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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  Chevrolet S10 - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By wbchevy - September 27 - 11:07 pm

  Fantastic truck, excellent power for this vehicle class, and excellent overall value. This truck provides the perfect combination of form and function, providing good fuel mileage and overall capability. The cabin is quiet and well layed out, providing good room for most all passenger sizes. Overall, I would highly recommend this vehicle as it provides nearly full size capability with compact fuel economy of over 20mpg.

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  One fun car to drive - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Donal - September 27 - 8:36 pm

  This car is exciting, powerful, and fun to drive. It makes my communte to work enjoyable. Days off even more. I have a Mercedes CLK 430 and it rarely leaves the garage now. Performance upgrades frome GM are great and inexpensive and make a huge difference.

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  2nd only to my 67 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Setter - September 26 - 10:58 pm

  I have truly enjoyed this second go round with Corvettes. My 2001 convertable is everything in a straight line that my 427 67 was and this baby will really hang on the corners, unlike the 67. I dont care what anyone else thinks. This is the biggest bang you can get for the bucks anywhere. Buy one or steal a drive frome someone who has one, and if you dont agree, you never drove a big block 67.

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  Great truck Great value - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By S Miles - September 26 - 4:23 pm

  I have a family of four with 3 dogs. We needed a truck with great mpgs and comfort. This is it!

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  Family of four - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mother of two - September 26 - 11:29 am

  My husband and I wanted something that would be practical to drive the kids around in, but we arent quite ready for a minivan. Vacations pulling our boat are a breeze, and the carseats go in and out with ease. Its by far the best looking grocery getter in town.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Walt Lee - September 25 - 11:23 pm

  This is my third Tahoe & this is the best of all, from top to bottom. good gas mileage, engine shifts from 4cyl to 8 cyl very smoothly. I had a 2004 Lexus LX470, & I like the Tahoe a lot better.

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  Awesome Car. - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TexasMike - September 25 - 10:53 pm

  I cannot say enough good things about this car. I traded in my 03 Camry and was impressed from the minute I climbed in for a test drive.Comfotable, Fun to drive, attention getting family sedan. A must see vehicle for anyone in the market.

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  Equinox Style - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jay - September 25 - 11:15 am

  Excellent SUV. Stylish compared to the rest, and fun to drive. Handling is excellent, and theres room for my 3 daughters and dog. Tows the bowrider boat with no hesitation.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CAR MAN - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This Blazer has been solid as they come. What many fail to realize is that this is a truck, not a sports car, not a luxury car and its not a 454 Silverado. This is a 6 cylinder small SUV. The interior is tough and designed to be rugged. The ride is pretty good. Ive done a lot of off road driving and this little Blazer works well in those conditions. It also performs well during snow conditions on the highways. The gas mileage is a little less than what Id like but I accepted that fact the day I bought it.

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  My 2002 Avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Raughammer - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been 100% satisfied with the SUT Avalanche. Dont have one? Dont go drive one... or you will.