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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  Totally Awesome Auto - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By jamie1502 - December 28 - 6:06 pm

  I recently bought the Chevy HHR my driving experiance with the car is just awesome. It handles just like a high end sports car, ride is so comfortable. I took it twice too Little rock ark. from ft.myers fla 1200 miles each way the fuel economy is great averaging 29 to 31 hwy miles. I have the royal blue metallic. it has just the right amount of chrome to set it off and turn heads. The only drawback is where they put the power window controls. You have to take your eyes off the road to find them. If anyone wants a truly great auto in a small SUV try this one you will not be disappointed. More than plenty off horsepower and comfort and leg room. Get this one its great

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  Switched from Ford to Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Mike - December 28 - 9:36 am

  I finally switched over to try a Chevy. Ive been driving a new Mazda B4000 (Ranger) and it just wasnt cutting it. This new truck drives great, feels like a car, and is super comfortable.

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  Love my 2000 Chevy - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jimj - December 27 - 7:40 pm

  I have had very little problems with my truck. I use this truck for work and haul my bobcat around. I have hauled my boat over 1200 miles with one trip with this truck. No problems. The engine finally went out at 295,000 but I replaced with a Chevrolet engine that had 93,000 miles and I know it will run 200,000 more for me. I will own nothing else than a Chevrolet. They mean it when they say " built to last ".

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  Im loving my 1st SUV - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By rich prestia - December 27 - 3:55 pm

  This is my 1st. SUV and Im 45 yrs old! I initially set out to buy a Jeep Cherokee Sport. But after trying one out it was too small (interior wise) for me, Im 63". Then when car shopping in Brooklyn...I saw her. I immediately bought her. I wound up with a wonderful, dependable truck! Ive set it up with synthetic oil and put Lucas gas treatment in every tank and this baby is great!

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  Awesome SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff - December 27 - 2:13 pm

  This car is fun to drive and the heated seat sare nice. The performance is excellent. Looks very sharp when polished. Chrome wheels look good.

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  The Rock! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jsp_parrish - December 27 - 9:56 am

  I love this truck. I have a 10 year plan for it. I push snow with it, pull a heavy trailer, and carry the family around. Cant get any better than this.

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  TrailBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By friedmac - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice features... leather, stereo, 8 way seats, etc. Handles well, drives quietly, we are very happy.

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  SUV of the year?? - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MissouraTucky - December 27 - 2:00 am

  After months of research between the exploder and the new trailblazer ext we purchased the trailblazer in early Feb, and WOW!!! Chevy has out done themselves with this new rig. The trailblazer with the I-6 has plenty of power where it counts and rides like a dream with great handling ,and a style all of its own. I have 2 kids and a large dog and there are no problems where space is a concern. The trailblazer also preforms well off road as I still have the mud to show for last weekend!! Great job Chevy!!!

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  forget what you thought about pony-cars - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By tiger - December 26 - 3:43 pm

  Very good vehicle, ride is as good as my 2006 Acura RL, independent rear suspension works for smooth ride and handling. Upright seating, no longer do you recline as earlier Camaros. Very low roofline, side glass less than 12 inches high, but inside view is fine. Almost dont need all the power of V-8, V-6 drives almost as well.

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  Love My SS - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Armando Pagan - December 26 - 3:30 pm

  I am on the road in my truck an average of 4 hours a day. I am a very hard driver and the truck has been at wide open throttle since the day it left the dealership. There is now 53000 miles on my truck and I am extremely impressed by the way the truck is holding up. I have had many vehicles that had to be discarded becuase of my driving habits. This one is a keeper!