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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  Tuff Camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Dedicated GMer - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the coupe in june 2002 upon hearing end of production. For a V6 has plenty of power and great milage. We use it as a daily driver for errands, has a great ride as with all GM suspension. Beats any Import Ive rode in !!!

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  Competent But Bouncy - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Albie12 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a solid car in every respect, with the exception of its ride. Although comfortable and responsive on a short ride, the bumps and bounces take their toll over the long haul. Ive found that I must be very mindful upon entering driveways, as the vehicle tends to frequently bottom out. For its engine size, the car garnishes commendable fuel economy (30 mpg)on the highway. The vehicle handles very well and the brakes are true and responsive. One feels safe inside of the vehicle and the seats feel nice. Theres also plenty of seating room for three six-foot adults in the back. The trunk is cavernous and my family loves the safety features.

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  A good side and a bad side - 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
  By ljouvdee - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The car was bought brand new. It is very spacious and I absolutely love the sound system. The best thing about it is that it can really take a hit without doing hardly any damage at all. Unfortunately there are many things wrong with it. I have had to get the brakes repaired many times and had to get my engine re-built before it even hit 80,000 miles. Recently I had to get a new alternator at 90,000 miles. Too many repairs, but maybe I just have bad luck.

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  98 Z28 - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By cobie - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Z28 has plenty of hp and accelerates very well. It is a great drive once youre up and away you can cruise comfortably and with confidence at high speed. Only problem for a lot of folks is getting in and out of the car since seats are so low and doors are very long. Overall great value for a muscle car and reasonable maintenance.

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  Proud city girl with her redneck ride - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tygernurse - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I started out leasing Baby and loved her so much I decided to buy her after 3 years. Shes quick to react due to her tight steering. Shes a beauty to look at, but her power is deceiving. Shes relatively slow off the line and pick up is delayed when you really need the old drag racing power that shes remembered for. T-tops are fun, but can be cumbersome to manage and !!HOT!! to touch when shes been in the sun. Shes a unique exterior design, you dont find that type of identity with the Accords, Civics, Camrys and Corollas. When she comes barreling down the road everyone knows her name.

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  Happy Customer since Sept. 2004 - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By S R - February 27 - 2:26 am

  Im very impressed with the car. You cant find a better deal for your money. Fully loaded car with all you need. The only thing I miss is that it doesnt have a 5 CD changer. Other than just having a single CD changer (you can only listen to one at a time anyway). I give it a great rating compared to the 740i BMW I traded. Sure is a lot cheaper to operate!

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  Chevy - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Josue Schmitt - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a good and excellent vehicle!!!

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  more trouble lately - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By iced tea - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This car was great at first. But as time went on we started having lots of trouble. Cooloing system is lousy. Aluminum parts mixed with metal parts causes deterioration in the cooling system and motor when you use the factory recommended coolant. This problem will always be here. Ive been told by my mechanic, ( after 4 major flushes and replacement of nearly everything in the coolant system) there is no recourse but to trade it in. Wont buy another.

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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By DGrey - February 26 - 11:10 pm

  Power is decent, rides well. The turning radius is large. Excellent room for larger passengers, especially the back seat. Unlike many other vehicles, my knees do not hit the dashboard or back of the seat. Interior is better designed than other GM products. Great overall value.

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  Black 3.4 l - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Black 3.4 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  The 3.4 spun a rod bearing at 50,000. Ever since I have a tack noise in the upper end of the motor. Otherwise it has been a great car to own/drive.