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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  Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Betty Roberts - May 9 - 12:31 am

  The 2003 Impala is fun to drive I only have one problem and that is the fresh air situation. It also lets in exhaust and smoke when you try to run the defrost you cannot keep this outside pollution out .

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  Great Value - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Kevin Thompson - May 8 - 10:34 pm

  After looking at all the import and domestic small trucks we chose the 4 door Colorado. It was the best value for the dollar. We have owned the car for 3 months and have driven the car 8200 miles now. Zero problem, great fuel mileage and very comfortable. My son needs a car so I think we are going to go with another Chevy.

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  Very dependable, fun to drive - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jolene putnam - May 7 - 12:55 pm

  I bought this car only because it has a moonroof. I had a 00 Cavalier 4dr and sold it for this one. This car has been very dependable for the daily communite as well as weekend get aways. The only complaint I have is the lack of space in the back for the kids. Luckily they get along pretty good.

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  Wow - this car is great - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By robert - May 7 - 6:56 am

  I decided to test drive the Vette, I was going to buy a Audi. The ride and the ergonomics were much better than expected. The car is simply beautiful outside and very nice inside, though not plush. For a not so small person, there is plenty of seat and leg and head room. The dash is set up simply but nice and the performance is great. It rides like a very good daily driver which is what I am using it for.

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  I love my truck! - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By LuvMyChinaBabies - May 6 - 9:20 am

  I had a 2000 and 2001 Blazer before bought the 05 Trailblazer. I am 6" tall and had a hard time in the older models because my head would be in the sunroof--pretty uncomfortable. The 05 sits up higher and the head clearance is taller so I have lots of head room. The back seats are great for the kids (2 in car seats and one not). They are not cramped. I love this truck--the interior is great. I have the dark ebony interior and it is super for families with small children- -you cannot see the stains. All in all I love it and would purchase it again in a heartbeat. I am looking forward to the next model

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  Love it so far! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By mikek - May 5 - 1:00 pm

  I test drove a FWD LT w/16" rims in red. In my opinion the Galaxy silver AWD w/17in rims has a much better feel and a far better look.I am still getting used to people in other cars tapping their passengers and pointing at my car, and taking second looks. A very nice driving experience.

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  Grandma Car or Sports car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Andrew - May 5 - 8:41 am

  When I bought my Impala a few months ago I got a lot of heat about buying a grandma car but when my friends drove it with the 200hp v6 0-60 in under 9 sec. they decided its a nice grandma car. I drive 180 miles per day, and get over 27 mpg cruising at 75mph. When I get out I am not stiff at all. Probably the most comfortable car Ive driven. I am 64" and have plenty of leg room. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, roomy car that performs well.

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  Proud Of Her - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Proud Owner - May 4 - 1:50 pm

  I just love my little Tracker. She is fun to drive and has more room inside than I expected, especially when you sit the back seats up straight. The only thing I would have changed would be to have her pull more weight.

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  So far so good - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By OtotheG - May 4 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this vehicle used and so far the family loves it. It had almost 100k when I bought it and have no problems as of yet. Weve only had the SUV for about 8 months but have had no problems. It hates cheap gas, runs badly, but with Chevron gas no problems. The gas mileage isnt so bad considering its a huge vehicle. We tend to drive on road trips 5 hours plus per trip and its great having all that room. We fit everything in there. 2 car seats, baggage for 5 people (2 adults & 3 kids, stroller, infent bed, golf bag, toys and a couple loose things. Do your homework, test drive, haggle and carfax. Good luck.

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  Whoa, Gas Prices.. - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By asdf - May 4 - 11:15 am

  Well bought this for my 18 year old to get her Drivers Lic. We love driving it and if you are nice you get very good gas mileage. We have gotten 30 in the city. If you are bad and drive it hard you will get 22 - 25 MPG.