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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  What Minivan??? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By RipNGo - August 19 - 8:29 am

  I had been a Minivan Mom for 7 years. I have three kids and each with two sports/activities. Loved my minivan but wanted something different. I looked at the Mazda Cx-9, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot. NOTHING compared with the Traverse!! It fits eight passengers with comfort, It is easy to drive (although I was somewhat intimidated at first), and handles like a car and much better than my Minivan. Attn: Soccer Moms out there looking to move into a Crossover. This is the SUV. Kids love it. PS I saved money by getting the LT1 model and had the dealership wrap the seats in leather and install the DVD. Came out beautiful!!!!

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  dont buy gmc - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By patriotic gal - August 18 - 10:59 pm

  I too will not buy another one, Chevy of any kind, does not hold resell. The inside is built shoddy, carpet has holes. Have replaced ignition twice in 6 months, power window motor went out and was so called fixed at dealer, shoddy job, air condition control has to be repaired .

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  One Classy Family Hauler - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - August 18 - 9:43 pm

  The model we bought is not as indicated since the drop down menu did not let me select the V6 LTZ. We bought this Malibu with all of the options available including even the extra cost Red Jewel Tint paint that has a nice subdued gold metal flake built into the paint color. This is one very classy and upscale looking car especially with the two tone (mocha w/cashmere)leather interior. The car has gotten many compliments especially once people have ridden in it. It is very quick for a family sedan and the V6 seems to always be loafing unless pushed.

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  Comfortable and Well Built - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Service Director - August 18 - 7:44 pm

  This car is put together very nicely. It has plenty of power and easily will get 31+ MPG with sensible driving,The car is excellent for quality and price.

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  very nice - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By paulbier - August 18 - 7:05 pm

  traded in Ford Explorer for Traverse. I was very happy with my Explorer and thus far the Traverse is a much more enjoyable. The interior comfort & drive is nicer. I purchased the captains chairs for the second row. With 2 young children, it is much more efficient to access the 3rd row. getting just under 18 mpg city.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK ? - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By curtis crockett - August 18 - 11:23 am

  I purchased my chevy on base from owning previously a chevy truck A 2000 three quarter ton. My idea was good luck once, good luck twice and was not disappointed. Driving my truck i felt empowered good on the road and safe knowing i was driving a chevy and the way it drove. Problems minimal only wear and tare issues. It seemed when problems come it was never with the engine or transmission just suspension type issues. My truck has run for two lifetimes and was only made, type and model at the end of 2003 for issue on the floor for 2004!!. Mind you me that is something worth.

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  What a ride.... - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By wyandot - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Over four years now & 238,000 miles. I couldnt ask for a more reliable truck. Fuel pump, water pump, & the alternator were the only things needing replaced. Pretty good for that many miles! Comfortable, powerful, & it does everything I ask it to do. Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Underrated - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By bigben26 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The Maxx is an impressive buy. It offers incredible features for a reasonable price, and it even turns heads... (thats free). Not regretting the purchase one bit.

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  Something Different - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By d8933 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After driving it for a week, the Maxx has proven once again that Chevy is trying to compete with other hatchbacks in the market. The drive is smooth and quiet. The comfort level is good and sound system is nice. Fuel economy is yet to be determined for me.

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  Race car with a license plate. - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mark Strathmann - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Compared with the 1982 Corvette I also own, the 2004 is like driving a car from another planet. The comfort, economy of operation and sheer joy of driving this car is beyond words. I would recommend this car to anyone. This car is like having a personal race car, except with a license plate.