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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  Better than they think!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By David - October 16 - 2:50 pm

  I hesitated for almost 2 years to buy our next economy car and I sure am glad that I did. Because the Aveo is a GM takeover project (from the Daewoo), it does not recieve the credit it deserves! The Japanese always recieve the Champions banner for their vehicles, but for the money, the Aveo is really an excellent choice. The engine is sufficient in power, but it would be nice if it did have maybe a few more ponies. But the vehicle overall is really a great bargain, in todays economy.

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  Not too proud - 1993 Chevrolet Corsica
  By meenyt - October 16 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car as a "program" back in 93. Had many problems with it. Water leak in front dash area. Paint peeled, door locks would freeze in winter, transmission was going when traded for Ford in 05. I guess it wasnt the worst car we ever had, that would have gone to 86 Subaru wagon. But it was far from the best. Only kept so long due to finances, or lack thereof. Glad we got rid of it when we did. Only had about 75K on it, and it was about done. Probably never purchase GM product again. Every one (EVERYONE) has had water leak problems.

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  Love It - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Shawn Naus - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the sport feeling of the Cavalier. Love the gas milage, and all of the components that come with the LS. Feels and drives like a Cadilac.

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  My Honest Opinion - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Sanmae - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I actually have a 2002 purchased in August. This is my 2nd Monte, first was a 2000. I have to say I had never had a Chevy and once I drove the Monte Carlo, I was hooked for life! I was a Firebird formula 400 or Grand Prix person since 1969. Every 2-3 years but not, always a Monte.

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  a contemporary legend - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By terry schulz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this is the most fun ive ever had on four wheels. and very user friendly to boot, a great all around performance leader.

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  Great Value SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Steelhead - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my EB Explorer because it was literally falling apart after 85,000 miles. I looked at SUVs for several weeks to make sure I was getting the best price for what I wanted. I looked at Jeeps, Honda, Toyota, etc(sorry, no Fords). When I saw the Trailblazer EXT LT with all the upgrades and price, I new I had found the right SUV. It rides like a dream, great power equipment and ALL the bells and wistles found in a 40K+ SUV. The stereo is amazing and the ride is superb. I am averaging almost 18 MPG on the HWY, hope to get better, but it is a bigger SUV.

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  ninis trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dholland - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, reliable, sturdy rig with a smooth, almost luxury car feel.

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  Chevy rules - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Robyne - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The trailblazer is a step up from the blazer, The only thing I needed to get use to is the size, parking wise it took me a little longer then usual to figure out how to pull into a left parking spot. without being too close to the vehicle next to me. Other then that, Its a great suv and I get alot of compliments on its looks. Great vehicle for kids with the extention.

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  Great truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Keith Lesslie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my new Trailblazer in August of 2003, I have nothing but pride in my new truck. It has been such a wonderful truck to drive in. Just wish they came out with these truck 5 years ago.

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  Blue Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bette Green - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have taken three trip with it this summer and can hardly wait for next summer so I can go again. Its absolutly the best on the Interstate a real joy to drive and ride in.