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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  Sweet ride - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TiMmY - December 4 - 9:23 pm

  Ive only had this car for a couple months and I love it. Its fun to drive and has just the right amount of room. The only problem Ive had is bad city gas mileage.

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  Best Vehicle on the Planet - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Rocky II - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  I have a loaded 07 LTZ that I traded the intial 02 Z71 for. Loved the first one so much after 5 year and 92K miles, I had to have the new one. There are huge improvements to this GMT900 version in all areas including comfort, accessories, performance, handling, and fuel mileage. The new Active Fuel Mgmt system gives 16.5- 17.0 MPG City and 18.8-20.4 Hwy. It has retained most of the good things the original had with better features. Still too pricey at a $45K list.

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  Decent but could be better - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By olcrank - December 4 - 11:38 am

  Everything about this truck is pretty good. Nothing is falling off, it handles and drives pretty well, its good looking, just not exciting. Chevy could make a few changes and have a great truck instead of a bland truck.

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  I love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nutmega380 - December 4 - 7:42 am

  I love this car. I have driven it everywhere. It has made a trip from Mobile to Cali and from Cali to Cincinnati. I have put mass miles on this car in the two years I have owned it. I love the comfort, the power (for a 4C) and the stero is awesome! So glad I picked this car! My last new vehicle was an S- 10, and that ended up in the shop 4 times with repairs. So far this will be the first time I have had issues!

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  Love My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dee - December 4 - 3:50 am

  I live on Long Island where we have all 4 seasons. I have had no problem driving in rain or snow. I picked up the car in mid February 2005 and the following week we had quite a snow storm. The front wheel drive was great! No more getting stuck at work. I had an 85 Camaro which is rear-wheel and I always had trouble getting out of parking spaces at work--needed a push. And when I could, I would park with the nose out. With the Cobalt, it doesnt matter how I park. Of course its easier to pull straight out, but so far I have no problem. My husband finally drove the car last week and he was quite surprised. Said the steering was solid--thats a compliment.

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  Better than expected fuel economy - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised at the fuel economy and pep. I drive primarily country roads and I am averaging 28.7 mpg. I was apprehensive about buying a four cyl., but the six speed trans really gives it great performance; it feels very peppy and is really fun to drive. Unbelievably quiet ride for a car in this price range.

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  Roomy, and dependable - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By terresa - December 2 - 10:32 pm

  We have 3 kids and this car provides plenty of leg room for all of us. It drives smoothly and has been completely dependable. We have saved no telling how much in fuel costs since buying this car.

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  Big Truck Like a Rock - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By cujo - December 2 - 11:00 am

  Solid truck with lots of power. This baby is great and I look good in it. I fly F16s for a living and drive Chevys when not airborne. The Duramax is unbelievable, tows the trailer like it isnt there. Go buy one.

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  great car - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hiebert - December 2 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive and has lots of power.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Michauds - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Love my Monte Carlo. This car looks great and is a joy to drive. I got my SS model with the sport package which added to the great appearance. Only draw back has been with the fuel injection system which Ive had to have serviced 3 times already.