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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  Big Bertha - 1990 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Boat Puller - September 26 - 7:57 pm

  Purchased "Bertha" as a lake truck/tow vehicle and she became my everyday driver. Only minor wear and tear items replaced starter, battery, muffler. Bought in 03 with 82k miles.

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  Sporty, But Not SS Material. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gunsnroses572 - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  It was a fun ride, but still not SS material, I have never thought of a SS tag on a four-cylinder car, and after driving this, I dont think the SS tag belongs on it, maybe if it was a 6 cylinder but no little 4 banger, if I were chevrolet, Id never produce the SS version for this car, and maybe give up the SS tag because nothing they put the tag on lives up to its name. Maybe they should think about putting it on the corvette

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  tanjim750 - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By tanjim - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven foreign cars and they do not compare with the cavalier.

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  New Malibu - First Impressions - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MIScouter - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle last week and have put about 250 miles on the odometer. Chevrolet may have a winner here. Havent considered a Chevy in 22 years, but it stacked up well against the VW Passat, Honda Accord, and Mazda6 that we also considered. Pushrod V6 provides plenty of power (200 HP) and lots of torque (220 ftlb). Loaded with useful features and plenty of room (101 cu ft EPA passenger space). Averaging over 22 MPG in mostly city driving so far. Chevys attempt at a "manu-matic" shift lever needs work. 4th gear cannot be selected in manual mode.

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  Red Chevy avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John C - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck in July, i mostly got it for the 4 door part of it, its a crew cab with out the long bed, so turning is easier, the ride is good and the looks are excellent,

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  it seems to be a pretty good car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By MsRockHer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i really like the looks and style of the 2003 Impala. For the price you can still feel like your in a sports car withthe looks.

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  Nice ride but some problems - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jerry Hohman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the look and the drive, but was disappointed that it wound up back at the dealership to have electrical problems searched. In Arizona heat, the air conditioning has difficulty at first cooling down the passenger compartment. Once underway, the AC System has no problem keeping up. Have had problems with the security system. Sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own. All in all, I would purchase this vehicle again.

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  My Grandmother Car - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Vidiot - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, looking forward to trying it this winter in New England. Suits my needs as a grandmother of 2 and 2 more coming. I get many compliments at my place of business.

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  Jims Review - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By JimB - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall good car. Pleased with the purchase.

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  Tall Order for Short People - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TahoeMama - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. As someone who drives ALL the time (about 3k mi. a month), I can honestly say I have never felt more comfortable (for the most part), safe, sporty, etc. Its hard to imagine an SUV feeling sexy..but this truck delivers! Its still brand spanking new (4 months old), so if it wasnt still reliable, I would be upset. The fuel rating is actually a bit better than I expected. Prior to this truck, I owned another full sized, albeit 6 cyl., SUV...it got around 20 mpg...my Tahoe gets around 18. I have been supremely pleased with this truck.