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:

• 

  Wow, excellent truck. - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By popoffvalve - October 14 - 10:26 pm

  This is simply the best truck I have owned. It not only performs the work functions I need of it, but it is more comfortable and rides better than I expected. This from a base extended cab WT. I can only imagine that the higher you go in terms of options, the better it would be. I highly recommend the 09 Silverado.

• 

  All good - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By nolaman - October 14 - 1:26 am

  This car can get almost 600 miles on a tank of gas, I am not kidding you about this. The back seat folds totally flat, its a traditional station wagon. Even with the back seat up there is plenty of room for most trips. The looks? Well, thats a personal choice, but it suits me well. Extremely quiet, it rides on the interstate like my mothers Grand Marquis. Brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.

• 

  New rig for the bigger family - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jeff - October 14 - 12:23 am

  I bought this vehicle used, I am the 2nd owner. I fell in love with it right away, the 3rd row seat is a god send, and I love the styling. The only drawback is the mileage. 12-14mpg at best in city

• 

  Utility - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By sgtfrank - October 13 - 9:13 pm

  Living in the snow belt I love this thing. Kinda plain but has all the essentials. 7.5k no problems knock knock.

• 

  BEEFY DURAMAX!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By SNUG MAGNET - October 12 - 11:50 pm

  I use the truck to pull a 25 camper and you cant even feel it back there. Maybey next year I can pull a new 5th wheel- the real reason for purchase. This truck has amazing power and is a blast to drive.

• 

  Love my Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By starrynight - October 12 - 7:43 am

  I love the way this vehicles feels when I drive it.I feel safe in this vehicle because of the five star ratings. The gas mileage is great. I love the carge room

• 

  Powerful truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By neversummer - October 12 - 2:46 am

  I had previously owned an 02 and loved it....now Chevy has raised the bar! Nice 20 inch wheels (although i will be offroading), great ride , power and looks. I have the 6.0 and am averaging 14.5 after 2000 miles. Looked at a Tundra but was put off by the price. I was amazed to see how similar the interior dash was to the new Chevy! The body design is awesome, however "plastic" chrome pieces are undesireable and do not stand up after four years. How about aluminum on the front grille? Same with the interior....simulated plastic wood...no sir! The fit of my glove door and arm rest "wood" pieces are off, other wise good build inside and out. Trans shifting feels awkward and slow to respond.

• 

  hot rod - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By js72vette - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2005 corvette is the best production corvette ever.It is a revolution in speed and styling. It comes from a family of big engines, great handiling, and all around perforance.

• 

  Good looking with a Solid Build - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By smxr1 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The looks of the vehicle a really sharp. The AWD makes it really safe feeling on wet roads. Better than average gas mileage is a huge plus for a SUV and it doesnt break the bank when you go fill up. Noise from the front pillars and the cup holder gets in the way of the parking brake. I think Chevy did a good job with this truck. Some small improvements and this truck cant be beat. Very Happy....

• 

  Overall a good SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Eduardo - October 11 - 10:13 am

  I had a Montero, and this SUV is a lot more fun to drive. Its not been too long since I got it, but so far so good. Only problem is the stereo is too complicated. GM should do something about it..