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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  Fairly Satisfied - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By LWB - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I was very surprised at the comfort afforded a mini van. I mean it compares to sedans or in some instances is better.

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  One weird Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ryan - April 22 - 9:30 pm

  We had bought this truck as a replacement for the car we had. We live in the mountains of Colorado and had a few problems with the factory tires and ice. We changed them out for snow tires or all weather tires and have not had an issue since. The real weirdness started when cyl #1 was acting up. I was on my way back to the dealership with a full load driving across country and I was getting nearly 35MPG with a half functioning piston! The dealer stated that the piston had shattered (after much waiting for warrenty work) and was to be replaced. Since then the truck has gone back to its 21MPG and worked fine! Other than powertrain problems I havent had any other issues and rate it high.

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  Competitors shakin in their boots - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By CUFFS - April 22 - 6:03 am

  The all new TrailBlazer is great. The excelleration was incredible, reaching 60+ in what seemed like nearly 8 seconds. The TrailBlazer has a smoooooth ride and stiff steering. There is little to no vibration at speeds of 90+. The wind noise at higher speeds is less than desirable but tolerable. The stereo is awesome with CD player and 8 speakers throughout.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jenny Mariner - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it for 1 month, but weve already put 2000 miles on it. Its really not bad on gas considering all the running we do. I got a 5 speed, and its really easy to drive. Im very happy with it so far.

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  Not bad at all - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kyleA - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was a great bargin. The 2.2 Ecotech engine is peppy, and has a lot of torque. The steering is tight, and front bucket seats sculpt to your body. The only negotive is that the insulation underneath the car could be better. I can hear the gas in my tank sloshing around when I turn corners. I have never heard that in other vehicles. That being said, for the price I paid, this car is wonderful. This is my first GM product, and probably wont be the last.

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  Chevy Blazer 4X4 4 door 4.3 liter - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By dynagc - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Easy in and out. Comfortable and handles well. Finish is excellent. Very quiet ride. Gas MPG is lower than I would like though.

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  want a great value!?!? - 1993 Chevrolet Caprice
  By bowtie 666 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  this is my 11th caprice of varying years, this is the 6th i have owned with the 5.0 (305 cu. inch) i honestly can say that after the late 80s any of the TBI (throttle body injection) cars are still the best as you can work on them in your yard, they get great mileage (mine have averaged 15- 16 city and 24++++ on the road, even as high as the low 30s with a stiff tailwind @ 65 with the cruise set) if GM had half a brain trust they would go back to building these things!

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  91 green corsica - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Green91 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my corsica used in 1992. My mechanic has put on new oil seal, maniforld gasket, rear brake cylindar, new water pump, and a few minor things. I have had this car maintenanced on a regular basis oil, coolant, plugs etc. It has been a good car. But it is old and I just bought a new minivan. If you need a good used car try this one. I think I will sell mine out right because I did not trade it in.

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  Chers toy - 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
  By cherbear - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Tracker! Its fun to drive and the 4x4 is great in the New York snow.Its design makes seeing everything easy.The Tracker is also very reasonably priced.Im very happy with my Tracker!

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  tahoe of the northland - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DEP - April 18 - 2:00 am

  My Tahoe has done everything I have asked it to do. Only complant is the fuel economy seems to be much worse than I expected. I was hoping for 18 on highway and 15 in town, but I get 15 highway and 11-13 in town.