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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  New SUV Purchase - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Greg Kragel - July 28 - 9:26 am

  My wife and I bought our Trailblazer a few weeks ago and have had a great expereince with it. It drives extremely smooth and I believe it has a great turning radius.

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  The best sedan weve ever owned - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - July 28 - 2:38 am

  Ive always bought Japanese, but I found a great deal on a used Impala, so I took a chance. Im so glad I did. The car has had zero problems and it drives like a dream. The seats are very comfortable. My daughter says the rear seats are great, too. Trunk is huge. The best thing about the car is the phenomenal mileage: the Impala gets better mileage than our Subaru but its much more spacious. The engine has plenty of pep and a satisfying growl that makes it feel like a hot rod. Its really the perfect combination of size, performance and fuel economy. I would buy another one. Its really a great car.

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  Suburban - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Whitedawg - July 27 - 9:40 pm

  I am the orignal ownwer of this vehicle. I have ensured this vehicle has met every scheduled mx as well as regular oil changes, At 85K a hose clamp gave way, 98K replaced window regulator and 101K AC compressor, new one has life time warranty. We travel exetensively and love traveling in the Suburban.

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  Great Used SUV for the Money - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MICHAEL - July 27 - 6:40 pm

  This is a great auto if your income wont allow you to buy new. It is really reliable. Ive had some minor repairs, but nothing that broke the bank. It is a dream to drive in the winter in 4x4 mode! I have not fears of letting my girlfriend drive it in the snow! When my finance allow me to..I will buy another one...new!

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  Frank - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank - July 27 - 9:39 am

  Ive always loved this car since I was a kid, Now I own two and Im planning on owning another one. This car is great for people who want to keep it stock and got enough aftermarket parts to make and all out weekend warrior. Love the looks.I get compliments from all ages of people .

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  Luv my Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Trailblazer - July 27 - 6:40 am

  I just bought my first SUV and I always wanted a Trailblazer, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to buy one. I was not disappointed at all. It drives like its floating on air. When going up the hills, it has some kick to it (not like my little 4 cylinder) and shifts very smooth. My kids even love it.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By chrisj - July 27 - 6:23 am

  Initially I wanted a PT cruiser, those drive ok but the size, price, and comfort is not comparable to that of the HHR. The HHR is a better value, has better handling, has larger storage capacity, and handles in the Buffalo snow like a full size suv with 4WD. I think its the benchmark for all up and coming crossovers. I love it!

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  Reliable Car! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By jig226 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This Impala is my first brand new car. It works great. But I have to mention several problems of it. First, in the winter time when temperature is very low, there is squeaking noise when braking slowly. Second, one of the door windows is a little shaking when it is not closed entirely. Third, the display on the screen will be faint out automatically. Anyway, its great and reliable car.

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  Red SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By labelmon - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We werent really that serious to trade,....but we spent five years in our Honda CR-V EX, and had our belly full of our little under powered "sport cute". This good looking Yankee made it a MUST GET. What a car / What a deal! The U.S. auto mfgs. are eager to put you behind the wheel. THERE IS ABSOLUTLY NO COMPARISON TO OUR 03 RED MONTE SS.........WOW WHAT A CAR! Ours is loaded ( heated leather seats, "OnStar", moon roof, & power everything ) and that 3.8L 200 hp V six........Knarley dude! Some words to the wise, "SEE THE USA IN A CHEVROLET !"

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  Anniversary Edition - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mrseymour - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Corvette for 2003 has surpassed my expectations, The car handles extremeley well and with the Magnetic Ride Control, it gives you the option of a smooth ride or "Sports Car" handling. Fuel economy is excellent, getting 25+ MPG on the highway.