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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  Everyone Needs To Drive It !!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Terminator - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Like they say everyone should drive it. My wife had a Camry owner approach her to find out what it was all about. He was looking for a new car. Fast powerful easy to drive these are a few of the things that make me enjoy it.

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  This time Chevrolet has set the standard - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By NatePT - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I spent several months researching and test driving midsize sedans, and found this car to be the best. It ran smoother than the Accord and quieter than the Camry. The suspension and handling are comparable to the other cars in its class, and the standard features on the LT model make it a joy to drive. Many added safety features from last years model also set this car apart from the rest. If youre looking for a well-built, dependable, and economic midsize sedan, it would be VERY worth your while to check this one out!

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  WOW - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By DADGUM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The power of this car is great for an already great 3800 searies v-6. The supercharger has make this engine even meanier then it was, I loved it

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  Dont buy base... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Monicca - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have the Supercharged SS and its an incredible car. Excellent acceleration, smooth ride, comfortable interior, and lots of nice extras. Its definitely mid-sized but it has all the style of a sports car. I traded in a Mustang Cobra because although it was sweet, it was also loud, cramped, and overall uncomfortable. I dont regret the decision... My friend bought a Monte about a month after I did but he got the base model. Acceleration with the base is nothing spectacular, its extras are minimal, and its just not fun. You wouldnt think there would be such a huge difference but its well worth the extra money.

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  Fun Family Car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Herbert - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The best performing car that Chevy has come out with (for its size), since the 1963 to 1965 Corvette. Has plenty of interior (even with sun roof) for people that are 6 feet 3 inches tall. Has plenty of trunk space for extended trips.

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  chevy impala-2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By dan young - January 21 - 2:00 am

  just finished driving in snow-car drives excellent.all around,the car drives great.the reviews were right- great car

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  One good car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gary Bateman - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I sold cars for 25 years, and today all of them are so much better than the were years ago, prices are great with all the rebates! Now is the time to buy what ever you want, but be sure and check for rebates,some Dealers will hide part of it if they can or add on for some other stuff you do not need or want do not get sucked in on finaacing or paint seal or anything that a Dlr.adds on, if they add value added or some other dubble talk walk out go to a Drl thart wants your business not just your money!

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  I Love my Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David Talley - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Good truck so far will see

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  One powerful little truck - 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Billy Willkomm - January 20 - 9:03 pm

  I have a 2009 Chevy Colorado crew cab 4WD Z71 with the 5.3 liter engine & it is black in color. This little truck has more power than anyone will ever need. I also own a 1966 Chevy Chevelle with a 427 big block in it & I really do know what real horsepower is & this little truck has it. This little truck also has a full frame which gives it a strong foundation. The inside of this truck has plenty of leg room also.The interior is also real nice with the chrome touches.General Motors did one great job on this little truck. It has it all. Also when it comes to parking this little truck it is just really ease. I tip my hat to the people of General Motors for this great little truck.

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  Love It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Becky - January 20 - 5:29 pm

  Just bought this truck 2 weeks ago, so I can only speak to the reliability during that time. So far, so good. I do know the dash was replaced before I bought it, so that timebomb is taken care of. As to gas mileage, Im getting on average of 22 mpg highway and 15 city. Comparable to my F150. Love the handling. Snow and ice dont make me nervous anymore. This thing is a rock! Id buy a new one tomorrow if I could. Much better than the Explorer, and Im usually a diehard Ford freak. The stereo and DVD are just icing. Love the straight 6.