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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  ok car - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By bull - March 3 - 2:00 am

  good body, paint,handels road very good very good pick up, gas use poor. nice looking car but very overpriced for what you get.

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  ZR2 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By DGL24087 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S10, the first was a 1989 regular cab 4x4. After 9 years and 199000 miles, I got out of the truck and owned a couple of cars. Now Ive come back to the S10. So far, I love it!!

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  fuel pressure regulator - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By albijon1 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  thats the only thing that hit me hard on my pockets so far,but built like a rock they didnt say that for nothing

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  Almost 10 years, and running strong... - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By GMatt - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My K1500 has held up mighty fine over the past 10 years. The 4x4 is strong, and when hunting, the auto-lockers come in handy so that I dont have to hop out and do it myself. The ride is comfortable for the freeway, the kids can stay calm in the back, and there is plenty of room in my un-tinted rig!

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  Powertrap - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Cassandra - March 1 - 9:10 am

  Power wise I have been very happy with the truck, I pull a heavy gooseneck horse trailer cross country a couple times a year, as well as haul a lot of hay. Gas mileage stinks but, I expect that. It is very comfortable to drive also. The problem is the body design - the dang thing is literally coming to pieces. I live in a rural area with rough roads. This truck is just not designed to handle it. Soon I will have to have a flatbed put on because every brace on the wheel wells is broken loose and rattling. I have used G.M. trucks for 23 years, this one is the worst ever as far as durability. The next one will likely be a Dodge, or back to an older, tougher G.M.

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  outstanding vehicle - 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
  By achief - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The 1992 Chevy Suburban has been the most reliable vehicles that I have ever owned. I bought it used with 111,000 miles on it. It has alot of room for my four kids. outside of the basic componits failing water pump, starter, alt the engine and transmision has never been broke into. Prices for parts are relatively cheap and easy to install.

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  95 Z28 Very Fast!!! but Problematic. - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Johnny-Speed-Racer - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new back in 95 and w/ 51,000K I dont drive it very much... My A4 Transmission is problematic and a 4L40E Nightmare!!! 8 times rebuilt. Other than that, its a High Performance Z with every SLP bolt-on including a Level One Handling Package. Its an Ultra Quick Street Car, and a really fun car to drive. With 26 years Driving Experience, My Z can outrun, outperform, or at least hang with anything with 4 wheels on the street or Highway. I still Love the Car!

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  owner of a vending business - 2003 Chevrolet Express
  By Bob Warnock - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the small V-8 and its gas mileage is ok. When I have alot of weight in it the engine has a hard time, but when its gets on the expressway its gone. I have the cargo van and its very roomy and fun to drive. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  My Avalanche = my buddy - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Big-Daddy - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I drive this teuck 650 miles a week. It is my familys choice to ride in when we go out. I have used it to haul lumber, as trasnportation on a 5 adult trip, and as a commuter vehicle. The comfort and drivability are superb. I am amazed at how nice it rides, and yet is an exceptionally functional truck. It even fits in the garage.

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  Lumina: sporty and functional - 1991 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Brian H. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 years now. I love it as much as the day I bought it. It is fast, comfortable, has an awesome loud exhaust sound, and a great stereo. It has had a few minor problems like fuel pressure regulator, TCC solenoid, and spark plug wires. Other than that, it has been close to perfect. Great brakes, contrary to what some say. Never touched them in four years, and they dont make a sound or hesitation. Very roomy car, mine fits six nicely.