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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  Im sold on the Suburban! - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ray - August 3 - 10:01 pm

  I started looking for an SUV months ago. I test drove Yukon XL & Sequoia before deciding on the Suburban. People that complain about the gas mileage are a bit delusional. For the size of vehicle & engine, its pretty amazing, actually. Ive been getting 16-17 mpg in horrible traffic conditions. I avg 21.4mpg on the hwy @60mph & 19.9mpg @70mph. My Tundra got 18mpg @70! Its more quiet & rides more smoothly than the Tundra or Sequoia, not to mention has a better turning radius. Its just a few inches longer, too, but has far more interior space. I admit its not as luxurious as a Denali or Navigator, but I couldnt pass it up. If youre afraid of the size, dont be. You get used to it quickly

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  What do you want for a big vehicle - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Happy Family - August 3 - 9:54 pm

  Purchased the car with 113,000 miles. Had a mechanic friend look it over, Runs great, did a few things to it just to maintain for safety reasons, very easy to work on, did most of the work myself. Now with 195,000 and still no oil leaks just replaced the air-conditioner lines to the back plus rear compressor, cost $1400., but cheaper than a car payment. Hope to have for another 100,000 if body doesnt rust out first. Gotta love the Midwest with all the salt in winter time. Rides great, oil changes religiously every 3,000 miles. Gas is costly, but the ride is worth it!!!!

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  You cant polish a turd - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By eje - August 3 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased the car new with many LS options, including the V6. In shop no less than 20 times in 3 years. Chevy dealership in Topeka, Ks gave poor service. Got rid of it when warranty was over and bought Hyundai XG 300 - now THAT has been a good car; plus excellent service dept.

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  Satisfied with Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Satisfied - August 3 - 6:41 pm

  I bought my Traverse in November of 08. Extremely happy with the car at first but after 6 months you begin to realize the faults and what makes it a Chevrolet. I love the versatility of the car and love the way it drives. At first I really enjoyed the interior but after you get to know it, you realize there is a lot of plastic used in the car. Paying full price for the LTZ, it would be nice to have leather in places where there is plastic.

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  Really good Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Darby J. Pruitt - August 3 - 1:04 pm

  This 03 Cavalier is the 2nd Cavalier I have owned, and besides the few problems that I have had this car has seen me though thick and thin. Now that I have hit 105,000 miles Im looking forward to its first real tuneup. It diffenetly has the get up go I need to fly past any import I come across. The comfort is pretty good seeing I managed to stay setted for 10 hours on two 780 mile trips, and I think the automatic transmissons are as good as the manuels. The only problems Ive had are the fuel pump, e- vac canister, and catalytic converter, (the converter was my fault for running hard everyday). And after 1 wreak with a BMW (BMWs fault) the Cavalier is still running like she means it.

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  Love this vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By bobby - August 3 - 8:16 am

  Im really impressed with this car. If you are like I was, and couldnt stand the fact you are driving a minivan, but needed the passenger capacity (I have a wife, five young kids, and a disabled live-in-mother-in-law), give this vehicle a test drive. Its relatively affordable, fun to drive, and in no way do you ever feel like youre in a minivan. Well done, GM.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By rwa000 - August 3 - 7:33 am

  We have always had either large vehicles or sports cars , this vehicle fits both of our needs and is fun to drive. We did have a problem with the head rests but all you have to do is take them out and turn them around, very comfortable and pretty fast

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  Great Fun, Great Price - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tom - August 3 - 3:26 am

  What a fun, economical car. I have the automatic with 2.4L engine. Plenty of power with plenty of space. Im a large guy (I shop at the Big @ Tall) and I am very comfortable. I also comfortably haul my 2 teens around. Flexibility for cargo is also great. Fuel economy after 2000 miles is better than advertised on the window sticker.

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  Its all about the Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JesusSaves - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This is definately one of the best cars ever built. It will out accelerate a 360 Modena and even the formidable 911 Turbo, and out grip them too. If you dont belive me, just read the magazines (Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor Trend) and manufacturers specs for all these great cars yourself.

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  A Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By trespinosranch - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our Tahoe in 9/02. Now, with 10k miles, we couldnt be happier. It fullfills all of our needs. I removed the rear seats, as I go to the dumps alot and we dont have any kids. Its only been to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Not one problem or flaw noted to date. It does tend to wander on the freeway at 80+ mph, with wind and irregular pavement. Otherwise, solid as a rock.