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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  12 - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By LM22 - January 1 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicle handles great! It also has all the power you would need with the 400hp Corvette engine. The sunroof did leak, but the dealership repaired it for me. The only downfall is that it gets bad gas mileage at 17 on the highway with the Corvette getting 27 on the highway. Overall I would have to say this is a great vehicle though.

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  33400 miles later Dependable car so far - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BJW from Chicago - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Malibu in May of 2000. It currently has 33,400 miles on it. The first thing that went wong was the selector knob for the blower. The blower was blowing out of of all areas. When we took this apart the black rubber gasket was not in place, rejusted it and now it is fine. My tires are cracked inside the tread. One of my tires is bubbled up on the outside & wobbling. No brake problems yet. There is knocking coming from under the hood until the car warms up.

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  No problems - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Rock - December 29 - 6:01 pm

  The Colorado has been a pleasure to own. Have had no mechanical problems, fuel economy has been respectable, and it is easy to handle in tight spaces. 220 horsepower from the 3.5 motor was adequate. With the locking hard cover it was a pleasure on trips. Plenty of space for all sorts of gear and luggage. Off road ventures no problem plenty of clearance.

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  Happy so far - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ken - December 29 - 12:51 am

  Overall, a pretty good SUV. Excellent motor and transmission, trouble free after 100K miles. Had all of the axle seals, an air conditioning seal, and a faulty wire harness on the 4WD system replaced, thankfully all under warranty. Considerable wind noise from poor quality door and window seals. Gas mileage is very good for its class. Somewhat "Plain Jane" styling and interior features, which is now typical of GM vehicles. It seems like all of the innovation is with the Japanese brands. Perhaps Michael Lopezs cost cutting measures and squeezing of GMs suppliers have finally caught up with them. The 2007 model is still the same vehicle as the 2002. Why buy another one?

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  Could Be Better - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By PA guy - December 28 - 11:39 am

  Fast, enjoyable vehicle. Well maintained vehicle when I purchased with 95,000 miles. No rust. Great work truck!

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  OK, but... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By fred - December 28 - 9:43 am

  We can all read and know whats special but heres what should have been different: more laterial support for bucket seats; a 6 speed automatic tranny; rear wheel drive - the FWD has too much torque steer; no indicator on floor shifter; no truck key access; huge open gap on overhead visors; climate controll; move skyroof forward so you can actually see out of it; run on regular 87 gas.

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  Fun to Drive - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By New Vette Owner - December 27 - 9:02 pm

  I am a proud new owner of a 94 Vette. I must admit it is a tight fit it you are large size, and getting in and out can be a challenge, but what an exhilarating ride. It definitely pins you in the seat

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  Love this truck! - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By Budget Tuners - December 27 - 1:12 am

  This is a truck I have wanted for a while now and I finally got it back in Aug of 06. I got a 99 with the 2.2 5speed and I love it. I put an intake and exhaust. Sounds great, runs great. Power for the mods I have on it arent bad. Looking to get more out of it soon but all and all a great truck to customize. A lot of parts that change out and soon Im going to lower it a bit and put rims and tires on it. Love this truck. Best truck I have had

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  A lot of car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mike - December 26 - 9:54 pm

  Well equipped for a base model. A good value if you are going to keep it for 5 years plus. Lots of room. Lots of power. Very reliable

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  A Brick - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By Leifage - December 26 - 1:40 pm

  This has been our family car since 2001 and weve been very pleased. It has over 160k miles and shows no sign of quitting.