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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  Awesome Avalanche! - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Western NJ Native - January 12 - 8:31 pm

  Nothing beats this vehicle for flexibility, functionality, performance and comfort. An awesome combination for an active family of four. Averaging almost 19 overall with typical NJ suburban traffic. Overall extremely satisfied with the entire package, best truck I have ever owned. Thanks Chevy

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  Still Fun 50 years later - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rick Roma - January 12 - 6:34 pm

  My first Corvette was a 1957 that I sold in 1979 to buy my Home. I now have a new 2007 Coupe that was worth waiting for. It looks and drives just the way I want it to. Just enough power to get in trouble with. I drive the Corvette to work in good weather. Its the best feeling to drive a car that you love, even if its just to work. Jay Leno said it best "if you dont like the interior, buy a nice Dinette set."

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  Best Chevy in a long, long time.... - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By waveho - January 12 - 11:36 am

  Have had about a week now, but immediately took on a 7-hour each-way trip over Easter to visit family. Very good driving vehicle. Quality seems very high. Engine is more than adequate, even though we moved from our beloved 02 Suburban. Seats on all three levels are better and roomier than the much bigger Burb! Not quite the road presence as the Burb, but what else does? Air conditioned seats should be standard on all cars! They are just wonderful. Rear entertainment system w/wireless headphones a total necessity for the two boys in the back. First time for them; they loved them. Navigation hiccuped a few times, and Im hopeful the dealership will address this. Good traction.

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  In love with my "New to Me" Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tina - January 10 - 8:23 pm

  I have been yearning for a Tahoe for years, but could not really afford the price until recently. Traded an 02 Explorer that was a constant headache and a failing transmission and could not be more happy. I love the way this thing drives and handles. Smooth as butter compared to my Explorer. I have 4 children and more than enough room to carry my squad around. In love with the looks of this vehicle, definitely my kind of ride. Have heard a lot of complaints about not enough room in the third row, but for my kids ages 4-9, its sits perfect.

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  Smooth car - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By paul kay - January 10 - 10:33 am

  Bought my 09 impala 1/3/09 from Heinrich Chevy in Lockport,NY. Was looking for a cool car after my 07 Hyundai Sonata lemon was in the dealership every 2 weeks for problems. Go buy one, smooth ride, no engine noise, no road noise. Great on gas.29 MPG on a large v-6

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  Super car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By teacher - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Best in class. Looks and drives like a 50k selling car.

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  Power and Looks! - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Riverview - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love it so far. I think it has plenty of power and gets much better gas milage than I imagined.

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  Corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fbird19 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car for porformance and excellent to drive. Have fun everywhere I go.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By LKern - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the new 2004 Corvette - DuMans Commemorative Edition on December 31st. What a fun drive! Not only is every man in town getting elbowed for checking out my car (not me!), but I love to drive it. The handling is awesome, the pickup and take off is amazing, and the look is SWEET! I have driven lots of luxury cars over the years, but this is the most fun car I have ever driven. The interior of the 2005 looks much nicer, but I cant say that the interior of this years model makes it any less fun to own!

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  Road Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By No name - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Used for business. Most of miles are on the road. Sixteen months - 45,000. Car is good dependable tranportantion. Gas mileage is right at 30 mpg. Only problems during first year were bad brakes after only 12,000 miles. Required two trips to dealer to get rid of ribrations. Note: purchased optional engine and suspension package.