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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  Why No Home Link - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Spa Man - May 15 - 3:06 am

  Top of the line should have Home Link Included. Home Link is not even a option. Did not know until going down highway after buying. Love the Power Tailgate, Great Interior Need to hold button for memory seat

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  Cavalier wagon a trooper - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By juniorgriff - May 15 - 2:42 am

  I have owned 17 cars since i have got my licence in 88 and all of them do not compare to this super trooper. I dont think they put too many 6 cylinders. in the wagons, but it is a great engine. Check this... 325,000 kms. AMAZING!! Forget Camrys and Accords. This car will not stop! I am not regular with the oil changes and tune- ups, and I drove it twice to Vancouver from Calgary, and once to Toronto and back! Sure, the paint is faded and there is a little rust around the wheel wells, but I am proud to tell people this old dog is still kicking. The only major thing I have done is brakes, tires and right side ball joint. If this car makes it to 375,000 I am going to write a letter to GM. Great job boys!

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  Nice little car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Darrell Hovermale - May 14 - 9:00 pm

  We bought the car,an LS sedan, in March 2004 for $12K. GM had $4k in factory rebates, and the dealer discounted as well. We purchased for primarily as a commuter car, but like it so well, we have taken it on trips and vacation. So far very reliable. Love the strong Ecotec engine, and smooth shifting automatic. If the car continues to do well, Im back in the GM family. Only complaints are minor: like the lousy design of the cup holders blocking HVAC controls. Seats could be more supportive. Other than that. Very satisfied with the car.

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  2005 SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Dennis - May 14 - 4:30 pm

  Went looking at the Vette, came home with the SSR. I trailer waverunners, and run back and forth to our boat. Perfect sport (not just cars) enthusiast car.

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  Surburbans are great, but.... - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rose Aleta - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We have had Suburbans for years and love them... However, the last two GMC vehicles have not had a locking golve box or center console. Makes it difficult when you must valet park... I contacted Gmc/Chevy regarding this change and they would not comment on why they made the change in options. But it is reason enough for us to change vehicles not time we purchase.

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  Usual GM Quality - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Joe - May 13 - 4:22 pm

  This Xtreme has been in the family since it was first purchased. I bought it from my father after 2 years and Ive driven it for another 2 years and just hit 36,000 miles. On the outside it is a very clean, solid looking SUV, and the inside is well crafted. GM has a powerful and exciting engine in this small SUV which is a great fun factor, and stock lowering is a great improvement on handling. Now for the bad news. Tires wore out at 20k miles, everything rattles, and its been sent to the dealer 6 times since Ive had it. A fun vehicle to drive, but at 36k miles I think its trying to fall apart. If you feel lucky, go for it, but be careful.

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  Car Seats and the 3rd Row Bench - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jennifer A. - May 12 - 3:45 am

  I love my SUV. My husband got it for me for Mothers Day. The only things I would change about it is the leg room and the width of the 3rd seat. I have a day care business and use a lot of car seats. The 3rd seat is NOT wide enough to hold 3 car seats. The leg room is not enough too. Kids had trouble walking to get to their seats. Seat buckles are more difficult to manipulate than with my Astro van for the booster children. Other than that I love it. Great kid SUV, especially with the DVD player.

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  Mine has been good to me - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bulletproof Burban - May 11 - 10:39 pm

  I like mine, it has been a reliable companion. I have had to replace wear items, but nothing unusual, and it has never left me stranded in 6 years and 110K miles. I have no complaints about its reliability, and I am a Toyota salesman! Been off road way more than the average Suburban, and never broke down or got stuck. It has been coast to coast, and gets 21- 24 highway. Worst highway mileage I ever got was 19 MPG before I had it tuned up. I will get another of this generation, a Gold 1999, when I return to living in the mountains. They are easy to maintain yourself. I only have used my 97 off road and in the winter, but I bet I could put a million miles on one.

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  Almost there...but still just a Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By SlashDG91 - May 11 - 9:12 pm

  Ive used every inch of this vehicle and it can handle any type of cargo. One of the best options for self employed construction, plumbing, etc. Z66 impressed early but as time goes on it needs far too much dealer work. Comes with almost anything you could need for short, mid, or long drives. Comfortable seats both front and rear but leather is very cheap and wears quickly. Stereo is well below the quality that should be expected for the price of this vehicle. Eats oil like nothing Ive ever driven. Gas mileage is horrible...and I was prepared for bad mpg, but not single digit bad. Tires become worn easily for some reason. Any truck is as good and 10K+ less with fewer overall hassle

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  A versatile truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Avy Owner - May 11 - 3:48 pm

  Many have suggested replacing the removable glass with a rear power window that retracts into the midgate. I like the existing design. By lowering the midgate, while leaving the glass and tonneau in place, I get extra load space AND protection from the elements. I love the adjustablity of the drivers seat, especially the lumbar support. Its the most comfortable seat I own. Ive owned trucks with both the 5.7 and 5.3L engines. GM claims the 5.3 has more power and better economy. That has not been my experience. The 5.7 always felt like it had more grunt and got better mileage. This truck needs both. I average 14-15 mpg. On the whole, though, a great truck.