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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  Chevy has a Winner - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jim - October 10 - 9:36 am

  We looked at a Ford Escape as well as a few Asian brands, but this small SUV really showed up well in quality, appearance, and fuel efficiency. I feel that the 2010 model is a vast improvement over the 2009 model. I especially liked the handling, or "fun- to-drive" feeling that this SUV provides. And we had 4 adults and 2 end tables in the vehicle after a little vacation shopping and everything fit comfortably - lots of interior space. The 4 cyl engine isnt super strong, but does fine under most uses, and we are getting over 30 mpg anytime we are going over 45 miles an hour. Dont write this off just because it is a Chevy!

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  Better as time passes - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ccrvtt - October 10 - 8:29 am

  My first Corvette was a 1995 Coupe which I had for 7+ years. I bought it because I thought the targa top would be a good combination coupe/convertible. The cowl shake with the targa out was unacceptable. So I went for a convertible when I bought the 2007. It is remarkable how Corvettes just get better with every succeeding iteration. This convertible is quieter, stiffer, and smoother by far. When we picked up the 07 my wife remarked that she actually forgot she was riding in a Corvette. I bought the car with just over 34,000 miles on it. Ive had no problems so far. Im impressed with the ride, the acceleration, the brakes, the styling, etc. I still miss my 95, but the 07 is a quantum leap ahead. Corvettes are still a screaming bargain on the used car market.

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  The Hat Trick Van - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By gus loves it - October 9 - 10:16 pm

  Love these vans, my third one. The 88 went 360,000, 94 AWD still strong at 455,000. I have been told mileage would drop of on these Vortecs, but I just pulled 21mpg on recent trip (8 hrs). Lots of power (190hp?), great reliablity, rides great. I dont know of a better buy for your money. Rides like a car ,hauls like a truck. Wife is confident with AWD. The EXT AWD hugs the road in windy conditions, much better that the 2WD.

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  Great Vehicle - 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Alfred Jenk - October 9 - 8:53 pm

  Make sure all factory items come with the car.

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  Very Nice! - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Josh - October 8 - 11:40 am

  Way to go Chevy! I have been a die hard Chevy fan for years and this car is great! Very comfortable and is fun to drive. The 3.1L V6 provides amazing low end torque and can get you up and going with ease. As for fuel economy, I get 28-30mph on the highway and anywhere from 25-27 in the city when babied! Interior is comfortable and everything is easy to access. Way to go!

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  One of the best cars Ive had - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By souprdog - October 7 - 5:55 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months now and I think the Cobalt SS (5 speed) is very under-rated among the other cars in its class and price range. With a stock engine pushing 205hp the car is very reliable. The day after I bought the Cobalt I drove 1100 just stoping to fill up for gas. In a month I put over 2000 miles on the car. Ihe interior is average for the size of the car. It does have a pretty big trunk. Also the factory Pioneer audio system with the sub was a very nice touch. The only problem that I had with the car was if you pump octane 83 gas on it (like I did) and drive for about 7-8 hrs the car will feel shaky like its not getting enough fuel so I stick with pumping it with 91 octane

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By meat4mad - October 7 - 5:43 am

  I have nothing but great things to say about this car. My SS Impala gets great gas mileage, turns heads, and continues to see many compliments on the style of the car. Many mechanics cant believe that a 5.3L V-8 can fit into a car with front wheel drive! It shocks the heck out of them!

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  THE KING OF SUVs - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By rodgerdodger90 - October 7 - 5:07 am

  This I think is more reliable than any car i have had or driven. People think the Japanese make the most reliable cars but they dont. This truck has never let me or my family down rain or shine.

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  2003 Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Starbuck - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Best Vette Yet!!! I Have owned 5 Corvettes and this Corvette is my favorite

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  You Gotta Get one of These! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vette Crazy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had other Corvettes but this 2003 is the best Corvette in handling, styling and performance. I cant imagine the C6 beeing any better. This is the first Corvette I bought new and so far its been worth every penny.