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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  Tough, Dependable, Workhorse - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bwat - March 13 - 4:46 am

  Purchased in 2005 with 90k, now over 130k. I have never had a problem beyond standard maintenance with it. Ride height and feel is just right, power is adequate, steering is a little sloppy, but its a truck not a Porsche. I drive it daily and it sees use both as a driver and a workhorse for my construction business, I average about 15-17mpg loaded in mixed city/hwy conditions. It tows incredably well even with the 4.8L V8 and after being abused by me for two years is running better than when I purchased it.

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  Still Smiling - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By VeryBlessed - March 13 - 1:02 am

  My wife and I have had this car for 5 years now. We actually bought it in Jan. of 2000 for a steal, $17,700 and the car is fully loaded! I have seen a lot of negative feedback on this car but mine has been a pleasure. We have been truly blessed to have such a dependable car. We have only had small problems such as the hazard light/turn light problem, air conditioning blower not working on 1 or 2, and the window motor broke down. All problems were fixed inexpensively after warranty expired. The car has close to 107,000 miles on it and we have only replaced the brake pads 3 times and no rotor damage at all!! God truly blessed us with this, from the price all the way to the reliabilty.

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  Great Horsepower lousy gas mileage - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By CarReviewer7 - March 12 - 5:03 pm

  I have owned my Silverado for about 3 years, it is an extended cab. I absolutley love everything about it except the gas mileage. It is horrible. As a person who works in the construction field I have to drive it all over California. But all in all it is a really great truck. Reliable

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  Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By scott fuoco - March 11 - 4:23 pm

  Great fun car! Dogs comfortable riding in back. Problem w fuse box, then speed control sensor in front wheel. Both problems were addressed and taken care of very fast. Both times car did not break down. This car is always a conversation peice! Great handling car, top 10 saftey rated. Very fast, great for long trips, and plenty of space inside.

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  95 Lumina - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Happy Driver - March 10 - 6:21 pm

  We bought this car in 97 with 40,000 miles on it. It now has 150,000 miles, mostly highway, but we live on a dirt road and it has seen some rough trips! I love this car - it has been very reliable and the interior is so roomy. Two car seats and kids stuff in the back is no problem, Ive squeezed three in the back, but wouldnt want to do it very often. Only problem weve had (and it cost a lot!) is at 98,000 miles the transmission went out. Mechanic said its very common on the Lumina and Grand Prix.

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  Great tow and work vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By T - March 9 - 5:50 pm

  The Tracker is easy to park and gets very good gas mileage. We tow it behind our motorhome and it is very easy to hook up. The shift on the fly 4WD is great. I drive this vehicle to work on the interstate and in town and it handles well in all situations. If youre looking for a dependable tow vehicle or work vehicle this one will do the job.

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  So far so good - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailBlazer - March 9 - 5:26 am

  Only 900 miles so far, mostly city, and driving, comfort, sense of security and somewhat fresh styling are all making me glad I bought it. Vehicle is a big hit with family and friends, partly due to plush LTZ features. But the truck has a nice sturdy feel. While I give a slight edge to Envoys exterior, I went for "it is what it is" simplicity of the Chevy interior vs. the Envoy "wanna be luxury" styling. Flexible dealer, great price made this a value not to walkaway from.

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  I love my car but... - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sarahlynn - March 9 - 5:03 am

  I love this car! It is a lot of fun to drive, there is plenty of storage space, my friends love the backseat legroom, and the shelving system in the back is awesome!

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  My toy - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Anthony Del - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Went into dealer to buy a new pick-up. When I saw the Black Monte Carlo on the floor I just had to have it. I have had it for a month now and am very pleased. Except for the creaking rear window. When it is cold outside and you hit a bump the window creaks. The dealer says the rear windshield was improperly installed at the factory. They did the prescribed maint. but it still creaks. Tomorrow they will try again.

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  Nice overall - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By J-Rave - March 8 - 2:00 am

  love this car. It has such power. A little slow at first but once it gets going it rips. Three people in my family have 4 door blazers from years 96-2002. I feel like the king since mine is so much larger. Great car overall I have owned the car for 4 days, I am scared to fill up the tank! Thanks GM.