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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  Guys let the finger from the V8 - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By D. - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for 3 month and lost almost $3000. Let built a used engine in they didt got it running right. Sold it for $1900 just to get rid of it. The V8 has alwys problems with the cooling, because is has only electric cooling. It works fine with a V6 and a stick shift does the speed. The V8 takes all place and the engine gets hot. Only one tip one of the fans is connected to the AC, so have the AC on at all times.

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  Not enough power, but packs a punch - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By AJ0206 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Having owned my 2000 4 door Blazer for a year, I have been pleasantly suprised. The build quality was better than the many GM vehicles I had previously owned. The ride is comfortable, and doesnt jar you, as a truck ride usually will. The interior build qualitly is good, if not a little drab in monotone grey.

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  new truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ronnie wilson - January 18 - 2:00 am

  nice i like the truck so far. could get better gas milage. nice dealer to deal with

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By FAMILYTIME!!! - January 17 - 2:00 am

  WE ARE A FAMILY OF FIVE. THREE CHILDREN IN CARSEATS. I LOVE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE THREE FULL SIZE SEATS IN THE MIDDLE ROW, SO ALL MY KIDDIES CAN BE WITHIN ARMS REACH. ALSO THAT WE CAN FIT THREE EXTRA FRIENDS IN THE REAR ROW. LIFE IS A PARTY, WHY NOT BRING YOURS ALL OVER WITH YOU?????

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  Good Car Nothing Fancy - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By uneinc - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Were really happy with this car for basic transportation. The new engine for 2002 models runs great. The interior features have been upgraded too although the comfort level is still below average. Im not sure why the Cavilier has such poor resale value. Its the second one weve owned with no major problems. It just runs.

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  2003 Chevy Tahoe LS 4WD - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Antihype - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Definitely get the 5.3L engine. The 4.8L engine is good, but the 5.3L is worth the extra money. I love the steering on this vehicle. Its a large vehicle, but it steers better than my old compact pickup. The Auto 4WD system is a great feature that competitors dont offer. Only get the third row seat if you expect to carry children around because the third row will only be comfortable for children. Since I dont have children, I find myself taking out the third row seats most of the time for cargo room. Great ride quality with quiet engine and cabin.

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Hampdog - January 17 - 2:00 am

  No problms to date. Nice ride as compared to the Expedition. looks great with 20s!

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  A Real Lemon But Love It Anyway! - 1997 Chevrolet Astro
  By Pam Waugh - January 16 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING has been replaced early and often. Maintained by the book at dealership. My 3rd Astro and will likely get another. This must be a lemon but I love it anyway. Its cost a fortune to repair but had extended warranty for alot of the repairs. But cant seem to get out of the dealership for less than $600 a pop. But its the perfect sized van for my needs! Just wish it was more reliable. Do wish they had a 4th door though.

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  Z71 for the Fam! - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Z71 Fan - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought my second Z71 in Oct.2003..dealer demo. What a great deal..sharp, fun to drive...roof, DVD, XM! Love it..

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  Love it - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Firefighter106 - January 15 - 12:43 pm

  Pros: 17 inch wheels, Smooth Auto transmission, Standard Tow Hooks, Price. Cons: Exhaust vibration, sounds like the truck is straining. Weak V6 engine. Fuel enconomy not worth the engine downgrade. No keyhole on passenger door. Work Truck series does not come standard with keyless entry. No arm rest on Work Truck series.