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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  Good handling and comfort despite huge size - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jmfnmln - July 31 - 12:04 pm

  We stepped up from a Ford Expedition when our family grew. It was a good move! It handles very well despite its size, has good power and handling, and the interior space is great. It is very comfortable -- more so than the Expedition, and I dont find it too much more difficult to maneuver.

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  best damn car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sfc sarge - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Shopped long and hard for a new car. Searched for good used car, finally for the money, the Cavalier came on top. Noone gives you as much car for the money.

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  Good all around vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Fishing1 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I like the power of the Trailblazer. The ride could be more stiff to handle a 6500 lb. trailer load that it claims it can handle. The transmission could also have a more solid shift. I love the room and it is priced fair. Overall I like it and wouldnt change much. I personally get great fuel mileage. 22 mpg.

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  Our Little Puddle Jumper - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sid johnson - July 31 - 12:12 am

  Where do I start? We have owned the car since February 2005, purchased new. The reason for purchase was the price of gasoline and a long drive to work. We are getting 32 mpg without A/C and 29 with A/C. The power of the 2.2 Ecotec is incredible. If you need to go, you can go! The stereo is awesome. I really like the fold down rear seats for storage during transportation. Handling is really tight, a very fun car to drive. When doing oil changes, there is no mess with the filter being on top of the engine. It’s kind of nice not having oil running down your forearm for a change. Chevrolet is really pushing the Cobalts, so if you want a good deal, they are darn near giving away Cavaliers.

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  SoSo - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rob - July 30 - 5:54 pm

  After only two years I had to replace the transmission. Very unhappy about this. Warranty covered transmission but had to pay for three days of a rental car and towing expenses. Dont think I will purchase another.

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  2003 Monte Carlo-Great Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Staci Koetter - July 30 - 2:36 am

  Great vehicle for purchase price. Great gas mileage! No issues with performance. Graduating to higher end vehicle. Would be a good starter car for a teenage driver.

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  The Most Fun on the Road - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Jenn - July 30 - 1:00 am

  This car is by far the fastest ride on the road. With the handling of a sports car, the speed of a Corvette, and style of a classic, you cant go wrong with this car. Minus the few design problems this car is by far the best out there. If youre one for fun, this car is the only choice. Caution: it is a police magnet, especially in black!

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  Super - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By harold - July 30 - 12:32 am

  This is one of the easiest SUVs to drive, even in reverse and when parking. It feels like a good expensive sedan. Not bouncy nor tight like other "large" SUVs. Except for the gas expense and the outside mirrors that do not fold by themselves, I think this is a super car.

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  It could be better, but its cool!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Im Canadian - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in Canada, so I dont know if theyre different. Ours is a modern green hatchback 5 speed manuel with no CD player, no Sunroof, No aluminum wheels, no spoiler no nothing special. We paid about $18, 000 Canadian with insurance, taxes, and full protection package. Its an ok car for the price, better than the echo but in the sedam edition there are better vehicles(than the Aveo). The one big problm with the Aveo is its gas millaege.

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  Vrrrooooommm!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jgar58 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  great power, tranny sucks