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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  Prism cant beat it - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By tdhicks - January 16 - 4:25 am

  I bought this car in 2000, and was using it to deliver papers about 400 of them daily. On Sunday this car would carry 2000 plus pounds of paper up and down hills, through snow, rain etc. All I did was change the oil, breaks and tires. After completley beating this car up, a paper route will tell you if your car is worth anything. I tell you this has too be the best car ever. The door handle inside finally brooke off, but thats opening and closing it 200 times a day. The transmision and engine are still in great shape. After 7 years of using it on paper routes I just spent 600 dollars to completely redo the suspension and bearings. The car is like brand new. Chevy needs to make this car

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  2009 Chevrolet HHR LS1 4 spd. auto - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By McM - January 16 - 1:09 am

  Just got the HHR 3 wks ago, fun to drive, handles nicely. Good fuel mileage for not being broke in yet, 22 mpg in town, 31 on Interstate, also uses Flexifuel. Comfortable seats with lots of leg room in the front, havent been in the back yet. Back seats fold down completely flat for a full hauling area and front pass seat folds down also. Rear storage underneath back hatch area above the spare tire door. Stereo is nice with lots of optional functions & MP3/iPod/Sat., plays MP3 or WMA CDs also. 1 yr of free OnStar is a great thing to have also & 3 mo. of Sat radio. Personal options digital display setup on dash. Auto on/off headlights, Remote Vehicle Start to 200 ft. (we love it!)

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  You havent bought one yet? - 1994 Chevrolet Lumina
  By TonyVA - January 15 - 7:15 pm

  My parents bought this car in 1996 with 40000 miles on it. They gave it to me last year with 276000 miles, and still running strong. It now has 304000 and the motor is still running strong. They had to replace the altenator several times, thats about it other than regular maintenance.

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  Better than expected - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob - January 15 - 7:13 am

  I own an Aveo5 2LT, 2009. The drive by wire is a little tough to get used to with the 5 speed, although I have adapted. The leatherette interior is very nice, but the drivers seat is already out of shape and this happened almost from day one. Overall though I am really happy with my purchase. The car is fun to drive and quite comfortable. If you are currently driving a larger car it will take a few days to adjust to the higher RPMs at highway speeds, but you really get a driving experience as opposed to feeling like you are sitting on your den sofa. Great little car for the money!

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  I love my Kor-Talian Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By R. Miller - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my half Korean half Italian Aveo!! It drives and handles with such confidence. No cases of leg cramps or claustrophobia in this baby. You get so many extras with this car for the price, you cant beat it!!! Youll just have to check it out!

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  Best car Ive ever driven - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By xphyle6774 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I am so pleased with the Monte Carlo! I always wanted a vehicle that not only looked great, but out-performed any other vehicle I previously owned. For a larger car, It is very easy to maneuver in parking lots and garages. The fuel efficiency surprised me for a V6, averaging better mileage than most 4-cyl. engines Chevy produces. I am a tall person, 5 11", and the interior design suits me well, even in the back seat. I owned a truck before and was worried about losing cargo space. No way...the trunk is HUGE.

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  nicest - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kathyde - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i have never had a car that i could drive around and feel more comfortable in. it does not feel like a SLED, and definatinly not a BABY./ i get looks every where i go, and coments. like ;AWESOME CAR-BEAUTIFUL.

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  sporty cruiser - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bash - January 15 - 2:00 am

  this is the first new car i have ever had i was so excited with it. I beieve i made a great choice.

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  My new Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Becki50 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 4 wheel dr veh for this vehicle and have never felt safer. It handles like a dream on snow and ice, and the best part is Im not afraid to drive in those conditionsm like I was with the 4 wheel drive. The only problem that I have found is opening the trunk when it has snow or ice on it, and it all falls in the trunk. Need a little different design.

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  Kickass - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lkhlkjhklhfhjfjkl - January 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars ive ever seen that isnt a lamb. or a porsche.