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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  2003 Trailblazer LTZ - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chris - July 30 - 6:35 am

  Ive had dozens of vehicles in my life and my Trailblazer, knock on wood, has been the most reliable so far. The ride is fantastic and smoother than any other SUV out there (and trust me...I looked at everything out there prior to purchasing). I was all set to get a full size SUV like a Tahoe, but my wife really liked the Trailblazers size, not too big and not too small. Not having a third seat (I opted not to go for the extended length version because I thought the looks were less appealing) will probably disuade some buyers but I really didnt have a need for it. My only complaint is that it doesnt get 30 mpg, but then no SUV does. Lets see if I am still happy 2-3 years from now.

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  Chevy Uplander best car I have driven - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By C. Gedeon - July 30 - 12:00 am

  This Chevy Uplander has been a pleasure to drive. My family just drove from Ohio to Florida for a family vacation and the Chevy Uplander traveled us in comfort and entertainment for the kids and the in-laws. It is also nice to drive a vehicle that has no problem keeping up with traffic on route 77 and route 90. This is the third Chevy I have owned and for the third time I am impressed.

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  Love my Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Melissa - July 28 - 11:06 pm

  My only complaint about this vehicle is that the gas tank is very small. I feel like I have gotten to know the staff at my local gas station really well in the last few months. The fuel economy is above average, but not the tank size! I love every other aspect. It handles really well in all weather conditions, and is just fun to drive. It is also very easy to carry large items because the rear seats are easy to fold, not to mention the towing capacity.

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  Go Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FL Banker - July 28 - 5:30 pm

  Smooth ride, exceptional power, drinks gas like a 4 cylinder, very comfortable driving position due to tilt/telescoping wheel, power seat and lumbar adjustment for my back. Headlights are extremely bright (almost like HIDs) and the lighted cruise and radio controls on the steering wheel are not often found even on premium vehicles. Way to go Chevy!

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  07 Coupe - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tim - July 28 - 7:00 am

  Just took delivery of an 07 coupe, Lemans Blue, casmere interior, LT3, chrome wheels, magnetic suspension and NAV system. My first Vette, never had a sports car before so I cant compare it. I am still in shock that I have it, only 300 mi. in two days, no problems yet. It is everything and more that I hoped for. Interior is fantastic and comfy, the leather sport seats are excellent. The car is so classy without being in your face. I already have had so many strangers both young, old, male and female comment and want to know about it. It blows my mind. I dont know if they upgraded the quality of the interior for 07, but it looks and feels first class to me. Buy one, you wont regret it.

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  Lots of Fun for Not a Ton (of $) - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Gene - July 27 - 10:08 pm

  I cut my performance car teeth on the likes of a Chevelle SS396 and can honestly say that this Malibu SS is a blast to drive. Different of course, but the fun factor has returned. One has to be ready for some pretty heavy torque steer, but once adjusting for that the car can launch "very energetically". The SSs styling and stance are executed very nicely, and it doesnt look like a clone of everything else on the road. The seats are very comfortable, the controls are simple and have a good feel, and it has excellent load capacity, especially in the trunk. The relatively low price for the performance is a definite bonus. Test one, youll like it! Good job, Chevrolet and GM Performance!

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  CAV. - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By BIGGE51 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A GOOD CAR BUT THERE IS SOMETHING THAT NEED TO BE DONE, LIKE BETTER COMFORT,AND BETTER SPEAKERS. BUT THIS CAR HOLD GA FOR A LITTLE BETTER THAT ANY OTHER NEW CAR I HAVE RIDEN IN. THIS CAR NEEDS BETTER TAKE OFF POWER.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By hessdave - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The V-8 is very smooth and powerful. Great if you are towing anything. While the I6 is an excellent choice, the V8s 50ft/lbs of additional torque is easily noticed. Plenty of room. Try 6 people and about 14 pieces of luggage. Economy is decent for a mid size SUV. 4x4 system is great. Very comfortable vehicle to drive. Feels soft at first, but perfect after you are in the back country all day.

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  My 05 Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By aztommyg - July 27 - 2:35 am

  I always wanted a Vette and finally in March 2005 I bought one! It is everything you can ask for in a true sports car. The power is awesome, handling is great. The exterior design speaks for itself. I shopped around and dollar for dollar, this is by far the best car on the road.

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  This should have been mine before now. - 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bob fowler - July 26 - 8:16 pm

  This truck is a blast to drive. I use it in my business and the enclosed bed is just great for delivering my product.