and technology that is sure to rival competitors, all at a very reasonable price. The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche is truly an awesome driving experience. It rises to take its place as one of Chevys "Pinnacles" in truck design.

• 

  2009 LT2 4 cylinder 6 spd. automatic - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BJN - October 29 - 1:46 pm

  We had a 2007 GM with a V6 so we were a little worried the 4 cyliner would not have enough power. To our surprise the 4 coupled with the 6 speed automatic has enough power but is also very quiet. The downshifts are subtle. Car runs 70 to 75 easily, gets excellent gas mileage getting 25 average with mostly intown so far and its only got 450 miles on it. I think when on a trip car will easily get in the mid 30 MPG range after full break in. Car is very comfortable

• 

  I love it - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Martina - October 29 - 10:46 am

  I picked up my 2006 Chevy Impala LTZ last week and I just love this car. The ride is very smooth, acceleration is excellent, its very quiet and handles very well. No rattles or loud wind noises. The interior is perfect for my taste. I can see and reach all the buttons with no problems. I think its great that the radio controls are also on the steering wheel. I love the size of the trunk and the flip and fold seats are so easy to use. I have more than enough space in this car. The built in phone is great, too. Overall I love this car and Im very happy I bought it.

• 

  Typical GM - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Michael Jock - October 29 - 2:41 am

  This car has hesitated for a long time and the dealer will do nothing to fix it because it does not set off a warning light. It will cost me big money to get into it so I will just stumble along until I trade it in for a Honda or Toyota. The tires were bald at 33k miles. I looked up the stock tires on Tirerack and they are ranked near the bottom. Sometimes the Bose head unit will go blank and freeze for 10 minutes or so. No idea why. This car is typical GM, they Almost get it right......

• 

  Nicks review - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Nickp - October 29 - 2:00 am

  its cool and fun to drive

• 

  Very good for the price range - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By yako - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a no-frills car that beats the hell out of the cheap makes that you find in this price range. My previous car was a 97 Kia Sephia, and I am already impressed with the build quality, quietness, ride, handling, performance, and standard features. The styling leaves something to be desired -- there are nice features, but the rear-end looks like a Ford Contour. The front-end is a marked improvement over previous Cav. years.

• 

  2004 Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Nelson Roth - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Malibu is a delight to drive. The 3.5 liter, 200 horse power engine provides more than enough power for hills and passing. The sleek exterior design is attractive and easy to wash.

• 

  my monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By katiy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  previously i had a 95 mc, but i drove her into the ground throughout college. i got this car for graduation. it was the only car on the market i was interested in (since the last camaro rolled off the line). i absolutely love it. rides great and millenium yellow gets lots of looks!