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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  surprised by my Tracker - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By dskyyboi - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to buy a Tracker but was talked into it by a friend. I am surprised how smooth it rides and the power it has for a four cylinder. I felt I definitely got my moneys worth. I actually enjoy driving it.

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  Chevy Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick1 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this from a GM technician after my 87 S-10 Blazer was on its last leg and must say I do like it alot compared to what I had. Interior is very nice, stereo is good for being O.E., handeling and ride quality is good for its size. Dont expect to beat any speed records with it, its not meant for that but it can get up and go when you need it to. I installed an after-market cold air intake and it has improved gas milage and acceleration a bit. Definately a step above some others out there in its class for the price.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Main Driver - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I drive the Suburban daily! I cant imagine hauling groceries, kids, backpacks, sports equipment, etc. in anything else! In the winter, with icy roads, I feel safe and secure taking the family where ever they need to go! Great Auto!

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  Chevy Venture - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By TimiCJ - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Up until it was 5 years old, this car has been very reliable. Now, were having problems with the front end.

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  A good vehicle at a good price - 2003 Chevrolet Astro
  By ninjaxz750 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Anyone considering one should get it. It will last forever (my father in-law has a 94 with 180,000 Miles and still going)and it hauls more than anything in its class. It also cheaper than ANY SUV, and bigger than most. It is NOT a mini-van...more like a mid size van. If you consider a Mini-Van, you may pay less, but you will get less in size and power.

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  2002 Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By larryfl - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned this car for almost 18 months. Very few problems, nothing serious. Car handles well for its size and type (sport suspension) and gets phenominal gas mileage -- upwards of 30MPG at 80MPH. Lots of room and huge trunk. Its an excellent family car and were very pleased. If I had to list a few negitives, Id say the interior fit and finish could be better.

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  dependable car - 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
  By dtorma - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a neighbor who was reluctant to sell it because she liked it so much. Its been very reliable as a second family vehicle with very few repairs needed. I wish they made more like this one... I also have a friend with one of these cars in a 93 with many more miles and a happy owner.

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  A very, very good car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sly Foxe - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars overall that I have owned. It has a high level of comfort. Particularly the front seats. i am a big guy (250#s) and I have been very comfortable on days that I drove 600+ miles. One small problem with the power steering pump that was replaced under warranty and that is all after 26,000 miles. Fuel econmy is 19-21 in town and 28-30 on the road. Excellent for a car as large and comfortable. I also like the ONSTAR system. Still riding on the original tires and brakes that should be good for another 5,000 miles. Acceleration is above average and handling is secure and predictable.

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  A great truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JBN - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with this truck. Very quiet and great ride. Minor problem with front suspension fixed under warranty. Not happy with factory Firestone tires.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lwjslfo - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Overall, very pleased with my purchase experience and the vehicles performance. This was my first time buying a new car through "Internet/Fleet" sales. Initially a bit suspicious of everyone in the building being a "Fleet sales manager." It was nice to be able to compare selling prices from multiple dealers at one time, making them compete with each other, and putting the shoe on the other foot for a change. Vehicle styling and performance generally exceed expectations. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing, but within the range of comparable models. The interior appointments are very "plastic" and tend to seem somewhat "cheap" feeling.