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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  2005 Cobalt Ls Coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jc24 - March 13 - 8:03 am

  Its my first brand new car being a recent college graduate. Overall my Cobalt has been pretty good. No problems since I have purchased it. Standard horspeower is better then most others in its class for the price. Interior noise is low and it handles well on bumpy surfaces. I think all American automakers have made great strides in improving the quality of their cars and if your in the market for a new car check one of them out and support our economy.

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  Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Lee DeArmond - March 13 - 3:36 am

  First I am an 84 year old man--The car is fun to drive. My 16 yr old grandson gets credit for the selection but his choice was excellent. It is used mostly around town and only short trips. For older people wanting to scale down it would be hard to beat.

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  Nice spin on a Minivan - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By dollfin343 - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  I love this van! I know it isnt fooling anyone by looking SUVish in the front, but it is enough to convert this Mom. I swore I would never buy a minivan but I couldnt resist it! It is loaded with comfort! The DVD is priceless (spring for the wireless headsets). It rides GREAT and handles solid. Visibility is WONDERFUL! The interior is very spacious. I can easily manuever in the rear area. Like most GM cars, the driver seat has a lot of lumbar for me at 53. I wish it was adjustable but the seat adjusts so much that it hasnt been a big issue. The sliding passenger door and rear liftgate are hard to close sometimes (the gauge has an area that will digitally tell you when they arent.)

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  The Best in its Class - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Best in its Class - March 11 - 11:43 pm

  I traded in my 09 Civic, for my 2010 Equinox, I love it. I was concern with the Gas Milege, cause the Civic was awsome, however its all on how you drive, i keep my Equinox in Eco Mode the entire time, i drive at 60-70 MPH, use the cruise control everytime i can, and I get 27- 29 miles per gallon in the city, i took it in a trip, and I got exactly 32 Miles per gallon in hwy. Before I bought it, I looked at Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4, Hundai Tucson. The Equinox smokes them all no comparison, the Equinox is way superior than all of them. In my opinion the best in its class.

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  I love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Larry and Melanie - March 11 - 12:50 am

  This the car that you get more bang for your buck from! Its comfy, roomy, and you feel safe when you drive it. My daughter got run into a concrete telephone pole, and if she would have been in any other car, she wouldnt have lived to tell about it. This is a solid car all the way around. I have all the toys on mine, and for the price I paid, you cant help but just love this car! Thank you Chevrolet!

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By FrankG - March 10 - 5:40 am

  We have had it only two weeks now, but my wife, who is the principle driver, really likes it. We also own an 05 Saturn L300, which I now use for work as I travel a lot. Both vehicles are very different, but are serving us well. We are curious how well the AWD will perform this winter here in Massachusetts.

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  Love my SS - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ziggy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt seen many on the road before I got my SS until a buddy of mine drove up in one. I fell in love instantly. I still get looks today. Very distinctive styling makes it unlike anything on the road. The hints of older Monte styling are perfect. Interior is very comfortable for every day driving as well as long trips. Controls are nicely placed and very functional, especially the steering wheel mounted stereo and cruise controls. Had good pick up and a very tight suspension for those fast turns. Do wish a V8, manual transmission would be offered with rear wheel drive. Overall, a well built coupe thats very fun to drive.

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  Love my SS - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ziggy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt seen many on the road before I got my SS until a buddy of mine drove up in one. I fell in love instantly. I still get looks today. Very distinctive styling makes it unlike anything on the road. The hints of older Monte styling are perfect. Interior is very comfortable for every day driving as well as long trips. Controls are nicely placed and very functional, especially the steering wheel mounted stereo and cruise controls. Had good pick up and a very tight suspension for those fast turns. Do wish a V8, manual transmission would be offered with rear wheel drive. Overall, a well built coupe thats very fun to drive.

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  2003 Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By king of detroit - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Living in Michigan needed a competent 4x4 for heavy snow, with enough room for a family of 5. Great engine and 4x4 setup. Especially the 4x4 auto mode. Great for patchy ice and snow. Biggest complaint: Purchased leather power seat package, no matter how I adjust them I cannot get comforable seating position. My wife provided the same feedback (unsolicated). Also, dash and door skins are less than impressive (for a $30,000+ truck)

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  H.D. 8.1 liter with 5 speed allision - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By truckman - March 9 - 6:53 pm

  stops better and rides better, and is quiter. than previous model.