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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  Just Got It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JHaight - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for something that would handle our growing family. Only have 200 miles on it so far. Im 63" and I could sit in the back row. Wife loves it. Got 6k off in incentives, which made it a reasonable purchase. Had no problems pulling the pontoon boat. I can tell it sat on the lot, it has some cosmetic issues. A gasket on the back hatch needs to be replaced (covered by warranty, no prob.). A small tear in upholstery on the passenger door and discoloring(?)of the plastic exterior trim. Dont know if the last two are going to be issues or not... havent spoke to the dealer about them.

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  Maxx=Maximum Versatility & Value - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MadMaxx - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car-fast, smooth, quiet, and very airy/roomy. Versatility is AWESOME. Great MPG: averaging 28.5 in 20/80 city/hiway driving, and have hit 32.8 on 5/95 (at 65mph). Value-paid $14,299 after rebate for my 04 Maxx w/floor mats.

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  Oynx Black Z-71 Crew Cab - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JuanB - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Really nice truck. Drives like Car but tough when I want it to be...

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  I love my Equinox - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Annie - February 15 - 10:26 pm

  I love the look of my Equinox. After driving cars for years, I really enjoy sitting up higher.

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  Old vs New - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Joe Patton - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  As a child of the 60s and a driver of most GM muscle I can state "the sheer force felt behind the wheel of my 2SS is like nothing Ive experienced before".....totally awesome. I can confirm the blind spots but have little else negativity about this car. The gears are so strong I cant always be certain what gear Im in and looking down doesnt solve my problem......the performance reminds me of a 1968 Olds 442 with a 3.90 rear axle I once had; only much more sophisticated. As to trunk entrance and interior/inferior, this car is for screeching starts and rushes of testosterone and has nothing to do with the golf course or fancy materials. Start it up and listen....retro all the way.

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  Love it! - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By johnboy - February 15 - 11:49 am

  I bought this van used in 2001 and I must say its the most reliable car I ever owned. I just hit 100000 miles and the only issue Ive had was having to replace the ac which cost $900. The gas mileage is great for a van.

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  Not bad for a daily commuter - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Biestie - February 15 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my daily 75 mile round trip to work. Gas mileage and price was the #1 reason for purchasing Cobalt. In this respect, it does very well. Many people expect great things from a $12000 car, but you get what you pay for here. Interior is as cheap as Ive found in almost any car, but functional. The seats can become uncomfortable if driven more than a few hours. No arm rest. Shallow cup holders. After 45000 miles of harsh MN roads, several rattles have developed including the wiring to the dome light overhead. Front wheel bearing failed at 30k CHEAP Continental tires replaced at 32k Bent front steel wheel after hitting large pot hole at 44k Rear defroster failed at 25k

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  way too many problems - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
  By carman001 - February 15 - 6:30 am

  This car is fun to drive and Iv heard the LT is better but the LS I have had way too many problems.

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  Love form Saudi Arabia - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mohammed Omar - February 15 - 3:31 am

  I imported my Suburban from New Jersey to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. it had 130K when I purchased it. My family traveled with it thousands miles around the Kingdom, its brilliant on highways & very strongly-built, every thing in it says you cant break me. Ive added about 12K, praises to God, its never been to a mechanic, except for fluids and AC gas refilling. Nephews & nieces are crazy to ride it. they like jumping to third row. Holidays without it are boring. I load it with family members. I have to admit that Im in love of this vehicle and wish to afford the 2009 one.

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  Im happy - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By R Adler - February 14 - 11:26 pm

  I researched, compared, and test drove the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundia Santa Fe, Ford Escape, and the Nissan XTerra. I found that although nothing in life is perfect, the Equinox was the best choice. It has the best safety rating, the most passenger and cargo room, the best "feel" on the road, the best exterior design, and the most for the money. Sure it turns wide, but its only 3 inches shoter than some full- sizr SUVs and that is to be expected. Fuel consumtion could be better, but is actually better than most of the vehicles mentioned above. Cheap looking interior? Maybe, but come on....its a Chevy, not a Mercedes. My family and I are so far very pleased.