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:

• 

  From Monte Carlo SS to Cobalt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 06blackg85ss - December 19 - 1:03 am

  First new car, used to drive a 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. Much nicer car, better handling, no problems, great fuel economy, and much more comfortable. Only thing Ive had to do so far is change the oil. Im at 23,000 miles so far and its been great. Interior is a little cheap looking, due to the plastic used everywhere, but the seats are fantastic (G85 Recarro package) but for a $20k car its great.

• 

  Totally Impressed - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Donald Bogetto - December 18 - 10:53 pm

  Drive one and you will see!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  3/4 Ton Big Block is The Only Way to Go - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Robert Michael, Pa. - December 18 - 9:47 pm

  The 3/4 ton with the big block is the only way to tow my heavy travel trailer across country. Much better towing with the 373 rear and Allision tranny than a small block 5.3 screaming with a 410 rear. Very flexible easily loading almost 30 sheets 1/2 drywall and closing the gate. Mileage is better with this 8.1 liter than my old 454. About 14-15 not towing and 11 with a 7000 pound trailer. I dont have to move over for the tractor trailers like you do with the small block. It is getting time to look at another Avalanche but I wont buy one with a small block. I love the truck but do not want a fancy toy truck with a 5.3 liter.

• 

  Wonderful College Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Vanni - December 18 - 6:39 pm

  I absolutely love my car. It is extremely economical. The only downfall is wind noise inside.

• 

  Early opinions - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By rusla_dlc - December 18 - 10:34 am

  The new styling caught my eye and reminded me of the 80-90s body style which I love. I was sad to hear that the Vortec engines had been replaced but anxious to see what the promised added horsepower and economy would hold. The new Ecotec provides plenty of acceleration and the steering is smooth and responsive. The cab is quiet to outside noises, well insulated. The only problem I have found is shaking/vibration at higher speeds. It causes the center console to shake. But Its something I can live with.

• 

  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Phil Moore - December 17 - 6:11 pm

  Great overall vehicle, very comfortable and fun to drive. Has lots of features and is very well built. It has a great ride and is very stable on the road.

• 

  The best Corvette I have owned - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry tang - December 17 - 3:23 pm

  I have owned 8 Vettes over the years and this is the hottest yet. It is improved compared with my 04. I was not sure if I would like the headlight treatment but now think it was an improvement. The car is quick, nimble and a joy to drive.

• 

  ZR2 in Colorado - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By xeriminox - December 17 - 2:24 pm

  I have not experienced any problems with my 2001 ZR2 in its 57K miles. I love the way it looks and how well it handles in the snow. It is agile enough for city driving yet well prepared for off-road activities. The push button four-wheel drive is a great feature. Originally, I had my mind set on the Tacoma but was not pleased with the antiquated interior and bouncy ride. After considering the Tacoma, Frontier and Dakota I was most impressed with the comfort and convenience of the Chevy. This is my first domestic vehicle but certainly will not be the last!

• 

  Fun to run, but... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By c holden - December 17 - 1:43 pm

  Like most who own this beast, it mostly comes fully loaded and as such is very nice, blah blah blah. But after the initial romance wears off you kind of notice a couple of this and wonder why. First the cheap visors dont go out to the door frame and leave an annoying gap that if youre driving into the sun. No trunk key access, hope to God you never have your remote do dead. The batteries are supposed to be good for 4 years, losing range at 1 year mark. The OEM tires are great and all, but what a sticker shock when the time comes to replace, how about $250+ each! You could get cheaper Goodrich and some others for much less, but if you really like those Goodyears, start saving now.

• 

  Nice Little Rocket - 1991 Chevrolet Beretta
  By mikail - December 17 - 10:46 am

  When I bought It I had no clue what a Quad 4 was, but as soon as I drove It, I got impressed. 7000RPM (now 7400) and 180Hp from a stock 2.3liter I4. Oldsmobile really got it good! The car as a nice look and when I drive it I still get lots of comments about it. I go often to the drags strip and most people ask is that a V6? they are suprised that a Chevy built in the 90 could push so much horsepower! Oh and The engine is from Oldsmobile, its sad that GM closed it!