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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  Chevy Avalance - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bobby - February 26 - 7:42 am

  Excellent. Back up visibilaity a little difficult. Rides better than any SUV I have rode in or owned and much, much more luggage room w/covered bed!

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  ZR2 upkeep disappointing - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By turbo7106 - February 25 - 3:30 pm

  Bought this truck with only 9,000k when one yr old. To date have had following problems: 10k drivers wiper stopped moving,tighten nut. 12k ignition module replaced as truck would not start at times. Throttle body sticking, cleaned twice. Leaks in Oil cooler lines and Pwr Steering pump line. $1,000 repair for the leaks. Should have bought the extended warranty. Not happy with repairs I have had to do. Loved GM all my life, not sure if I will buy another GM product.

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  97 Cavalier - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Joe - February 25 - 9:41 am

  Just bought it as a work car. Only had 54,000 miles on it, so not a bad deal. To me the interior is very reminiscent of the 1980s and early 1990s Cavaliers. Most everything seems to be in a logical location. I like the fact that its cheap, easy to maintain and its decent on gas. Ive driven Cavaliers before, and never had any trouble with them! Although I had forgotten about the loud, droning exhaust note from those GM 4-bangers.

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  Great minivan - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Dave - February 24 - 4:21 pm

  I have owned this minivan for 3.5 years. The only time it has been in the shop is for oil changes and tire rotations. It is very reliable and I have been pleasantly suprised with the fuel economy. I couldnt ask for a better vehicle, for thousands less than some of its competitors.

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  2004 Chevy Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 2004 Chevy Cavalier - February 23 - 1:02 pm

  I have been a Chevy owner ever since I was able to drive. I have never had a serious problem with any Chevy Ive owned. If they have had a problem Its a cheap and easy fix I found I could do myself. My 2004 Cavalier is extremely good on gas. Its really reliable this winter. I havent slipped while driving and I still only have the stock tires on it...not even winter ones. I handles curves pretty while at higher speeds and brakes quickly. Its small enough to squeeze in and out of city traffic easily but yet large enough to fit 4 adults comfortable. I especially like the trunk... its alot larger then it looks. It has good pick up when you need to pass also.

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  Gaylord, Mi. - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - February 22 - 6:03 pm

  Very comfortable car, love the OnStar and the hands free telephone. Handling seems to be good. Not real impressed with the 3500 V-6. Mileage is not what I was expecting, around 26. First heavy snow we had was 12 inchs, the car never missed a beat driving through it ! All in all I would buy another.

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  Aveo - Nice car but not fuel efficient - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Newlands - February 21 - 1:20 am

  The Aveo is a truly delightful car and my only complaint is that that it does not get anywhere near the fuel consumption it is reputed to have.

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  Not bad for one coat of paint - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By REC - February 20 - 9:42 pm

  I have loved my Z71 version of the Tahoe. It is a strong running vehicle with all the options. One of the options was the rear captains chairs, I wouldnt reccomend for the price. Its just as easy with the bench seat. All in all I have been happy with the performance and prefer the ride over the Expedition.

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  Nice Improvement Chevy! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jhunt946 - February 20 - 10:23 am

  I really like the improvement in design and build quality. The interior is finely made and all gaps and fits on the body are tight like a car. You dont expect to get great fuel economy on a vehicle like this, but I was pleasantly surprised to be getting 19-21 mpg on the highway. The cylinder deactivation is a great feature and it is especially cool that you can see how it is working on the IP display. With the big fuel tank, this babys got range. Very roomy and comfortable in the back.

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  GRAN SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By OSO - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, high power, super confortable ride, no major problems in 25,000 miles, computer alert about oil change.