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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  Colorado - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Mike - February 20 - 6:40 pm

  Truck is a great size for someone who doesnt want a full size. Rides great, gets excellent highway mileage (23- 25mpg), good city (16-18mpg), however when it is cold out and you have the heat on or the 4x4 expect (13-14mpg).

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  MyBrid! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By CJ - February 20 - 6:33 am

  Ive had 2 other gas Tahoes since 2004 and the #1 question I get when someone notices I have a Hybrid is "does it have any power?", and the second of course is "what kind of gas mileage do you really get". Im always very proud to say its more powerful than either of my 2 previous gas Tahoes and I get 19-21 in town, and about the same on longer trips. I had the dealership remove all the decals on body, and removed the windshield decals myself with a hair dryer & WD40 (it really works!). The only thing I miss is my power tailgate. This Hybrid is Mybrid and if you want one, get your own!

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  Perfect SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By billylawdawg - February 20 - 4:46 am

  First off, I must say that I would never buy anything that isnt a Chevy, so Im a little biased. This truck is a perfect compromise - Tahoes too big; Blazers too small. In any event, Id definitely recommend this vehicle, but heres some things that can be improved upon. Im so stupid, though: I had to jump a buddys car, and I removed the fuse relay center cover before realizing that the battery was all the way up front....it was after a few pops, though.....

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  Chevrolet Makes Driving Fun Again - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ray Knapp - February 19 - 11:20 am

  I have owned many sports cars in my life and recently A Landcruiser. This car is fun to drive, looks great, excellent gas mileage and far a away the best dollar value in the market today. Mine has all the bells and whistles which add to its overall appeal. In looking for an economical vehicle that would satisfy my sports car blood and be reasonably priced, the Cobalt is a 10.

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  No problems - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By nceguy - February 18 - 11:19 pm

  In 70k miles Ive made one $120 repair. And Ive driven repeatedly over several mountains over 11,000 feet elevation in New Mexico where the terrain is anything but friendly. What more could I ask for a vehicle that is as affordable as this one. Especially for someone who actually uses an SUV as an SUV and not just a gas hog.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ralph - February 18 - 12:42 pm

  Went from a 2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD to the 2006 Trailblazer. Very pleaseantly surprised. First American made vehicle in years. Nice features and ride. No problems. Very nice 6 cylinder engine. No regrets so far. The dealership was great with a no nonsense deal that no one else could match. Even my wife likes it.

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  My Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By FSM104 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I find the fact the put the poor quality Firestone tires on this SUV, a very poor choice. They are terrible in rain and snow. The seats are very poorly constructed compared the 2002 I owned. The mirrors on both sides are loose. Dont like the changes between 2002 and 2003 in the instruments, onboard computer checks. The 1800 price increase between 2002 and 2003 was a reduction in quality and items for this SUV. They took the Onstar and HomeLink out and raised the price. With the changes they made, the price increase was not worth it. I will be looking at other brands next year, after 18 years of driving full size Chevrolet SUVs.

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  Whats it worth? - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By sherian carter - February 17 - 2:35 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. I purchased it after totaling a Buick LeSabre because of the sturdy structure of the car. Gas mileage has been excellent. The only problem Ive had was a transmission that was covered by the warranty. Ive received compliments on the car over and over again even being 5 years old. If I could replace it I would like to have the same car again.

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  Love the Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Colin - February 17 - 12:43 pm

  Buying the Trailblazer (or any SUV) was a very different type of vehicle for us. Being 66" I needed the headroom and legroom, which I found in both the driver and passenger side. We are extremely pleased with the ride, comfort and the pleasure in driving it.

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  So far so good - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Valerie - February 17 - 5:06 am

  I just picked up my new 2010 Equinox from a local dealer who made this purchase a pleasant experience. I just traded in my YUKON XL so this is quite a change! So far I really enjoy it, it has great pick up, fun to drive and has plenty of interior room. Will have to write another review after I pass 3,000 miles.