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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  Former Ford Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Northwoods - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned 3 new Ford F- 150s. I was looking for a change. I went to the Toyota dealer to buy a Tundra. I was not impressed with the ride and comfort of the Toyota. I was on my way to buy another Ford. I passed a Chevy Dealership and took a test drive. I was very very impressed with the size and comfort of the Silverado. You can actually put people in the back seat. P.S. My wife loves it. Finally, I tow a 23 foot boat and this truck just eats up the hills. Great vehicle for work and comfort, the combination cant be beat.

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  Economical and reliable - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By worksforme - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable transportation. Except for a few minor warranty items, have only had to do the normal maintenance, which is cheap to DIY, and not so expensive if you take it somewhere. Its been a real workhorse for commuting to work and running around town. Its not going to win any performance/fun awards. Thats not what this car is about. Noise is fact of life in this car.

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  SUV of the Year 1995? - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mark the shark - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ist day I owned my new black 95, a fuse blew in the fuse box, killed all the interior lights,dealer said it needed a whole new light "module"--they kept it for 3 weeks with less than 600 miles on it. The part was on back order due to a strike at chevy.When I got it back, the integrity of the interior panels were compromised by removal during repair. There were numerous re-calls on various parts needing replacement. I had never owned a chevy that had been recalled so many times.

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  Nice Truck - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Posted1 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 59,000 miles, 1 owner. I checked the vehicle out extensively prior to purchasing it adn I have had absolutely no trouble with it. Decent ride, adequate comfort and plenty of power make this a great vehicle for all 4 seasons that Colorado has to offer.

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  Overall Good Performer - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By watergirl - May 31 - 8:16 am

  I went from a European car that gave me nothing but problems to an American car that Im actually looking forward to driving. Gas mileage a little less than perfect but overall, great power, good handling and so much space and comfort.

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  Great little 4X4 - 1998 Chevrolet Tracker
  By sunfun - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This is our second tracker. Having a great time zooming around town in this one.

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  1996 Monte Carlo - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Bamoeller - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Its comfort is good and extras are excellent. The adjustable leather seat conforms nice. and i have had no complaints from passengers (front or rear) The radio is fun to play with especially on the steering wheel. It overall has a sporty look and is fun to cruise the streets in.

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  Sorry to see my Tahoe go - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mac in Kentucky - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 97. Early on, vehicle required five sets of front rotors due to faulty brake design. Chevy covered it all under warranty -- even after warranty expired. No other problems encountered. At 182,000 miles, brake failure caused me to rear-end a pick- up. This wiped-out the front end. I walked away with minor bruises. I replaced my Tahoe with a Suburban.

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  The Great Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By PimpCav - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for a new driver. I got this car when i was 16 and i still love. Its so easy to drive. It almost takes no effort at all.

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  Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Corv - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Horrible interior. Performance does not make up for this. 50k for a car like this? Get a M3.