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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  Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By avce360 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle

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  Smoking SS - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jonesy - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 chevrolet extreme, on my new ss. Gas mileage has suprised me its been getting about 17.8 in the city. This truck attracts so much attention people almost drive into the side of you, or rear end someone else. trying to figure out what kind of truck it is, and who is driving it.

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  Underrated Excellent Competitor - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Linda - January 16 - 9:30 am

  Maxx is a mini-Saab. Good foreign feel, interior a bit basic. If Chevy invested in upgraded interior materials this car can compete with imports hands down. Good mileage, great pickup excellent style. I researched BMW, Saab, Volkswagon Wagons Maxx best value for the dollar. Just wish the interior could compete with imports.

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  More GM problems - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  By bigda - January 14 - 4:14 pm

  I have owned 4 Corvettes and was looking forward to receiving my 2014 convertible this summer. After 2 weeks the car went in to replace the air conditioner compressor. Got it back and 3 weeks later it went in to replace the torque tube. The dealer has had it for 2 1/2 weeks and 3 days ago called me to say they didnt know how to fix it after having gotten a new torque tube from Bowling Green. The dealer then said they had called upon the GM technical folks to help them figure out the problem. Add this to GMs safety and quality failures. The simple problem is that they made the torque tube out of steel instead of aluminum and it transfers too much heat. Cant fix stupid!!!

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  Very Nice!! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Lance - January 14 - 8:20 am

  Had a Dodge Minivan and wanted something different. We looked at Dodge Journey, Jeep Commander, and the new Minivans and decided that the Traverse felt the best to drive and was the sharpest looking.

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  Who drove this before they built it? - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By D. George - January 14 - 8:16 am

  Had the car for 2 months, if someone wants it Ill sell it now! Too big, too heavy, poor driving visibility & seating position the hype doesnt match the finished product. For GM its a high margin vehicle that sells behind great marketing & visual style...thats how I got hooked. I dont get it when other buyers say this car handles great, compared to what?? After owning 3 different 70s muscle cars the retro formula is disappointing. For those looking to buy one I have one for sale at a discount!

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  Overall.. fun car to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By DMAN - January 14 - 6:13 am

  A full sized car that handles like a hot rod, comfortable, good looking car. I am used to driving performance cars in the past. I could not believe the power the ss has to offer along with the handling. I am also pleased with the braking capabilities of the ss. No problems as yet, but still early to tell. I purchased the extended warranty just due to the engine and transmission.

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  2017 Equinox is just what we wanted. - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Gary Korneliusen - January 14 - 5:41 am

  Believe it or not this is our first SUV. We have driven Impalas in the past and still have a 2013 Impala. This is why we decided to lease this Equinox to try it out. So far my husband (he and our 39 year old son) love it. They insisted on a 6 cyl. with AWD so it does handle great and is comfortable. We are all tall so having the extra leg room in the back seat is great when needed. Also, like the good size cargo area. After only 2 weeks I think we all agree this was a good choice for the price.

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  Equinox - SO - SO - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jumper - January 13 - 12:53 pm

  Had the car since Oct. 04. I hate the cloth interior - everything sticks to it, and its difficult to keep clean. I cant put the dog in it, since you cant easily clean dog hairs off. Theres noise at the drivers side window, in the dashboard, and in the steering column. Ive taken it to the dealership twice and they can never hear/find it. There are blind spots because the car has high backseat headrests. There are no "grab bars" in front to help older people get in. Im ready to trade it in!

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  Early Owner - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Scott - January 13 - 3:46 am

  Owning the Equinox has been very nice. If I were to change anything, it would be to give it a bigger gas tank. It is about the same size as a cars but with SUV mileage, I find myself at the pump more often than I think I should. Gas mileage is good for its size.