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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  Smokem 98 - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By PC98 Vette - July 10 - 6:05 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. I have driven other sports cars and this by far exceeds the exhiliration I have ever felt before. Thank you Chevrolet.

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  My 94 Vette - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pault - July 10 - 5:28 am

  Seats have faded, but are not yet torn. Cracking of the paint is noticed on the rear of the car. Performance is still good, however overheating is a difficulty, I generally have to turn the ASR off, as it has a tendency to activate too soon for my tastes. Just a few minor repairs needed such as passenger window doesnt work.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By lemursrule - July 9 - 11:27 pm

  When we purchased the vehicle in 2001, we were told that it was used as a program car. If it was displayed in public, then it must be good. This vehicle is well built and tough. A monster 8.1 V8 engine leaves nothing to be desired. The ride and suspension is excellent, and road noise is little to nothing. I would definitely purchase another Suburban. The depreciation is excellent, and the model is one of the most wanted SUV models in existence. It also is fun to drive and comfort is excellent!!

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  Great van, I have to say! - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By Roger122387 - July 9 - 6:49 pm

  This van has been great for our family since we got it in 1994. Even though it only has barely over 70,000 miles, it is great! We have had very few problems with it. The only problem I can recall is with the brakes. Something kept busting in them, and now I think the problem is coming back. But other than that, everything is great. The front and rear A/C works great!

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  Decent little car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By breakaway - July 9 - 11:42 am

  Although it may be out-dated, the Cavalier remains affordable, economical, and a reliable means of transportation. Its competitors may have better quality, but they also have a considerably higher price tag. This car best suits what I need. I fail to see why anyone would want to spend thousands more on bells and whistles that arent really necessary. To each their own, I guess.

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  99 Monte Z34 well worth the $$$$ - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Marc99GT - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car for her in 11/98 and it has been fairly reliable. The glove box hinge support broke, but I was able to fix it. A Few lights on the radio buttons have blown, front rotors warp easily & the transmission slips on take-off. Otherwise, the car has been very reliable with no major problems at alomst 83K miles. It has not been back to the dealer since new and we are looking to buy an Impala LS.

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  Ice Blue Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Skyhawk - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The service that I recieved at Jack Schmitt Chevy was excellent. The sales rep was Al Killingsworth, he was very knowledgabe and helpful in all matters. The Avalanche is a blast to drive.

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  Blazed a trail in my wallet - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Frank Perez - July 8 - 10:00 am

  first time buying a new car and less than 6 months 03 tblazer was in shop 2 times for climate control switch or whatever the a/c was not working dealer told me "when this happens again just to make me feel better hit the compressor with something" yeah ok whatever you say sir. very attractive car but something must be done if i am to be a repeat gm buyer

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  Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Monster - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My previous truck was a Ford Ranger, this truck is far better. Fun 4- wheeling.

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  Mixed Bag - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By theseahawk - July 7 - 5:33 pm

  Good gas mileage, lots of acceleration and power, reliable drive, repair prone, convenient with dual sliding doors but pretty much an average van in the field of choices. I would not buy another one -- I would buy a different make.