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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  Glad I Didnt Buy a Fit - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda - September 10 - 12:29 pm

  I did it. After months of readings reviews and comparing similar vehicles, for me the Aveo offered the most car and extras for the best price. I purchased a model that had all of the extras as a package straight from the manufacturer. For those of you caught up in the import hype, I suggest that you strongly check out this vehicle and give an American automaker a chance. I traded in my 2004 Subaru Outback and do not regret it one bit. I am hoping my Aveo will be ever the realiable vehicle that our current 2005 Chevy Silverado has been.

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  Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By N Kirk - September 9 - 8:19 am

  This has been the most dependable car I have owned. Mileage is in mid 30s on average. Even around town, I get 30 mpg. Only trouble was a gas cap that leaked air and was replaced under warranty.

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  2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By smfcpacfp - September 9 - 12:34 am

  I bought this car new, and it has been the most trouble free car that I have ever owned. I had to replace one sensor in the 46,000 miles that I have owned it. It is also extremely comfortable on long trips. My wife and I recently took it on a 4,600 mile, 3 week trip and as always, extremely reliable. It also had adequate trunk space. I couldnt possibly ask for a more relaible car.

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  Blue rocket on wheels - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By great little car - September 8 - 7:31 pm

  I needed a car for travel as my job is 3hrs away. I sold my Geo with 248 thousand miles and it had great mileage. This was an inexspensive auto, and thats what I needed. After driving it for 3.5 months, I havent had any problems with it. Im very happy with the car all around. It handles very well driving through the mountains.

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  Awesome - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - September 8 - 2:42 pm

  Waited quite a few years to finally purchase a Vette and have not regretted it at all. This car is a lot of fun. Rides much nicer than expected.

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  Love my TrailBlazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By paula arnold - September 8 - 11:21 am

  I had a 2002 TrailBlazer and loved it. I was very pleased with everything about it. The handling, gas mileage, etc. I traded it in for a 2006. It had more options on it. Sunroof, six disc player, power driver seat. Im still getting great gas mileage. It was even a little cheaper than my 2002. For the price, you can get a lot for your money. I will buy another one if I decide I want a new SUV!

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  The Camry Killer - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Veneratemale - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is redesigned inside and out. I brought back my 2002 Malibu which was a marginal car, for the newer 2004 Malibu. My 2004 Malibu ($20,500) has remote start, satellite radio, 6 CD changer, the same undercarriage as the much more expensive Saab 9-3, and an engine with more horsepower than the Accord and Camry. The Malibu has telescope steering, which you wont find in vehicles under $33,000. It also has electronically assisted steering, something else you wont find in cars within its class.

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  Avalanche I & II - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By L H Maidene - September 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I so enjoy this vehicle, we both have one. They are a dream to drive, and are so convienent to use. It will do the heaviest jobs, yet they are such a great looking truck, we drive them to church. I am extremely happy with my Avalanche. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Z06 Corvette Solid Black - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Springfield - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Had to have rear end seals replaced the first 1000 due to leakage, but no other problems. The car has excellent power and handling.

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  Trailblazer LS - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By regina Nolan - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Love everthing about it!!