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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  Great in the snow - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By 1of4boys - September 13 - 9:56 pm

  Driving in the snow has been a great experience. Although MD does not get much of it, the large snows proved to be quite enjoyable to drive in using the 4 wheel drive (both Hi & Low). The switch from 2 wheel to 4 is virtually seamless with the button controls. The height of the chassis allows the ease of going over high piles. 6 cylinder engine provides a great get-up-and go and the power to tote heavy loads around. Easy to maintain vehicle.

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  My new truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By CrewCab 4x4 - September 13 - 7:03 am

  What an incredible truck. It has been up to the task at everything I given it. The interior is awesome, and the Bose sound system rocks. XM is a plus. My only complaint is the poor MPG, but considering what it is, I wasnt expecting to get econo-car mpg. The 5.3l V-8 is plenty powerful, and the trans shifts very smooth. All in all, I am very happy with it, and when the lease is up, I will probably purchase it. My only real complaint is the price. $38k for a truck is ridiculous.

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  What we wanted - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By anotherchevy - September 11 - 9:14 pm

  Have had for about a month. Already have over 3000 miles on it. Bought for a third car to drive long distance commute to save on gas. The car is what we expected for a $9000 car. It runs, goes down the road well, is great on gas and is a tin can. Plain Jane and we like it.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mike - September 11 - 4:56 pm

  The car so far has been great. I love the exterior design. However, the interior is subpar, and the radio seems bland. Otherwise, the car runs great and looks even better.

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  Great for $8000 - 1999 Chevrolet Astro
  By john - September 10 - 4:04 pm

  These vans are very reasonable used. Bought this van at 62K, and have 86K on it now. It has needed an alternator, power steering lines, vacum hose for hvac controls, idler arms,and a front hub. About $3K at dealer cost, I save by doing a lot of the work myself. Yes, the gauges, switches, ect. are typical GM junk, but I love this van. It is a large, tall, spacious, heavy, solid vehicle. The ride is cushy and "van like". People always comment on how huge it is inside (the middle seat taken out gives passengers in back a limo like ride) Lets not forget the AWD. This van goes in the snow unbeleivably well. These vans were designed with utility in mind, and are known to last 150-200k,(change the fluids)

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  Not bad - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By brian - September 8 - 11:50 pm

  I puchased this vehicle hoping for descent fuel mileage. I was a little disappointed. Power is great. It has been a reliable truck so far.

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  I dont think I will buy another Chevy. - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By LauraG - September 8 - 6:05 pm

  In the beginning I loved my car, but recently it has turned into a "cartoon" car. It seems like things are always popping off of it. Cant keep a wheel cover on one wheel. The sun visor came off in my hand one day recently. Cant roll down one of the windows. One of the A/C buttons wont stay on. The speakers are crap. Sometimes my non existent anti theft system kicks in and I cannot start my car. The first time that happened it cost me $165 for the tow and to get it "fixed". In reality, they just reset the computer. It happened again a week later and when I called the shop they told me how to get it started. Just turn the key on ACC and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

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  Great Little Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Debbie - September 7 - 9:04 pm

  This is a nice little car. It handles very well, is reliable, and decent on gas. The interior is clean and attractive. It could be a little bit more comfortable. The headrest and the stiffness of the seats were awkward at first. Also, it is difficult to adjust the air/heat controls when drinks are in the cup holders. The exterior of the car is very appealing though (I have silver). For the right price, its a good deal. Although, I have seen some, (new), that were a bit excessively priced for what you actually get. Shop around.

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  06 Chevrolet Colorado - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Joe - September 7 - 12:28 pm

  After a month of driving the 06 Colorado, I found many poorly installed parts. Mud flaps all uneven. Bed alligned improperly so one side sticks out farther. The seats are flabby, made from cardboard I think. The plastic wheel moldings coming loose so I can see the double sided tape. The tailgate lock will not unlock. The drivers seat has wrinkles in it and is not tight in the seat after only a month of use. I am sure I will find more as time goes on. I like the vehicle, I just wish GM would take more pride in the quality of their work. Maybe your average person would not notice these things, I just expect a new vehicle to be perfect. I do like the 6 cup holders and tool boxes. All 4 doors open wide on the extended cab.

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  Love it - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David D - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is as comfortable as any car and drives just as well. I love the concept. A full lenght bed when you need it, and covered bed for smaller items.