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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  Teal Convertible - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By RS LOVER - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Have owened four 3rd gen camros but the one I have now is the best. Its only a show car and has won at many car shows pluse this year I have taken it to 2 Super Chevy shows and has won runnner up both times.Great littler car

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  Malibu LS - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Migs - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car at an affordable price, especially enjoy decent gas mileage around town. Roomy for trips with plenty of trunk space. Three trips to the shop in 2 years -- water seeped into car during heavy rain (factory failed to ensure sealant was applied in all the right places), A/C control sensor and turnsignal controller. Overall were pleased and would buy another.

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  Very Good Truck Value - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WAYNE HAMMOND - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Very nice truck. For a truck this size, it is actually fun to drive. Very comfortable and I havealways know Chevy to be reliable and affordalbe to keep on the road.

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  First time Tahoe owner - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By L. Sherry - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Moving up from a Blazer to the Tahoe was definitely worth it. Seriously considered the TrailBlazer, but, opted for more room with the Tahoe. Living in deep snow country the 4WD is a needed feature. My only wish is that the mileage was better.. but,it goes with the territory.

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  Great Commuter Auto - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By slogger - October 8 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned the Aveo for several months. My city gasoline consumption is 29.3mpg. No mechanical problems so far. I paid a bit over $11K. The radio/CD is OK, but not great. Handling is quick at less than 45mph but a touch vague at freeway speeds. I purchased this auto because it was inexpensive. I also looked at the VW Golf Diesel and Honda Civic Hybrid. The Aveo provides many of the same features for $10K less...and that, in my mind, makes up for the lower fuel economy.

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  berryhappy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By berryhappy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I am really impressed with the style, performance and fuel economy of this vehicle. I looked all over for the berry red color and found one equipped just like I wanted. The price was outstanding for a full size vehicle, I am very happy with my purchase.

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  A great vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MilMan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been very reliable.it has 62000 miles on it. The only warranty parts that I,ve replaced are the master cylinder(30000 miles),rear shocks(21000miles), serpertine belt and pulley(35000 miles),battery(35000 miles).

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  Dear Lord! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JaneLane504 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Yes indded, breaks seem to be changed every 6,000 miles on the dot. Almost as much as an oil change! Living in Louisiana, and having a car with a A/C that seems to have a mind of its own, is nothing short of depressing. On hot days, it will kick off and blow out hot air, even when i turn it all the way on high. And even chevorlet dealerships cant ,and wont explain to me why it does this. Brakes have been replaced almost five times and rotors twice, the boots once. I have changed my altenator once, which wasnt that bad since i have over 100k miles..

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  Excelent for the price - 1992 Chevrolet Beretta
  By kim karstensen - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Excelent, but hard to find parts for in Europe.

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  I am glad I own it!! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By trstarling - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My blazer has almost 100,000 miles on it and it has been wonderful. Of course if you want a good car you cant just buy the first one you see you like. It took me a little while to find the perfect one and my kids love it also!!!