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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  Well done Chevrolet - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jdizzle - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a sharp car. It definitely has a luxury car feel to it without the price tag. I had a 2006 Acura TSX that was fully loaded, and I must say, I am quite pleased at how well the Cruze compares. The interior is very nice and does not have that cheap plastic feel to it. There is plenty of leg room in the front which is important to me as I am 64". I dont have to move the seat all the way back which is very unusual for any car, much less a compact. It is very sleek and extremely quiet at highway speeds. This is the first American car I have bought in 15 years. I definitely recommend this car. I feel like for the price, it is hard to go wrong for all that you get.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Steve F. - April 14 - 6:13 am

  This car is fantastic - beautiful inside and out! I purchased the 4 cyl. and it has plenty of power (I used to drive a 6 cyl. 4.3L Blazer and dont miss any loss of power). The 2010 Equinox is very quiet, shifting is smooth, and cruises at 70 mph at only 2000 RPMs due to 6 speed automatic. Im getting 28 MPG combined local and hwy. driving. I love the Bluetooth and automatic climate control the 2LT offers. You also get the fog lights on the 2LT, which look much better than the fog light covers on the LS or 1LT. I think Chevrolet is missing the boat comparing the 2010 Equinox to the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 - they should be comparing it to the Lexus RX330/350!

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By tony - April 14 - 1:10 am

  just bought this car, and like it a lot. Great interior, and the front of the car is very nice looking. A lot of room inside. A truck bed, a hitch, and a hard tonneau cover, its got everything you need. Free year of OnStar. Good car overall.

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  Still a quality truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By RDD - April 13 - 10:33 pm

  This is my 6th Duramax (and still have the 5th) and I love the new interior design with Nav and DVD players. Sunroof definitely better too. My only complaint is the new emmissions equipment really chokes this thing and kills mileage; I get 14 in town and 18 highway with some modifications. For those wanting a better ride, try a front leveling kit with longer shocks; it helps tremendously. Also try a cold air intake and bigger exhaust; helped my mileage alot.

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  Love My SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sharon Chevrolet - April 13 - 11:03 am

  Im a first time owner of an SUV and really enjoy the new Equinox. I find it fun to drive and comfortable. My previous car was a Cadillac and my husband still owns one. I enjoy the size and roominess of it and the fact that I dont need a step stool or other aids to get in and out of it is a plus. I can easily transport my grandchildren it it. I enjoy the acceleration that I need in entering a freeway and great braking during city driving. I recommend this vehicle for all first time SUV owners like myself.

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  08 Work Truck, Love It - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dennis Adams - April 13 - 8:53 am

  I purchased this truck for its great looks and big bed. I have had many Chevy trucks in the past but this is the best by far. Drives like a big car and rides like one. Pulls a car trailer with a car on it like nothing is behind it, and it is the 4.3 v6. Love the rack steering. Wish it had a grab handle on the drivers side so I wouldnt have to grab the steering wheel to enter the cab. Dont care much for the black cloth on the seats. Shows my cats hair.

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  A great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By john b - April 13 - 7:06 am

  Im very happy with my new Impala. I took the car on a round trip Boston- Indianapolis (2100 miles total) and averaged 27 mpg. Plenty of room and power, and the seats were extremely comfortable. I was looking for a large car with good gas mileage, a big trunk and good looks - and you cannot find a better value than the Impala. With employee pricing, the car was just about $ 18K.

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  Big Surprise - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rick - April 12 - 6:17 pm

  I have owned many makes of cars, from a 260-Z to a Cadillac, including a couple of Mercedes. This is the best riding car I have owned. It gets very good gas mileage, especially for a 400 hp gorilla. I love driving it, riding in it, looking at it and touching it. I have turned the seat heater on and driven a few minutes to relieve back pain. It also relieves depression except when one writes the check to pay for it.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bob - April 12 - 11:28 am

  I replaced an 06 Cadillac CTS with this car, mainly because the lease was up and I need an automatic transmission. The SS looked better than a base and I figured it would be fun to drive. So far it has met my expectations. It is quick around town and comfortable on long trips. MPG around 16 city in sprited driving. No problems except for warped brake rotors, replaced under warranty. I bought this car to keep for several years and believe it will suit my needs.

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  GM Got It Right - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob - April 12 - 11:10 am

  I have a 3LT with a few extras. Much quieter and better riding than the 02, no problems to report. Rear park assist is great. Braking and handling much improved, feels safer at high speeds. Stock Goodyear tires lousy, replaced with Firestone Destination L/E. Where did the rear cargo net go? Gas mileage 11 city 16 highway- still breaking in.