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:

• 

  The Best Corvette I Ever Owned - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Kirby - March 4 - 4:28 pm

  This is my 15th Corvette (first one, a 57, in 1959). It is without any question the best in every category. Performance is awesome, and my gas mileage is above the published values.

• 

  AdVenture 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Osvaldo Torres - March 4 - 3:29 pm

  This van is strong , quick and extremely roomy given its short wheelbase. I have used it to tow a 21 ft. open fisherman to a ramp 20 miles away and it will perform quite well for its small engine size although it has not been designed for that kind of abuse.

• 

  great - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By dan 454 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  ok performance great room like the style nice trunk room seems like a relible car

• 

  04 TAHOE LT - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JohnandRebecca - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I am not a big fan of SUVs. I was in market for a mini-van. However after allowing myself the opportunity to test drive this vehicle I was sold. It had more room for my children, more versatility for those weekend baseball games and soccer games, and when it came down to a road trip the comfort factor could not have been matched. With the included features such as on- star, it gives you plenty added ease of mind. Also good to mentions are the XM radio and the Bose sound system. If you are going to pick up a Tahoe, opt for the LT. Avoid the 4WD option, unless needed. It will just run up maintainence costs. the 2WD can tow quite a load on its own merits.

• 

  Fast, fun, and great looking - 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
  By hanky - March 3 - 10:50 pm

  All around this car is absolutely amazing. It is great for hobby drivers that want to cruise on the weekends or a everyday driver. The interior of the car is functional and very convient. The Bose sound system makes you feel like your at a concert. The power seats may be my favorite option in the car, it allows drivers all of sizes to sit comfortably. As you move to the exterior the car sits on beefy 19 inch rims that reflect like mirrors. The sleek angles and designs of the vehicle makes heads turn at every corner. Punching the accelerator leaves everything in the rear view. I recommend this car very highly, its always been my dream car and has lived up to every expectation.

• 

  Best bang for the buck! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jamie V. - March 3 - 8:54 am

  This is my first Corvette. I have had a Viper, NSX, Lotus and many others and this is a first class sports car. With 400 hp and great design this is a winning combanation, and dont leave out quality and the reviews show it is very dependable. My next one with be a Z06! Thanks Chevy for a awesome car!

• 

  Trail Blazin - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Happy Texan - March 2 - 6:40 pm

  Definitely more bang for the buck. Very functional in design and the most comfortable 3rd row seat ever. This SUV will turn on a dime. Any family should feel safe riding in this vehicle.

• 

  The Best Car of My Life - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Lumina Lover - March 2 - 4:24 pm

  The most comfortable, reliable car I have ever had. It was totaled in a car accident when somebody ran a red light and slammed into me. Otherwise I would still have my baby...It was big, smooth, powerful (!!!) AND fuel efficient. All pros and no cons!

• 

  Over the top - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By blemley - March 2 - 10:39 am

  This is my third Z06. I must say that I have been very surprised by the level of quality in the whole car. Every feature has been tweaked, improved or replaced. The interior is top notched. Every surface feels better to the touch. Since this one is based on the coupe it will now will allow me to carry larger items in the back which is amazing for a super car. This car is very efficient, comfortable, fast, affordable and athletic. The list of exotic materials in this car is simply amazing. The powerplant is this car is built with incredible strength and ability. I drove other cars in its performace range but the Z06 out shines them overall.

• 

  Unique Whip the HHR experience - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jeff Lynch - March 2 - 2:30 am

  This car has the look of a modern day hotrod. The chopped roof and the chrome accents inside set it apart from other mundane cars I looked at. The price is excellent for all the features and comfort. The gas mileage is great and the power is fine for a daily commuter. Unlike other reviews, I like where the window switches are, thats just one feature that makes it unique. Turns heads and my wife loves to park her gas hog to drive the HHR. Chevy hit a winner on this one!!