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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  tire noise - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By homerun - December 10 - 10:00 am

  not a bad car for the money

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  Great truck for light duty or no duty - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JayOne - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The V8 4.8 engine is great for all family needs. Great acceleration even with a packed cabin of up to 6 adults or a loaded bed. Engine response is suprisingly nice at street or highway speeds. The ride quality is smooth for a truck as long as youre not expecting sedan-like results; you aint going to get it! Interior door panels are loose and brake and gas pedals have rusted only after 1 month of purchasing (same on my dads 04 Sierra). Carpeting feels loose when vacuuming as if it is only held down at the ends. If some of these minor details dont get you down, this truck is by far the best deal for the money.

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  Nice Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By apm - December 9 - 7:55 pm

  Really like the truck. The looks of the truck (z71) is awesome. The 4 door has plenty of room inside and I like the interior. As for power, I think the truck gets along just fine. Why people think a truck needs to be faster than an old muscle car Ill never figure out. The ride is good for a small truck. If you hot rod it, it will suck gas. Drive it normal and it does real well. We average 22-28 mpg mixed driving. No long trips yet. The traction control is annoying. When turning into traffic from a stop on wet roads it will make the truck bog then take off. Could be dangerous. Turn it off and it does just fine. Would rather not have it.

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  HHR surprise - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By bill - December 9 - 2:47 pm

  I am impressed with the vehicle so far. I bought it in August of this year and have only put on a little over 2000 miles on it. I have not been back to the dealer for a single problem as of now. I have the base model with 5 speed and it is fun to drive and functional for a 50 plus 66" male. I do little highway driving and am getting over 23 miles to the gallon around town. My last 3 vehicles have been Toyotas but I could not get a Toyota that I could get my frame into and aford the payment and get 20 plus around town period. The HHR replaces a 98 RAV4 that I purchased new and really liked put on over 130000 miles and was a truly reliable vehicle. My wife likes this better and so do my sons.

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  I love this SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Donna Jones - December 9 - 2:36 am

  Great SUV for the money compared to similar imports. Lots of get up and go, and great options (that are standard). I feel like Im driving a car and not a truck. It was a great option to purchasing another minivan, which I disliked.

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  Whats Not to Like - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By phil - December 8 - 6:35 am

  Got tired of commuting in my SUV getting 20mpg in summer and 18 in winter. Bought the Aveo on Edmunds study of lowest vehicle cost per mile. We get 31 to 34 in the city commuting and took one trip of 300 miles one way. 31 into the wind of 20+ mph and 38 coming with the wind. Has plenty of power for most needs. Havent found anything to complain about. Does what it was made to do. Economy car shoppers beware of the foreign car hype of high gas mileage, we rented several of them before buying and found them to be lacking in mpg from what the manufacturer advertised. This is made by Daewoo plant to Chevy specs, but at least our money stays in the USA. Good job GM.

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  2000 Blazer 2WD LT - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bobbyg - December 8 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Blazer has been a quality truck. The ride is smooth. The engine does its job, but wouldnt mind having a trailblazer engine in it. Didnt opt for the 4WD and havent really needed it even though I live in Chicago. Great cargo space and enjoy how the back seats fold all the way down not like other SUVs. Havent had any repairs other than the routine maintenance. The LT package was worth the money.

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  Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wiscowilly - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Tahoe seems to be very well built. It doesnt have any rattles. I sprung a wiper blade the first time I washed the front windshield,but, it was my fault and the dealership replaced it under warranty.

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  Great car, Powerful EV - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Kar - December 7 - 8:24 pm

  2 weeks so far, Car is awesome. EV mode power is great, never felt the EV mode. Its as good as normal gas engine car. Exterior and interior designs are fantastic. Love Apply car play and Andriod auto integration, it just seemless. Few -ves : 1. Rear visibility is not great, the trunk design blocks for better visibility. 2. Rear middle seat if ok for Kids, but big kids finds it difficult to get in and out. Also you wont have option to move door to door, as the center block is on your way

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  outstanding - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By erna wuolikainen - December 7 - 1:43 pm

  reliable, great comfort long distance driving