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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  2007 Equinox LT FWD - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Lv2Bowl - June 28 - 8:17 am

  I just leased a 2007 Equinox LT FWD the end of May. I love it! So easy to handle, very comfortable, and great on gas mileage for a V6.

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  Overall great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Wheelman - June 28 - 7:55 am

  Ive owned for almost two years now and love to drive this car. Great looks, power, handling, and fuel for a full-sized car. And a big trunk. I was driving 128 miles a day to and from work, and now only 63. Its a nice ride. Ive had a few issues including turning the brake rotors and had the intermediate steering shaft replaced. The steering shaft was covered by warranty. I enjoy the comfortable ride and plenty of power to get around traffic. I bought this car because of the Consumer reports rates very well, great looks, and fuel mileage for a descent V6. I hope the newer style models rate well for my next purchase down the road.

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  I love it! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rick - June 27 - 1:05 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I knocked out the factory muffler and replaced it with a Dynomax and eliminated the rear resonator. I also replace air filter with a K&N. My truck has the feel of a sports car and the fuel economy of a smaller truck. I average 19.5 MPG and it has 85K miles on it. The only items replaced on it have been the O2 sensor, serpentine belt, four tires and headlight relay. I have maintained it according to OEM requirements. I considered many SUVs before purchasing this truck and comparing others I still cant find a better truck for the money after 5 years. I still have the original brakes!

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  Silverado 3500DRRW - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By greasemonkey - June 27 - 9:56 am

  Great vehicle, I have not had any problems at all so far. Regular routine maintenance. Will pull anything I give it. Duramax is the way to go.

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  Chevy has a Winner with this Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Christy - June 27 - 9:10 am

  This truck is a pleasure to drive. Versatile, comfortable on long trips and the quality is excellent. I have had zero problems, rattles or any other issues with this truck. Being a woman I like the way it sits up so you get a better view of the road. I will definetly buy another one.

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  Great American Car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rkt - June 27 - 8:53 am

  Very Quiet, ride is xtra good, handles like a race car, looks fantastic. Good mileage..

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  Aveo Fan - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By SJediMstr - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Aveo for about a month now. I have owned 2 Ford Festivas and 1 Ford Aspire in my lifetime. The Aveo is by far the best car I have seen in this market. The overall design is great and the engine pickup is excellent(the Toyota Echo that I test drove was a dog). Steering and braking are very responsive. Call me crazy, but I traded in my PT Cruiser for this vehicle and I dont regret the decision one bit...I still have a sharp looking car, better gas milage and a lower car payment.

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  Fantastic little car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kevinator - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my black hatchback about a month ago, and I still look forward to driving it! Handles beautifully, love the Euro styling, and its suprisingly quick! I find myself going over the speed limit all the time! The great mileage doesnt hurt either!

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  Salesman Swears Off Minivans - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hiramT - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Delighted with this solid, feature- packed, versatile car. Nice pickup; great room for 4 adults; switches to office or hauler. Build quality 97% of wifes Accord, but lots more features for the money. This is the best domestic in its class, and may be a better buy for anyone looking at an import. Everyones surprised at the comfort, ride, and handling.

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  NICE AMERICAN - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RUDY - June 27 - 2:00 am

  FIRST NEW CAR IN 20 YEARS THATS NOT A FORD AND WE COULDNT BE HAPPIER. GOOD LOOKS,GREAT POWER,PLENTY OF FEATURES.