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:

• 

  163000 and still going strong! - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kansley - March 11 - 9:55 pm

  When I bought this Blazer I was getting rid of my 2001 Turbo Jetta and getting something cheaper to fix. However I have put 10000 miles on the truck and have only had to replace the serpentine belt. Had a transmission shutter but realized engine misfire was the problem. I deliver pizzas so the 4WD comes in handy were I live. However better gas mileage would be nice.

• 

  This is one great truck. - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Reel Love - March 11 - 4:21 pm

  This is Avalanche #2 (and I am about to buy #3). There is no comparing this car to a Ford, Dodge etc. They are not as flexible, nor have the fuel economy that the Avalanche has. 19.9 MPG Hwy, 13.5 city avg 16.5 MPG. The midgate is terrific. The vehicle is as comfortable as the Escalade yet costs $1,000s less and uses less gas. It is a truck, SUV, SUT, and luxury car all at once (I know, I also drive a BMW 528it). Never had anyone say anything negative about my Avalanche. No major problems, some minor ones, all covered by warranty. Dealer has been great. Mine is Z71 LT w/o cladding pretty loaded. Z71 is not necessary. Side rails are a must. Dont hesitate to buy, you will love yours too

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bill - March 11 - 1:31 pm

  Went to the dealership to buy a key and ended up testing a Z06. What a mistake! I havent felt this power since the muscle cars of the 60s- 70s! Needless to say I bought the car. This car brings the most smiles per mile and it compares to cars over twice its cost in performance and appeal. Love it!

• 

  Great Buy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dave - March 11 - 10:03 am

  We bought our TrailBlazer in 05 after owning 3 Blazers since 1995. This truck handles well, is much more comfortable, has more power and has proven to be extremely reliable. It has been to the dealer four times since we got it, all for scheduled oil changes, nothing else. This thing is loaded with great options such as dual heat controls, front and back, XM satellite radio, OnStar, heated leather seats, sunroof, and more. Mileage varies from around 15-16 in town to as high as 22 mpg on the highway. Would definitely buy another! Chevy has a winner.

• 

  Im Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By papsonp - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Im happy with my little Aveo. Well built, comfortable, and effecient. Sedan is convenient. Trunk is roomy with rear seat access. Rides like a bigger car, firm but not harsh. Sufficient power fro long inclines at highway speed.

• 

  Avalanche 2WD Z66 - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mbh212 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Avalanche. Having owned a 2002 I was extremely pleased with the design and especially the smooth ride.

• 

  My Impression - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Cordell - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Corvette coupe with the intention that this would be my only car. I was wrong, I eventually bought a second car as my day-to-day "workhorse" (a 92 Toyota Corolla). The weather changes where I live in the Washington, DC area was too extreme for me to drive the Vette everyday. Although I have active handling system as well as traction control I didnt use all weather tires. As a resilt having the second car gives me the opportunity of comparing the two going from one vehicle to the other. The only time that I was beaten in a race was when I came up against a Lamborghini Diablo. How often does that happen?

• 

  My C-5 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By robert zimolka - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent fuel economy, rides like a Caddy but handles like a Vette. Plenty of H.P. to do whatever turns you on. A head turner where ever you take it. Ive heard all the complaints about the cheap interior and have no idea of what these complainers are looking for. a wood trim on the dash would be a nice touch but I love it just the way it is. By the way, this is my fifth Vette. This one is by far the best yet.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Stephen K. Willi - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The Corvette is all that I have researched, studied and a whole lot more. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and looks great. You get a LOT of car for your money.

• 

  rockheadds ride - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By ken ward - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Weve onwed an Impala for 2 yrs and have 32k on it. we love the car and has been defect free. We enjoy the way it drives and rides and does not feel mushy at all, Contrary to your opinion, 3.8 delivers good power and mpg 24.5. everyone who rides in this car loves it and considers making it thier next car. A great car and you need to get over your prejudice of GM cars. The amount of space y ou give for a review is not large enought to express the praises of this auto