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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  Cobalt LS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim C - October 19 - 3:56 am

  Car seems to stand higher than the old Cavalier models. Fit and finish are Japanese-like, interior materials are upscale for this class of car. Ecotec 2.2 litre engine is very smooth. Auto transmission shifts are almost undetectable. Electric steering give a very good road feel in this model. This car is fun to drive.

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  If the gas didnt go up! - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By BIGGUY - October 19 - 2:09 am

  This SUV is great and if the gas price didnt go up I... ,but while I could drive it I had a ball. The style is very macho and the vehicle really sat in the road when passed by a 18 wheeler ( which isnt very offen

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  My eggbeater! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jeanette - October 18 - 11:58 am

  Although most of my daughters friends do not like the exterior look of the car, I can honestly say I get really good gas mileage from this car! The gas tank is small, but considering I dont have to fill up every day, its not that bad! I do like my car. The gas mileage I figured out when I had to drive up north Michigan and WOW was I surprised. It is a stick shift also which helps with the gas mileage. Other then the few problems with the gas delivery system I had, I really love this car!

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  Comfortable Pickup - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Montana Farmer - October 16 - 7:43 pm

  The most comfortabvle vehicle I ever drove. We bought it because it was shorter overall and closer to the ground than its competitors. We use it for everything and it has been good. We had injector problems at 108,000, but they were paid by recall/extended warranty. Replaced front ball joints twice in 90,000 miles.

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  2000 Z28 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ray Yankura - October 16 - 10:36 am

  The engine is awsome. Handling is great. Matching panels is terrible. I dont use it when it rains and I store it in the winter. Had to purchase new tires after 12,000 miles. I dont hot rod it either. Sound system is great. I have the 500 Watt Monsoon. Paint is pretty good. I have not taken it for service since I purchased it. Not a family car. Only use it on week ends. I have added some body decals which give it a better apperance. Have lots of people tell me how nice the car looks. Runs very well. I guess the engine is what sold me.

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  Nice truck but watch for flaws - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By rumboogie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have the 4.8L version of the Silverado. This model suits my needs just fine since I dont tow or haul on a regular basis. I currently have about 39K miles as of 10/04. The interior of the truck is nicely put together. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of leg and head room. The stock Goodyear Wrangler STs are sub-par to say the least. They were bald at 33K miles. I have had no major issues with the truck other than a constant "ticking" noise which started at approximately 20K miles. I was told by GM and my dealership that it is a common characteristic of their new breed of engines and that there is no harm to the engine itself. Im not so sure of that. . .

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  Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By james - October 16 - 12:19 am

  The Chevrolet Aveo is a nice compact car to have. The interior is sporty and modern. When I went on a trip I had plenty of space for two people and their suitcases in the hatchback. Had a lot of room

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  Was a nice Truck. - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Fossil - October 14 - 5:49 pm

  Leased this vehicle for 4 years- bad news! GM LeaseCo is a situation to be avoided at all costs. Just try to get out of your lease- I dare you! Truck always started and ran well. Problems with suspension (truck developed a lean to one side, then the other), battery replaced under warranty, 4X4 system worked well most of the time, but if you change tires, you must change all 4 together, otherwise difference in tire circumference will bind up transfer case. Tires from dealer were the worst Ive ever had. Truck tough looks, but only 4 ply rated. Had flat tires more than 4 times after travelling on roads which others travelled unscathed. End of lease- good bye! Engine too thirsty for me.

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  Angel - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By angel - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  This is great little car, expecially as a first car for a teenager. My daughter really enjoys driving it. It has been great on gas, and is reliable. The dealership was very informative about the car as well.

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  2005 LS Review - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mc58 - October 13 - 2:25 pm

  Bought the last 05 Impala LS off the lot, and very happy with car to date. I average about 26MPG overall (comb city & hw miles. CAr has all options except the Sport appearance pkg - dont care for that tail-lamp look anyhow. Very responsive and has good handling. Interior materials a bit on cheap side, like center console plastic. Surprising very few rattles. Leather seats firm but comfortable. Shopped around for a big back seat - this one fits 3 across no problem. Solid feel overall - very pleased.