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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  Love my Astro - 2000 Chevrolet Astro
  By Wayneco - January 5 - 2:00 am

  At 35000 miles/year, I am hard on a vehicle. Most of the miles were city driving(65-70%). I tend to wear brakes out faster than most people. Body integrity is excellent. Not a squeak or rattle for the first 80,000 miles. Still is quiet at 145K. No motor or tranny problems. Still goes 3000 miles without burning a quart of oil!

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  Malibu LS - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mumumumu - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car, good engine, fun to drive. Quite large boot and lots of space in rear.

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  not too bad - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By rob jones - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my van for 3 months now and so far I like it. My kids complain that there are no arm rest on the middle row seats, but other than that, it seems to be a nice van. I did have a key go bad on me on the second day I had it. I was lucky enough to have a spare. The car wont start if it doesnt like the key. I had a Pontiac Transport before this one which had steering wheel controls for the radio. I miss that in this one. I hope to get at least 100,000 miles out of this before I have any major problems....I hope.

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  If you WANT an expensive SUV then BUY 1 - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By dudfromhell - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are both tall and appreciate the fact we both fit nicely into this vehicle. The seats are comfortable and leg room ample. We have taken this car on several long trips, both winter and summer, and found the ride pleasant and comfortable. This is an affordable, comfortable rig. I have two trackers and enjoy both of them.

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  Great Quality, Solid Built GM Product - 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
  By bbobb - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Good car. Needs turning circle improvement and better seats with support. Great quality, solid built GM product.

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  Charlies Tahoe - 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By chabea - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this SUV new and it has never let me down. It is great in snow. I got through 20 inch snow fall in 1996 when nothing else in my neighborhood could. Ive had oil changed every 3.000 miles and basic dealer maintenance - the truck still drives like new!

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  2004 review - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By goshad - January 2 - 10:00 am

  love the acceleration and reliability. Fuel economy is better than I thought too. One big problem is that the roof flexes when traveling at highway speeds. Also had noticeable wind noise from rear window that dealer had to fix. Wish the interior was more lively, like the white face Dodge dials or Fords new interior.

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  2000 Malibu - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dmanns - January 2 - 2:00 am

  The brakes are the big problem. Front brakes will constanly need turning as they warp(too much pressure from chassis design). Cold engine tick can be cured with new teflon coated pistons. Problems with the heat/ac/ventilation control, usually need replacing.

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  Z-85 - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dale - January 1 - 8:53 pm

  What a truck - the Z-85 with 20" chrome wheels really sets off the dark maroon color.

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  My big beast - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Ginoclock - January 1 - 8:13 am

  Bought new to tow 5th wheel. 6.0 liter gas engine/auto tranny/cloth interior. Getting 14mpg around town (speeds range from 60mph to 30 mph, stop and go) Have not had an unladen trip on the highway yet so I dont know the mileage there but will by the end of July - Im hoping for 18mpg. Paint is thin and scratches very easily - a big disappointment for me. Interior is dated; exterior is boxy, reliability has been good but I only have 6k on the the beast. Build quality is average. Ride is stiff even at 50psi in the tires. It does have power! Lookout boys, its gonna unwind!