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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  Cobalt Fan - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Teen in Iowa - April 1 - 3:12 pm

  This was the car my parents bought for me. Its a 5 manual but still is fun to drive. Ive had no problems with the car. Easy to handle, and quick standard engine. Gets ok gas mileage in city and highway mileage is great. Love the smooth ride.

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  The SS actually stands for "SS" - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Blake - April 1 - 2:58 pm

  Id been eyeballing the SS Cobalt when it was supercharged. However, instead of purchasing it, I bought a 2007 Subaru Forester, XLT. (turbocharged) I turned 50 and decided it was time for my midlife crisis car. So, I added the 2009 Cobalt SS Turbocharged to my stable. I use my SS Cobalt as a commuter vehicle. Part of my commute is on a narrow winding road perched on the side of a canyon. The car is amazing on that road and I look forward to the drive. After the 14 miles of twisting road, everything else is boring. The car has an excellent ride. Oddly enough, the car rides better than the Subaru. I get a combined 28.5 mpg with the car and I dont drive conservatively.

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  Great little car, glad I bought it - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By celticgent2 - April 1 - 2:14 pm

  I bought a 2007 Aveo 5 door hatch back LS with automatic trans and air conditioning for my 16 year old daughter. That was 2 and a half years and 30,000 miles ago. Its been a great little car ! No problems at all and gets great gas mileage. This was the perfect car for my daughter to learn how to drive. Its easy to drive, has great visibility and very good safety features like side impact air bags with good crash test ratings. I guy at work has the same car but with a manual transmission and he swears he is getting 40 MPG ! What do people expect from a $12,000 car ? Its a great value.

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  C-5 cant be topped. - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Castrenze - April 1 - 12:33 pm

  The C-5 ZO6 is the best of the best for all around performance and certainly for the price. I have owned 26 Vettes since 1965, 4 presently and the "04 Z is tops. I have driven and critiqued the C-6 and have significant dislikes of it because it is now being produced with a NEW Corvette audience in mind, but has failed to keep the true Corvette enthusiast of the past 50 years as the focal point for what a Corvette means to them. Adding gingerbread does not make for a better vehicle and I predict that sales of the C-6 versus that of the C-5 will tell the accurate story. The Corvette is a "sports car" folks, not a luxury ride.

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  Trading up - 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
  By 2nd Suburban - April 1 - 8:39 am

  Just traded in an 07 on an 09 suburban and pleased with the six speed transmission. The 07 had a four speed transmission (I think the 08 year had both but on different models) and the shifting is much smoother. It also finally has blue tooth. Other than that, it is the same truck as what we had and we were pretty happy with it.

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  White 1999 Cavalier-Z24, 2dr. coupe - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Pippy - March 31 - 6:22 pm

  I bought my cavalier-Z24 new in fall of 1998 (1999 model yr.)and I still own it! It has 52,000 miles on it and runs/looks great! If I could purchase a 2010 Cav.-z24, Id buy on in a heartbeat! Luv this car, had/have no problems with it this far, everything works fine :) luv this car!

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  LOVE MY CAR!! - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevfan - March 31 - 3:48 pm

  I just bought my car in March after owning an Altima and I absolutely love it! It came fully equipped with black leather seats, moon roof, spoiler, heated seats etc. I am so happy for choosing this car although all the extra stuff did sway my judgment a little! It rides very smooth and is very roomy inside. I have 3 children and it accommodates them perfectly. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By goiser - March 31 - 2:53 pm

  I love my Impala, I get near 30MPG highway and 25 or so freeway, which with last summers $4+ per gallon I was the envy of my friends. Comfortable- the drivers seat can be tweaked just right w/ fully elec adjustment and lumbar crank. Passenger seat doesnt have all that and seems a little squishier. The 3.8 gives an impressive get-up-and-go, and EXCELLENT passing acceleration when youve been following a slow poke and youve had it. Heated seat on drivers side went out twice, still out since its $$$ to fix it. Get higher speed-rated tires (like a "T" rating instead of stock "S") and the response will be amazing, like a corvette. Gives great view of the road from inside. Very happy.

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  this car is amazing! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By melvin666 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  i love it! i recommend everyone to buy!..its easy to drive and looks great on the outside!

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  The best Vette ever - goodbye C5 !!! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By King Vette Man - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Chevy corrected all the things I didnt like about my C5, no rattles, more power by far, Far nicer interior materials...much more solid feel & better handling, I paid LESS than what I paid for my 04 Z06 and am in absolute heaven...This baby rocks my world, fast, smooth, sexy & great tunes !!! Thank You Chevy, you got this one right !!!!!