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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  1500,000 miles and Still Going - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TMcCall - September 14 - 10:40 am

  I have had my Z71 Tahoe since I bought it brand new in 2003, and I have yet to change the brakes! Yes, I have triend to get someone to change them and they wouldnt do it becuase they told me the Tahoe didnt need them. Amazing. I owned a silverado before this and the ride difference is huge. I installed a K and N cold air intake system on it and my accelleration is so much better. I travel all over the Southeast driving an average of 30,000 miles/year and this is a chariot. By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. When this one dies on me I will buy another one to last me another 5 years.

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  I Love My TrailBlazer! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jeremy - September 14 - 8:59 am

  What a great make by GM. I has a proud driver of the TrailBlazer. Dont get me wrong, there are some kinks to work out. But they are all minor. Other than that this is a brilliant car. Fun to drive. Im 62" and it was hard to find a car that I was comfortable in.

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  Happy - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tennille - September 14 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Equinox last week! I love it!! The exterior reminds me a lot of the Lexus SUV; quiet engine and roomy comfort. Cant beat the car for the price. Ive gotten a lot of compliments and am extremely happy with the car.

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  Excellent highway vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By agseraph - September 13 - 8:23 pm

  This is the best car I have ever had, which have included Mercedes, a BMW, a VW, Fords, Toyotas, and an Infinity. 20 mpg on the highway, smooth ride, and no problems in 142,000 miles. Wat it doesnt have in fuel economy, it more than makes up for in reliability.

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  A long standing dream comes true. - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bloody - September 13 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive. Love the feel on tight turns.

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  A dream come true - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Green Rdstr - September 12 - 8:36 pm

  Bought the green roadster in Austin, Tx. Got on I35 north bound and knew why I live in MT. Great trip North. Set the auto pilot on 80, put Jimmy Buffet CDs in the player and enjoy. What a great ride. A few weeks ago I was driving in the mountains of MT, a yellow C5 came up behind, I let it pass and then stayed about 75 behind, we were coming down a mountain pass, 4 lanes so we could stay toghether. Kids in the cars we passed were glued to the windows. Future Vette owners.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Your Mom - September 12 - 6:06 pm

  Fast and efficient. The D.O.D is the best feature. It gives you power when you need it and fuel efficiency when you reach desired speed. It corners like a dream and looks sexy.

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  05 SS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ikeman - September 12 - 4:30 pm

  Very good value for the money. I was impressed with the preformance, even though it does not have a V-8. Very spacious cabin and trunk area. The car handles very well and the steering is far from sluggish. Its very smooth even at highway speeds.

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  Love my car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Happy driver - September 12 - 10:13 am

  Fell in love with the look of my car months ago. When it came time to buy a new car, I test drove the Monte Carlo..... It is pure joy to drive. Handling was great, pickup was awesome, stereo was wonderful. While driving, even at high speeds, it is very quiet. No road or engine noise. Driving to and from work is fun.

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  Jays review - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jason - September 12 - 3:43 am

  Great vehicle to buy, for one who needs some room, but not too much. And it has great comfort. Im very happy!!!