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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  9 months in Colorado in North Carolina - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Dale - June 10 - 3:11 pm

  I now have owned the truck for 9 months and have almost 11,000 miles on it. I am still very pleased with this economical, reliable everyday truck. Im still getting 19-20 mpg in everyday driving (even when running the a/c), with 26-27 mpg on trips (at 70-75 mph, no less). The only repairs it has needed in 11,000 miles are a new drivers seat cushion (to fix loose upholstery) and a new HVAC control head (to fix a temperature knob that wouldnt go all the way). Other than those two minor things, its been completely reliable. Im a very satisfied owner, and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the truck based on my own experience.

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  Ignore the "experts"... a GERAT value. - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By rich n. - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Ignore what the "experts" write. This car is a GREAT value, with a large comfortable interior [Im 62"], quiet ride, satisfactory acceleration/ performance [not as if Im drag racing on I-95 too often], and plenty of creature comforts [I particularly appreciate the on-the-wheel stereo and cruise controls]. Obviously, styling is a personal preference, but I think the car looks sharp outside AND especially inside. My only significant complaint is the rattles that the service department has not solved. I STILL ENJOY GETTING INTO AND DRIVING MY CAR EVERY TIME.

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  i love my truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ernie - June 10 - 2:00 am

  the truck is just great it handles well and has great pickup

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  So far so good - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JakeMon - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I use it to tow my 2500 lb. boat and have no complaints with its capabilities. Not the most high- quality interior ever built but solid, tho a bit cheap sounding. Rear seat is cramped with car seats (I am 62"). Rear hatch lacks rigidity and I fear will become more loose and problematic. Quiet, smooth ride and powerful engine/drivetrain combo. Still, sometimes, the shift from R to D gets lost and takes longer than necessary to engage-this feels sloppy.

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  What Happend - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jason - June 9 - 6:42 pm

  I like the new body style. I think its a vary nice car. And the only complaint I really have is the dic driver info center. The car has some pep not much wouldve liked to see a 2.4l and OnStar on the base, but all in all its a car to point a to point b, nothing unique about it.

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  Above average Monte Carlo - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Raze - June 9 - 4:33 am

  The auto industry criticizes the Monte Carlo for being subpar, but it is actually a great vehicle. It has guts, and enough performance potential to put a smile on anybodys face. There are also many parts available for a good price. The car is also very reliable. I know people with Monte Carlos and they say that they never had a problem and neither have I. The interior design may be a little outdated, but it is comfortable and functional, so it works. Fuel economy is pretty good, and if you like the design then I guarantee that you will love the car. The low and wide stance helps give that car good handling and great stability on the highway. this car is actually much better than average.

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  adaquate - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By randy wellens - June 8 - 11:45 am

  just ok

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  I like mine - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Endsley - June 8 - 8:48 am

  I was pleasantly surprised at the quiet ride, and the seats provide good support and comfort. I have the rear end lock up on my 2wd. Every so often Ill go off road when fishing, but stick to trails. Glad The OnStar is a great feature and I really like the XM radio

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  Best new truck around. - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Chevydriver - June 6 - 10:56 pm

  I have the Z85 LS 2wd Crew Cab with the I5 3.5L engine and auto tran. This truck replaced a 97 S-10 LS Ext. Cab. Although the truck is really new, I dont see any outstanding complaints. It is very fuctional and most of all, fun to drive. The features you get these days on GM trucks is impressive for the price. I did my comparison homework and found that with all the rebates from GM and low MSRP, the Colorado is the best value in its class. Althoug the Crew Cab shortens the bed to 5, it does not look carlike compared to a Ford Sport-trac. With the additon of the towing package you have room for 5 people, the gear in the bed and a smaller "toy" to haul to the lake or woods!

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  Unhappy console - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By unhappy - June 6 - 8:15 pm

  Overall I like the 2008 Chevy Equinox however I am very unhappy with the center console. The emergency brake is in the wrong spot and the 12VDC outlet is right under the pullout cupholders. Liquid and power do not mix well. I am really unhappy after reading earlier articles about the 2006 Chevy Equinox with the same complaints. Will American car companies ever get their act together?