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:

• 

  Not Bad - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By BigDub - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in January of 2001 with 45,000 miles on it. I drove that car any and everywhere and never put it in the shop. I took very good care of the vehicle as far a oil changes and tires. When I purchased the car I bought an extended warranty and warranty ran out so I traded the car in October of 2002. At the time of the trade the car had 76,000 miles on it. I never had a problem

• 

  What a Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Hockeydad - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great driving, truck but yet drives like a car. Can haul dirt and still have a full size crew cab for people. Appearance grows on you quickly. Add DVD player and kids are happy and you can cruise.

• 

  The only SUV I would buy - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By fiyaboi - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I am in the automotive industry and I would recommend the Tahoe over any other SUV. The look, room, comfort, safety, handling, reliability and many features out match those so-called wannabe SUVs.

• 

  Chevy the only Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Grayman - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first 2500HD, Ive had Blazers, Z71s, and a 02 Tahoe. This is by far the badass. I love every minute im in it. When Im not in it Im thinking about it. Its truly the Hammer

• 

  Silverado SS - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dcairns - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Rather pricey, but it has every gadget in the Chevy parts bin. The only thing missing is excess power I wanted. Sadly that is still Fords domain. There is plenty of power, great cornering and AWD for sure traction. The ride is firm but smooth and generally comfortable. There is a harmonic bouncing on some concrete freeways. Cab noise is very low. The rear view mirror is a bit low for me, blocking forward view at the horizon line. The sun visor in the side position, blocks too much of my view left. The truck has a solid feel to it and I have found no flaws in the exterior metal work or paint. The styling is well suited for the SS and looks great.

• 

  Z71 Bliss - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Mark - January 20 - 4:00 am

  My truck is a daily driver in the city but also a back road wonder on the weekends. In the winter I use four wheel drive for duck hunting with my sons in the country. It has been from Texas to California and many Colorado trips. It look good in the field, but when it is cleaned up it looks good under the city lights. Safe, dependable and a real pleasure. Maybe the best vehicle I have ever owned, out of maybe 11-12 cars and trucks.

• 

  Happy Impala owners! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cjbrooklyn3411 - January 17 - 5:06 pm

  Well, a few members in our family have the Toyota Camry and have been trying to get us also purchase one. However, for almost the same price if not cheaper, the Imapala was the better chose for us. Roomier inside then the Camry and bigger trunk space. Love the feature for the air conditioning. I can set mine seperate from the drivers setting. Also enjoy the features for viewing your tire pressure, odometer and how many miles left before the next gas pruchase. All around this car is superior over any of the Nissan, Toyotas, Kia etc.

• 

  Good First Run-Needs Tweeking - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By planbforme - January 16 - 2:10 pm

  I bought the Equinox after an accident left me an amputee. Its a great height to sit in. Interior is very roomy. I almost bought a Hyundai Sante Fe but this car gave me more room. Its got great pick up and is fun to drive. The interior could use a few more features like grab handles on the inside above the door entry. The stereo system is confusing to operate. Cup holders in front and back are good. Folding seats are great - Ive already transported a dresser. The back door is sometimes tough to get closed correctly. And - unfortunately, Ive had a fender bender - driver stopped suddenly in front of me - the bumper cracked from slightest impact. Ignition sticks intermittently.

• 

  future classic - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By b-rett - January 16 - 10:00 am

  best car for money. runs and handles great.

• 

  Very Suprising - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By chemmie - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I was very suprised in how peppy the engine is. For the price, I dont think there is a car that will match it. The interior is cheaper than others but it is still pretty sturdy and can handle wear and tear from people and dogs. Because of the peppy engine, it is very fun to drive! Also gets better gas mileage than listed.