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:

• 

  Shes So Sweet - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Patricia Perry - August 7 - 10:05 am

  Ive only had my little red roadster for a few days but Im totally entranced by her. She purrs like a kitten and gallops like a thoroughbred.

• 

  Chevy Trailblazer 2002 - my experience - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By McCulloch Family - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a comfortable, solid SUV. I have had problems with the performance. I bought this used at 17,000 miles. Shortly after my purchase, the truck was stalking while sitting at a stop light or in the driveway. It has been taken at least 6 times into the dealership for them to verify the problem. We have finally duplicated it in their presence. The problem has been sent to GM Engineers because they dont know what is wrong with it. I am concerened with the safety of the vehicle in this condition, however Chevrolet is not. Also - it is difficult to see out the back window when reversing.

• 

  Astro - 1999 Chevrolet Astro
  By Tom - August 6 - 5:56 pm

  Two fuel pumps in 13 months cost me almost $1400.00 since they need to drop the fuel tank. Replace with Delco parts next time. The van has had transmission problems with the way it shifts on long drives. I am having electical problems with overhead lights flickering on and off while driving. various rattles from the van. It does run strong.

• 

  Proud Trailblazer Owners - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By millerps125 - August 5 - 7:26 pm

  We bought because we wanted to be able to sit at least 6 without buying a minivan. The Trailblazer fits our budget, and is an overall wonderful fit for our family. The truck still has room for improvements but for the price it is very tough to complain. We have the 6 cyl. and still only manage 13-14 mgp city driving so the gas mileage is a downside. Plenty of room for the kids and still an extra row of seats with cargo room in the rear. With the 3rd row of seats up, the rear cargo area (between the back row and rear door) is larger than most other SUVs. We checked many others and this offered the most room.

• 

  3 Years and Running Great - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jay - August 5 - 12:51 am

  Over the past 3 years, very little complaints from me. Comfortable seating for all with lots of room. Not one single problem with the engine. It turns on a dime and the pick up it a bit sluggish but good enough. Not bad on gas getting 21mph on the highway and 16-18mph in town.

• 

  Standard review - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By uplander lt - August 3 - 10:25 pm

  We have drivenit 1100 miles, about half being on interstate. It handles great on the highway while staying within the speed limits. I found it sluggish when passng other cars, but it is sufficent for passing and has power left over. The nice part, my wife can get up from her seat and reach the back seats without stopping. That is a luxury with other people in split seats.

• 

  2010 Camaro SS - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Simmons - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I have had my 2010 Camaro 2SS for one month and the attention that this car gets is nothing less than phenomenal. People walk from other businesses and the parking lot at gas stations to get a look and make comments about the car. Even though I am accustomed to driving luxury cars, right now Im very pleased with the car.

• 

  188,000 and doing well - 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
  By goosetowngang - August 3 - 9:01 pm

  I love this truck! It had 42,000 miles when I bought it in 1995. It has served my family well with many weekend trips and week-long vacations. Plenty of room to spread out and for luggage. Its a good work truck too. Carrying full sheets of drywall is no problem. It uses about .5 quart of oil between changes every 3000-4000 miles. Maintenance is below average. AC has been recharged twice and is currently on its third summer since the last and blowing very cold. Shocks were replaced at 120000 and rides/handles great. This Suburban is a smooth cruiser at 65.

• 

  LS Sedan - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  Overall a reliable car. Mine has 135,000 miles on it and has never had any engine/transmission work done other than oil changes and tune ups. The engine I have is the 2.4L, so the gas mileage isnt quite as good as the 2.2L. The 2.4 does pack plenty of power though! My car will go up to around 50 mph in 2nd gear if I let it! The only major problem I have had is with a leaky gas tank that was replaced about 130,000 mi. A minor issue that I have is the motors for the power windows are starting to fade. Overall, a great car!

• 

  Old Gold - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By J&D - August 3 - 12:55 pm

  This is a very nice SUV to drive, very smooth, great views, turning radius is long but you can live with it. I drive 50 miles one way to work and am always very comfortable. Wish gas mileage was a little better however, but you take the good with the so-so. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a midsize SUV