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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  High Quality Large SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kge - November 22 - 5:52 am

  We drive a lot. First Suburban weve owned, and wont be the last. Avg 19 mpg hwy and 16 city in over 100,000 miles. The only mechanical failure was the catalytic converter stopped up after 80,000. Took 3 weeks for the experts to figure the problem. If it were not for that, Id give this truck all 10s. Acres of space, smooth ride. We owned 2 Windstar vans previously and this truck is far better in looks, driveablility, and maintainence. The vans were better on gas though.

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  Second Time Around - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By BOB - November 21 - 2:03 pm

  I had an 03 TrailBlazer LT. The first year, I swore Id never own another. The next 2 1/2 years it was very reliable, enough so that when my saleman called me with a deal that was too good to refuse, I went for a fully loaded LT with leather, sunroof, heated seats. Subtle interior changes make it seem a lot classier than the 03. The only exterior change is a restyled grille, and a lower hangover on the rear bumper, so you cant see the spare tire. If this one is as reliable as the last one (after the first year) Ill be driving this well over 100k.

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  Inexpensive but not cheap - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Joseph P. Passaretti - November 21 - 10:13 am

  The ride in this car is surprisingly comfortable for around town. My son (Saturn owner) says that you cant feel the speed because you are sitting higher and the visibility is good. The acceleration is acceptable for the little 1.6 liter engine. The gas mileage seems to be improving from the start at 19 mpg to now 22 mpg although I only have a little over 1000 miles on her. The shape and color (yellow) grows on you and is easier to spot in the parking lot. I find that I can fit at least the same amount of sundries in my Aveo as I had in my Oldsmobile Intrigue with the exception of the Oldmobile could seat 5. Yes I am happy with my choice of the Chevy Aveo and would recommend this car.

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  No oil pressure when driven 30 miles - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By paul - November 21 - 8:26 am

  I have a 2004 3500 4 wheel drive ex cab. I like the truck very much. I have had it about 1 year now. I have a problem and no will answer without charging me for the answer or suggestions. It is a 6.6 diesel the oil pressure is about 70 pounds when I start it up drive about 30 miles it goes to zero but no engine noise. It has 86,000 miles on it Paul, thanks for listening to me

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  True Sub-compact - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sirrep - November 20 - 8:35 pm

  Rover, Chevette, Hornet, Fiat 600, Valnent, Mustang, I have ridden in all of them. This Aveo gives the best, most quiet drive in years. Best bang for the buck, especially if it is on sale at about $9k at the dealer.

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  Great Car- Reliability, Mileage, and Looks - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By treavey - November 20 - 1:54 pm

  This is a really great car that has never given me any trouble. Routine maintenance is all you will ever need. And I usually get about 20 MPG in- town. Plus, its very stylish and looks great!

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  Best Truck I Ever had - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sean - November 19 - 9:09 pm

  I just feel so sure when I am driving it that it is going to get me where I am going

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  My Wonderful HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ruth Petersen - November 18 - 8:30 pm

  I love the design of this car. Ive gone from a Venture Mini-Van to this and find it was an easy transition. The high seat enables me to easily enter and exit the car with trying to haul myself off the floor of the car. It zips around, and gets into little spaces with ease. There is plenty of room for many items and large items with the fold down seat. I havent lost much compared to the mini-van. The back end has a shelf that you can put up and place your shopping items under and they will not be seen by the passer-by. I used this feature during my Christmas shopping and just loved it. I just love my new little HHR!

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  Great Little Truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By TERESA MOORE - November 18 - 4:07 am

  This is my 4th small Chevy truck, and I think its the best yet! Its got lots of interior room, and a good sized bed too. I was quite pleased that the base model comes with cruise control, tilt wheel, and a pretty good sounding AM/FM stereo. There is way too much noise from the A- pillars, window deflectors are needed! The base tires pick up every little pebble, then they "fly" when you end up on the freeway! warms up slow for a 4 cylinder.

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  Family Vehicle, Family Price - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bret - November 17 - 9:00 pm

  Write all you want about SUV/Minivan looks, builds or whatever but to me minivans are family vans. The Uplander is for Families. We got a program one which means families like ours can afford one. It has room for families. It has comfort for families. It has durability for families. My only complaint would be Id like to see something to replace the false buttons on the ceiling console. Why have false buttons to show me what I could not afford? Other than that this a minivan for familes.