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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  Nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Johnny - March 14 - 9:27 pm

  Got it not expecting much. Rides like a limo and extremly roomy. Doesnt feel too big either

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  07 Avalanche LT is awesome - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Grandman - March 14 - 7:41 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Durango for my Avalanche. One of the best moves that I have made dealing with vehicles. The ride is very smooth, seats are comfortable and the Bose stereo system is fantastic. I have had the Avalanche for only two weeks, but I just had to give Chevrolet a big pat on the back for making this great truck.

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  HHR = Hot Home Run! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Hooked on GM anew! - March 14 - 4:16 pm

  GM has hit a grand slam home run with the HHR. My buying criteria were simple: comfort, fuel economy and air. HHR is exceptional on all 3 counts. The front seats are among the best in the industry. At 7.7l/100km mixed driving Im more than sold. Add in the reliability of the Ecotec power train and the Getrag transmission; the roominess; the retro styling; the lower cost of repair (it costs a lot money to ship parts from Asia); the kart" like handling; and the HHR becomes a Honda beater! GM has taken stock of the market and taken straight aim at the Asian imports, whacking Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda right up the side of the head. Well done GM!

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  Pauls LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Paul - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. It is so quiet and comfortable youd think you were in your livingroom. The sound system is fantictic. Great Job G M.

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  My Third and Best Suburban - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MrBill - March 13 - 7:38 am

  Was a little disapointed that it was made in Mexico, but that has taken a back seat to being in love with the quality and workmanship. Would have loved for it to be union made, but think it is a great value for the bucks. I pull a 30 foot camper trailer and a boat with it for family trips. Pulled a 30 foot boat from VA to Grand Lake, CO without a single hiccup. Performed well at high altitude as at sea level. Good brakes coming down Berthoud Pass. All in all a home run for Chevy. Not a grand slam, but a solid home run!

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  2010 Chevy Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dave - March 12 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great vehicle and its about time more SUVs are passing the 30+ MPG mark. The 2010 Equinox drives very smooth and deftly handles Baltimores toughest pot holes and curves, it also accelerates quickly and seamlessly through its 6-speed transmission regardless of having a 4 cylinder engine even with econo mode engaged, and the Equinox keeps road noise where it belongs...Outside Very easy, comfortable and fun to drive. My wife is already saving more than 2 1/2 times her weekly fuel costs from when she owned a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport. This vehicle also comes standard 6 airbags, adjustable back seats, has outstanding crash and braking scores and Electronic Traction/stability controls

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  Still kickin - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Mr. B - March 12 - 10:16 pm

  Ive now had my 98 Z34 for 5 years. Ive had few issues with her. She now has over 160,000 miles on the original engine and transmission and she runs smoothly. Surprisingly, the gas mileage has gotten better with age! I average around 24 MPG (21 around town; 28 on the Interstate). All of the accessories have held up well. One of the few complaints I have is the quality of the center console--there is a plastic coating that tends to rub off and the hinges for the console storage lid broke. Mechanically, this car has done pretty well. Ive had some seemingly unique issues: transmission solenoid failed at 40K mi.; plenum warped at 130K (plastic cover on top of engine). Overall, I am VERY happy with my 98 Z34!

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  best cuv on the road - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By j.k.w - March 11 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased my 2010 equinox four months ago,i have been avg,25 to 31 miles per gallon city&hwy,fit and finish is perfect,rides smooth and handles well,if someone is looking for a new crossover i would highly recommend this one,if the rest of GM,s new fleet of vehicles are as good as this they will do well in the auto market now and in the furture,I have the 4 cyl and that is all a family needs unless you do alot of heavy haulin and are pulling a trailer, if thats the case buy a truck,my last ride was a 07 montana 240 hp,for the people who have a new equinox on order Im sure you will be pleased, i sure was ,I waited 8 weeks for mine and it was worth it.By the way thats CANADIAN driving,7000K

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  Sweet - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dmack - March 10 - 2:47 pm

  I traded in a 1998 Blazer. I would like to have bought a new one, but they no longer make them. That car was 9 years old with nothing but the usual maintenance. This 2007 TrailBlazer is a little higher (off the ground) than I would like, but still my best choice for a purchase. The vehicle rides much better then the 98, Ive only had it for a week, so Ill have to see what the fuel economy is. All in all, I like it!

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  Like a rock, no more like a boulder - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Stephen C - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my truck for 2 months now, and it is great. My only regret is that I didnt look harder for one with a manual transmission. Not that the auto is bad, but I only get about 13 mpg and a top speed of about 96 mph. I looked at every Chevy and GMC dealer in the north half of Dallas, though, so its not likely that I would have found one. My only complaint is the 26 gallon fuel tank - They have the same tank for the 4.3L V6 as the 6.0L V8.