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:

• 

  Love my Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jim - August 27 - 6:46 am

  Drove vans and conversion vans for years. Bought this Burb used, and it is one of the best riding and towing vehicles I have ever owned. Fit and finish are exceptional.

• 

  A New Standard - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Stargate202 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The MAXX is a new standard for a mid- size solidily built mid-priced all purpose car. If you are tired of the SUV ride and need some room for cargo (though nothing that is large in one package) the Maxx should be looked at. I had one of the earlier Malibu a 97. It was a good car but just plain jane. The Maxx has some style, a lot of get up and go, great gas milage and is fun to drive, all at a reasonable price. I mean 2 - 4 thousand less then rest of the pack with same options. The 6 inch longer wheelbase gives a much better ride then the Sedan model.

• 

  First Time Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MBlack17 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Monte Carlo due to having bad luck with a Toyota (2 new engines and 1 transmission). I was very pleased first off with how GM was able to get me out of my lease, which still had 2 years on it, and with minor penalties. I have loved this car since I got it. It has a wonderful, smooth ride, and nice acceleration. The gas mileage isnt bad, but I am used to a 4- cylinder. I was also very pleased with the way it handles on snow, I felt so secure and safe. I would recommend this car to anyone, it is over all a great car for anyone single to a midsized family.

• 

  good - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By romeo2cu - August 27 - 2:00 am

  best new truck should come in a long bedneeds biger horsepower

• 

  the best car i ever had. - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By james tolentino - August 27 - 2:00 am

  its good on fuel economy for its size fast and has a lot of options, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT ESPECIALLY THE LS 3.8.

• 

  Great truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By bzab - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this to pull a 5th wheel. Has all the capabilities to do what I wanted. Better ride and interior than I expected in a 3/4 ton. Gas mileage is about 13 now but only have 1500 miles in it. May improve. Have not been back to the dealer yet with any complaints. Can tell more later.

• 

  Two thumbs waaay UP!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By UCR highlander - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This compact SUV is simply amazing. It rides more like a car than a SUV, and the fuel economy is actually quite good- much more akin to a sedan. The interior is well planned, and the rear seats and storage area are the best Ive seen from any make (Honda, Toyota, Ford were cross-shopped). This is a great vehicle for families , or for those that love hauling friends around (like me).

• 

  Awesome car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mannyd98 - August 26 - 5:57 pm

  One of my favorite cars. I owned one in 96 and regretted getting rid of it. When I saw this one, I had to buy it. Also very safe and reliable. We were just in an accident. A Ford F250 ran a stop sign and hit us. It totaled my Cavalier, but we were all alive

• 

  Dream Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By powrcat - August 26 - 5:50 pm

  Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet! I love my Victory Red 06 Z-51 Convertible. I wash it, dry it, and could stare at it for hours. I have owned an M3, SL500, CLK55 AMG, and this Vette is by far the best of them all. It really is an American dream. I will own this car forever.

• 

  Best Car Ive ever Owned! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sharon - August 26 - 12:03 pm

  My mechanic recommended this car, and Im glad I listened to him. Have done nothing but oil/lube in the 2-1/2 years Ive owned it. Not one mechanical problem. Very fun to drive, easy maneuvering, good pick up on the passing gear. Like everyone else says, great interior room. Looks small and squished in from the outside, but when you get inside, you feel like youre in a Suburban. My boyfriend is 65" with a very long torso he ususally has to hunch down in a car. He couldnt believe the headroom in the Aveo. Its a zippy little rollerskate and you can park it anywhere. The gas mileage is terrific.