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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  1999 FRC Review - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jason - November 15 - 2:47 pm

  I just bought this car used but in immaculate condition. I have all the records for everything that has been done to the car, and it has had its share of electrical problems, such as the fuel gauge, stereo, and power window motors. However, just sitting in the car and firing it up puts a smile on my face. The performance is amazing and the ride comfort is surprisingly good. Driving the car from Texas to VA, I averaged well over 30 mpg. There is also ample storage in the back for pretty much anything you need to carry such as luggage or groceries. In my opinion, the C5 Corvette is by far the best bang for the buck vehicle out there. My only regret is that I didnt buy one sooner.

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  dream car - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kelly007 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, except black gets too dirty

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  Needs Some Work - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Working Man - November 13 - 6:58 pm

  Everyone knows that SUVs dont get the best gas mileage, but I expected to get a little better being I got a 2dr V6. I average about 14 to 15 mpg. Everything wears out really quick. The rear exterior tire carrier has to be lifted up about an inch or so to be latched. If your a home mechanic, youll have fun getting the oil filter off. Im upgrading to a brand new Explorer next week. Ill try another American made one more time.

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  Fine Truck - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dan L - November 13 - 2:53 am

  If youre tall and are tired of not fitting into anything, the Trailblazer is a godsend. At 65", I fit perfectly. My knees don’t hit the dash or the steering wheel. Drives very smooth and quietly, handles better than the original review states. Plus its more attractive than the competitors.

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  Aveo? WHY NOT!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Hs Ride - November 12 - 4:45 am

  I bought this car for my mom. She had a Neon before this car. This car was $1,000s cheaper and is a lot nicer. Good car for teenagers or the elderly. This car has a smooth and quiet ride.

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  First Impressions - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By ken G - November 11 - 5:43 pm

  Having driven a Nissan Pu 4X4 for 11 years,lets say I was a little hesitant about buying domestic. At this time I am very impressed with the ride and driveability of this truck. Very comfortable, plenty of zip from the 4.3 V6, nicely equipped. It has the optional limited slip rear axle. Easy access with all four doors. No problems to date. Fuel mileage is as expected with a 4X4 not great, but you dont purchase a vehicle of this type for fuel economy, nor will you carry 4X8 sheets of lumber in the bed, a trade off for having the crew cab. Dependability is still to be determined.

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  Purchased used - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By owner - November 9 - 10:23 pm

  I am 51 and the car has no seat raiser which turned me off. Also, the 2003 Malibus had an automatic shut off for the lights which this car doesnt have for some reason. The driver door locks if you get out of the car and close the door, so you need to make sure you dont leave your keys in the car. Fuel economy is poor but I am slightly biased because I wanted a Toyota Prius which has 55+ mpg. Power window controls are in the center of the car instead of on the door which is hard to get used to. The handling could be a little better, but I just learned to drive so maybe its me

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  Glad I sold it before out of warranty - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shenandoah75 - November 9 - 7:14 pm

  This vehicle was built in Mexico which may be why I had so many problems when many with 1500s are happy. Had multiple electrical problems including airbag connection shorts, EBCM (brake controller) replacement, door sensors in the latches, alternator whine in stereo, door open false inmdicators. Piece of crap, but hauled our 6000lb trailer well. Any more than that and i would have wanted the big block (which i eventually got anyway to get out of this thing). For large families who two, the ride of this vehicle cant be beet. GM can certainly engineer a vehicle, they just need to build it to hold up better.

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  Big Block could tow my house! - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By shenandoah75 - November 9 - 7:05 pm

  I had nothing but problems with an 2003 LS C2500 with the 6.0 engine - mostly electrical. Sold it just prior to going out of warranty and went with this as its replacement. GM can engineer a vehicle - they are awesome at at. But they still have quality problems no matter what theyre marketing department puts out in commercials (esp in these vehicles out of Mexico). Air Bag connectors, EBMC (brake controleer), axle seals... Were tlaking basic components here. Quality asside, the 2500 is a niche vehicle meant not for soccer moms, but for families with serious towing/hauling needs. And that it does well, the 8.1 flies even with interior filled and pulling 6000 lbs behind it.

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  gas guzzler - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By bogey54 - November 9 - 1:30 am

  Fairly satisfied with vehicle. Fuel economy is VERY FAR below advertised, and no, I dont have a heavy foot. I average about 18 mpg - the car was advertised as 25-30 mpg. This is including city (40%) and highway (60%) miles.