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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  Fun - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Gerlyn - September 15 - 8:03 pm

  The appearance caught my attention first. The test drive really sold me. I had driven several small cars in the shopping process, (all I have ever owned were larger cars). The HHR is fun to drive and a fairly comfortable and quiet ride. I would have liked to have a center console with storage. But other than that I really like the car.

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  2005 Impala Base Model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kristen - September 14 - 8:54 am

  This car has been great. Not really had much for expenses other than routine maintenance. Lack of options on the base model, but still a resonabley good buy.

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  Would buy another one - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Far North - September 13 - 9:27 am

  Purchased this car in 2005 with about 100,000. Have 133,000 on it now. Havent any major problems. Gets great gas mileage for a large sedan and the motor runs smooth. Lots of room for a tall guy. Only complaints are some funky electrical problems. The turn signals work intermittently and the power window switches had to be replaced.

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  After 20 years, I think Im done with GM - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sigh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Having only had this vehicle 2 months, I finally had the "last straw" American car experience. The TrailBlazer wont let go of my key....stuck in the ignition, I will now get abused at the dealership and loaned a musty old Cavalier or Malibu while the switch is replaced and I have to take a morning off work. This is my last GM car... and I get a family discount that has kept me in the guilt of buying a GM all my life. Id rather buy a smaller Honda that is $3,000 cheaper to keep my payments the same than have to deal with the morons at a GM dealership 4-5 times a year like I have been. Bye GM. Hello Honda, Toyota, hell, I think Ill try a Hyundai.

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  Last car on my mind - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By toyoda1 - September 12 - 10:55 pm

  I was looking for a Matrix when I stumbled on this car. The price was great for a 2006 with all the goods.The ride has a larger feel and peppy enough. Interior is comfortable with many creature comforts and options. The radio is great XM is a blast and even OnStar although not much more then a glorified cell phone is nice to have,

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  Good truck - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chris G - September 12 - 1:23 pm

  Upgraded from an 08 2LT Silverado into this 09 LTZ and love it! My truck currently has 9,000 miles and have had no problems whatsoever. The only thing i am a little mad about is this truck rattles alot when going over bumps which my 08 didnt. Maybe it was built on a friday?

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  Absolutely love it when it works! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By C.J. - September 12 - 11:04 am

  If I had reviewed my Tahoe 3 months after buying it, I would have rated all 10s! Drives like a dream, is super comfortable, and looks great (especially new interior). However, constant problems within the last 4 months. All relatively minor, but still annoying. Problems include starting issues, electrical/battery issues, and trim issues/moulding issues. Many of the problems cant be fixed cause dealer "cant duplicate the problem." Its my 3rd Tahoe and unfortunately, might be my last. Tired of of my monthly trips to the dealership.

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  Turned out to be a great deal - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
  By nenana - September 10 - 11:57 pm

  We bought this car in 1997 with 29K on it...it sat in outside storage for 6 of the years weve owned it, but it worked great every time we pulled it out and drove it. Have replaced the brakes 2 times, the altenator, had some work done with the fuel injector and fixed a manifold gasket leak. We figure it will cost us $1000/year to keep it, and we are fine with that. I now drive it 52 miles a day on twisty, often snowy roads, and it handles well with the front wheel drive. We never expected to have it last 10 years and still be going pretty well. We ar soon to buy a 4WD SUV, but will keep this one to drive when the roads are good, because it is reliable, solid, and still gets 20+ mpg.

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  Overall pretty satisfied - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LEDOUX - September 10 - 10:29 pm

  First day I bought this SUV alternator went... it was covered by the dealership so didnt have to pay out of my own pocket. Bought this SUV with 79,000 miles after about 10,000 miles front right tire fell right off while driving due to trashed wheel bearing. ABS/brake lights always on even after replacing brakes. Strong engine great 4WD... I have the ZR2 version, love the raised suspension and big tires... lots of space behind 2nd row seats. Enough room for a 15 inch kicker in a 36 inch box.

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  My Review of my 3500 Chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By Andy Graves - September 10 - 1:56 am

  My 3500 is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. If I hadnt bought this vehicle then I would be out of a job. When I looked at the price on my truck, I thought I would never find the vehicle I wanted. When I finally found my truck I thought I was going to faint. The salesrepresentative I spoke with was very understanding about my money problems. He gave me a good deal.