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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  Good Value for the Cost - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By G2the2ndRnd - September 9 - 2:00 am

  We (my wife and I) looked at about 15 different vehicles before deciding on the 2004 Malibu. The main reasons that we chose the Malibu over the Accord or the Camry was cost and the self starter, plus the XM radio was a nice addition. We have owned the car for 2 months and so far we are very happy with our purchase - meaning that the car has handled well in the ice and snow that Columbus has been having this year. We are looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to use the sun roof! Also, kudos and applause for building a window washer container that holds the whole bottle, no leftovers with the Malibu!!!!

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  The New Chevy is Here!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By R. R. - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The new Malibu has great handling, style and comfort features. I love the auto start and heated seats. The car I purchase did have a problem with the side view electric mirrors, but the dealership took care of it without difficulty.

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  Chevy Tahoe LT - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sentinel - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Tahoe LT and I quickly fell in love with it. It has a great interior and exterior design. The entertainment system is the highest in quality, and the comfortof the ride is impressive for an SUV. This vehicle has everything to make it a complete and luxurious SUV.

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  I am not a soccer mom - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Aubrey - September 8 - 1:51 pm

  I am 26 and did not want to be in a minivan. I fell in love with the design of this van. It was modern, safe, and comfortable. I have had the van for almost a year and love it more today then the day I bought it. The acceleration is quick, it handles great, and I feel secure. I love driving now. I purchased it used and added the extended warranty (My mechanic told me to). I am glad because of the sensors and new electronic mechanisms, it is very expensive to fix little repairs. It has been in twice, once for the headlight and starter sensors, and another time for for the tie rod ends needing replaced. We have been on a few long trips and the kids love the entertainment package. Us too!

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  Best bang for your buck - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sal - September 7 - 1:20 pm

  Strong, quality SUV for the price. Owned a Durango and loved it, but the Suburban is considerably a better SUV. It has more than enough room for the family on long trips and has great towing capability. Looked long and hard before I decided to trade in. It gets better MPG, rides better, and more comfortable. Of course MPG is not the best, but it has features that crossovers to not. I added a K&N filter and it helped increase the MPG. Overall very satisfied with the Suburban.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - September 7 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased the 6 cyl. LTZ 3 months ago. As of now we have 2100 miles on it and get 23 mpg around town. On a recent trip we got 30 mpg. I find it very comfortable to drive. I drove for over 8 hours on our trip and wasnt a bit tired. My wife thinks the seats are a bit too hard but I think they are OK. The initial quality of this car has been outstanding. I hope it lasts as long as our 1986 Olds 98 did (22 years).

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  Love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nina - September 7 - 12:18 pm

  I have owned mine for about a month now. I love it. I did read the reviews prior to purchase so some small things I agree with. The door locks, why are they so tall. Makes hard to have your arm on door. Also interior easily staining is so true. I mean water on seats stained and that is so odd to me. I was frustrated as my car didnt come with trunk mat. I did shop around. The dealear wanted $104. for the rubber mat. I actually found a lot of them on ebay for $49. So check that out if you need one. Other than that all is great. I dont see any issues. Everyone loves it and my kids finally have room to relax. Great car dont hesitate.

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  WHAT A BRUTE! - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By LOTROLL - September 7 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME PULLING MACHINE . 8.1L/ALLISON TRANNY . PULLS 8K LIKE IT IS NOTHING. MAKES ME WANT TO BUY A BIGGER CAMPER.

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  Love My Chevy - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Tigger - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1996 chevrolet Extended cab and I loved it! We traded it in in 2001 February for a 2001 Dodge Durango! Boy what a mistake that was! I hated the Durango! I loved the room, but the insurance, the gas mileage and the fact that from June until August it was in the shop for A/C repairs we decided that we should go back to Chevy! We would have never gotten rid of the 96, except we needed the 4 doors! Wow What a trip! I love the 01 truck! Could not be happier!

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  Best kept secret Aveo - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By deucecoupe - September 7 - 9:04 am

  Bought the LT Aveo. What a great suprise. Good looks. Great mileage 27 city 35-39 hwy. Great stereo system. If you want a car that gets graet mileage and you dont want to pay through the nose for it get an Aveo LT with the moon roof, youll love it..