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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  The Princess Loves It!! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By notthatkindofdoc - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this truck for 5 months now, and have just turned over 11,000 miles. So far, the trailblazer is everything to love and little to complain about. The big 6 cylinder engine is fabulous (my wifes words) and the styling is great to look at. Ive been hesitant to buy a Detroit sport-ute, but this was clearly a good decision, especially with the incentives.

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  Thoughts from a new owner - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By canoe - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 weeks but have over 2000 miles on it. I am happy with the whole experience. I looked at all of the other mid sized SUVs and found this one to be an excellent blend of features. So far, so good. I have another 3000 miles to drive in the next 2 weeks. Time will tell whether Im still happy.

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  Just as good as the imports - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brian - February 8 - 4:26 am

  Got my 3.9 Impala in July and have had nothing but rave compliments about the interior. My best friend has a 2006 Camry and tells me every time hes in my ride that I have a better looking interior. I love that next gen 3.9L and think if it isnt the best six out there it ranks in the top five. If they slap in that new 6 speed this would be a perfect drive train matching anything foriegn or domestic.

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  Tiny buttons - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Darryl - February 7 - 9:03 pm

  Overall, Im mostly satisfied with my new Silverado. Its my third one. My 2010 had one item I see as a design flaw, the buttons on the AC/Heater are very small and you have to really look at what you are doing to operate it while driving.

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  First Vette and not the last - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dbl Vet - February 7 - 7:56 am

  Awe-inspiring baby!! First time Vette owner and I am impressed that there is finally an American made car that performs at or above its foreign counterparts in a category. It is a pure pleasure to drive. The combination power of the 400 bhp combined with 400 lbs/ft of torque is astounding. The looks and complements from the public keep on pouring in. Nice job GMC. Now take this success and apply it to your other lines to save Americas auto industry.

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  Engine failure, car broke down 4 times in month - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Ktornese - February 7 - 6:40 am

  I bought a 2015 Sonic LTZ, certified pre-owned with 14,000 miles, under manufacture warranty. I traded in a 2006 Jeep liberty, purchased for my 19 year daughter in college. The car ran fine action you can take.er.Then all the lights were on the dashboard so she brought it back a week later to the dealer. The engine had many problems,they replaced everything on the engine they could, was in the dealer for 2 weeks.One week later back in again with engine problems. Now back in again with over heating problems light on the dashboard. This car is under warranty so they have to fix it at no cost to us but, GM told me they can only help by fixing it wont have anything to do with trading it in or providing a swap out. I told them this car was built wrong why does a consumer have to suffer this,wanted to get rid of it. They will not help you if you have a lemon of a pre-owned. Some states do support certified pre-owned law suits,so research out further action to take. The dealer I bought it from washed their hands of the sale of this car as i shipped it from PA to Arizona. Dont bother to buy this car its a real piece of junk.

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  General description of vehicle . - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Norman Shapiro - February 5 - 4:33 pm

  This HHR is a 2nd vehicle for us. I purchased it as an inexspensive form of transportation. I purchased a manual 5 speed shift for that reason. Disapointing to note that this vehicle caused me much grief that was due to shoddy workmanship. I received a severe laceration because the seat of the vehicle was inferior.

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  Tahoe Review - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Brett - February 4 - 12:33 pm

  I like everything except the rattle in the headliner. Looks, smooth ride, and comfort are all a plus. Fuel is 17 mpg average.

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  Avid AV Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tims garage - February 4 - 10:00 am

  After leasing a 1999 Chevy Tahoe I was pleasntly surprised to find out I didnt have to give up any comfort or performance when I moved UP to a Avalanche. Now I can Hall some dirty stuff if I need to without ruining my interrior.

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  big toy - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By kenw - February 4 - 10:00 am

  drove to New Hampshire on first outing, and was amazed at the handling on the highway and back roads,