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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  Nice Ride - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By AveoAngel - August 29 - 9:14 pm

  Being a full-time student with very little funds, I was very limited on which car I could buy. I didnt necessarily want the Aveo at first, especially after finding out that it was Korean made, and had some bad reviews. However, I have to say that I absolutely enjoy this car. I love how I dont have to be right on top of the steering wheel (Im 5 foot even) The interior is cheapy, but really? I needed a car to get from A to B with the best gas possible for the less price. I found it. I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  The General is Back - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SAS - August 29 - 4:37 pm

  After going Japanese for the last 7 years, I finally went back to the General and I was not disappointed. My Tahoe LTZ is very well built, comofortable, beautiful and drives every bit as well as any import. I recently bought my wife an Audi Q7 and, with the exception of the Audis Ipod interface, I enjoy the Tahoe hands down over the Audi. I only wish that Chevy would finally put in fold flat seats in the vehicle.

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  Great car! - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Al - August 29 - 11:58 am

  Bought it for my wife, and we love it! It has a nice ride, spacious, quiet, and looks great (we got it loaded in black with 17" shiny rims).

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  My Monaco - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By TexasEx@ Austin - August 29 - 3:36 am

  After driving Dodge trucks for years, this was an amazing transformation. I have always liked Chevrolet and their brand. This is a Luxury Sport Coupe and there are just so few anymore. I like the feel, the performance and the comfort. All this coupled with the mileage, I am extremely happy with my purchase. Oh, and Chevys after-sale support is awesome!

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  Cant break it with a bat - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bill - August 28 - 9:39 pm

  I have the Z71. Fantastic truck. Rides as well with 63,000 as when new. A couple initial problems, drive shaft replacement, and no shifting back into 2WD, but dealer fixed it, and hasnt been back to the shop in 30,000 miles. Very solid truck. Was rear ended by Ford Econoline loaded with tools doing 35 MPH. Only $3,500 damage, and was still drivable. Glad I was in the Tahoe and not something else. This truck gives me the confidence to take it anywhere in any conditions. I feel this truck will run forever. Foreign vehicles have nothing on this truck.

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  I really like it - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By ds - August 28 - 9:02 pm

  Ive heard a lot of negative comments about previous year models, but Ive had no problems with my Equinox. Its roomy, but not to big to manuever. Back seat is great. Great options and decent gas mileage.

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  Chevys Top Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ilana - August 28 - 4:56 pm

  I was thinking about leasing a new car between the Altima, Accord, Malibu And the Camry, after my test drive on all, I chose the Malibu. I felt like I was driving a Lincoln when it came to comfort, the exterior styling is a beautiful combination of modern class. I dont stop hearing compliments on my car. Im sorry Toyota and Nissan theres nothing to compare. GM must continue the good work in order to get their reputation back, because I keep on hearing from my friends that the reason they dont want any American brand car is because theyre unreliable. My recent car was a Camry and it was full of problems. Thank God I only leased it. I think its time to give a second chance!

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  Super-pleased!! - 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By John Kriewaldt - August 28 - 10:40 am

  I traded off my 2012 Ford F150 for the Silverado 1500 crew cab, in January. It came with the V-6. I am super-pleased. the 4x4 mode works smoothly. The OnStar navigation , the satellite radio system, and the dual-zone climate control are all excellent. The V-6 has more than enough power for all my needs, which include towing my ATV trailer and my aluminum runabout boat. Unlike the Ford 3.5 liter V-6, which relies on high RPM for its power, the bigger block 4.6 of the Chev has way more low RPM torque and power. Hence you dont have the high RPM screaming of the Ford, nor do you have the incessant up and down and up shifting of the Fords six speed transmission. The Chev gives you the sensation that you are driving a bigger, heavier truck. I am very anal retentive about gas mileage. Every gallon of gas I have bought since 1982 is recorded in my little note books! I can safely say that the heavier Chev, with the bigger block V-6, gives me minimally about 1.5 more MPG for local driving and 2 to 2.5 more MPG for trip driving! I highly recommend the Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 with the V-6 and the base level trailering package!

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By halovaulter - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck in May 31 2003 and have put 6000 miles on my truck. The truck runs great, its quiet, and smooth. I got the V8 4.8L option and it gives me all the performance and power I need. Have only had a squeaking door.

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  Great SUV if your not afrqid of gas prices - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By sandy - August 28 - 5:06 am

  I love my TrailBlazer, the extended version. Great family car seats 7. Great in the winter weather. I hate that I have to turn it in in July, but I cant afford the gas. But dont judge by me, as I am a single parent. So with a family with two incomes dont be afraid its a great vehicle!