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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  So far, so good - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Wifes SUV - March 5 - 9:03 pm

  We narrowed our search down to the CR- V and the Equinox. My wife liked the Chevy better, and loves it after about a month. The Equinox was delivered in perfect condition, no squeaks or rattles, everything works, no reason to return to the dealer. So far its getting 20 - 22 mpg on my wifes highway commute and in local driving. My in-laws bought a CR-V about the same time, so it will be interesting to see how the two SUVs compare over the long haul.

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  Not sure - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JoAnn - March 3 - 9:12 am

  Really like it so far. Just got it. Really rides good. Would like to get owners manual about it none was with it.

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  Love my Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By realscott325 - March 1 - 12:39 am

  Bought this car new in 2004. Love the economy and performance-even for a 4 cyl. Never had a problem until about 5 months ago, the ignition coil went out suddenly. Other than that, no problems, no complaints. Love my Chevy!

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  Shells SSR 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By ShellsSSR - February 29 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased my 04 SSR on 7/30/04 brand new. I used to watch the commercial on TV where the yellow SSR would turn around and be the last vehicle to get on the new car carrier. My hairs would stand straight up on my arms! I never in my wildest dreams that I would ever own one. Well I do! And I am so glad to be a owner of an SSR. After almost 4 yrs. of having my SSR, it is like the day I bought it. I also own a 2000 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air and 2007 Chevy Avalanche. I personally would never buy a foreign vehicle in my life. All I can say is the people who have bad things to say about the SSR are jealous because they want one, cant get one, don,t have one! I love my SSR and the experience

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  No mechanical troubles for 136K miles - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By BL - February 29 - 10:22 pm

  Have owned car about 10 years. Maintaining it was key to trouble free operation, and keeping engine stock. Do service regularly, have fun with the power, but dont abuse it.

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  The car sells itself. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BowtieBoy06 - February 29 - 5:43 am

  Since the day I first drove the car, it has never ceased to amaze me. Powerful acceleration, superb handling, and sleek styling all contrbute to the inherent appeal of the car. For all the doubters, the power is definitely there. Ive driven it all and I say, all the competitors in its class have a problem on their hands. The supercharger makes this quite a little competitor even for the V-8 boys. The car handles well in the twisties and can take anything you can throw at it. The interior may not be up to luxury standards but its acceptable for the price range. As long as you remember what you paid for it, youll always think you got away with murder

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  ol reliable - 1990 Chevrolet Corsica
  By monelle - February 27 - 6:04 pm

  Got her in 1998 with 23000 miles and shes lasted me. I have run into the moisture vs fuses problem but it was easily fixed, and the paint is peeling- her tops rusty. She still likes to go, and her brakes are soft. Not pretty anymore but will probably run with tune-ups for 50,000 more miles.

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  Good little truck - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Colorado in Colorado - February 26 - 5:02 pm

  These are a steal used. Has been trouble free for the 20000 miles I have owned it. 21.5 mpg around town 26-29 mpg on hwy. 2wd does fine in the snow. Seats could be more comfortable. No rattles in the interior. 2wd Z85 easy on tires, looks like Ill get another 20000 out of them. Handles great for a truck. More fun to drive than my 04 full size overpriced, gas guzzling Toyota that I traded in. Would buy another used one in a minute.

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  Comfort and Size - 1998 Chevrolet Astro
  By dave8697 - February 25 - 7:53 pm

  Original owner for 9.9 years. Have spent a few hundred to fix rear a/c and a few hundred to fix transmission. A rear bearing seal is leaking, the water pump was replaced, and the original battery spit out a terminal. It is easy on tires and brakes and the replacement battery so far. Took on 900 mile trip this month and got over 21 mpg and had room for everything without it being in your way. Interior has held up excellent, except recliner levers. Still solid, quiet, roomy and economical. You dont want to know the resale value unless you are buying a used one.

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  Chevy Diehard - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By BenGrainger - February 24 - 4:41 pm

  I have driven Chevys all my life. But this one may send me away. Nothing but dash problem everything has to be serviced because of lights coming on even after I have it serviced. Airbag went out right after warranty. Goes into 4 wheel low by itself. Replaced Horn, entire AC. DVD player in roof causing whole roof to droop. I love my truck but it is driving me crazy with expenses and dash lights always on. I always have things flushed and take care of my vehicles. $1000 dollars for air bag replacement now is out of my budget. Can not afford to take in to figure out why it goes into 4 wheel on its own. New horn now has problems again. This is at least my 7th Chevy could be last.