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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  very good - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry west - January 26 - 2:00 am

  my experience with corvettes has been an awsome ride up and along the roads and I would recommend any corvette to anyone, anytime!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Old Faithful - 2003 Chevrolet Astro
  By FenderBender421 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Astro van, having driven my previous vans 160,000 and 99,500 miles, I am obviously very impressed with the reliablility and quality of these cars. Interior design is very utilitarian and practical. 170 cubic feet of cargo space! Cant beat that with a Chrysler minivan. All- wheel drive is very good in the snow. Engine has torque galore...very fast off the line and when towing a trailer.

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By csforster - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchsed the 02 LS Sport in May 02 as my daily driver. My previous cars have always been Hondas or Toyotas. The Cav is by far the best value for the price. So far the cars had zero defect/problems. I am very impressed with handling and perfromance the 2.2 ECOTECH Engine is quick and the 5spd transmission shifts flawlessly.

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  Good overall car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dsuave - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the cavalier with a little under 60,000 miles from the dealer. I didnt have any major problems aside from the normal wear and tear of any car. I replaced the alternator once, which required a lot of force to re- attached the fan belt. The notoriously ineffective coolant system gave way about 85,000 miles and I had to spend over $1,000 to replace the head gasket due to a warped piston head from all the times the car overheated. It is very noisy at high speeds. Overall, it is a reliable car that you can depend on for everyday driving. It handles great and has sufficient leg room. This is a great first car for anyone who is young and learning

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  2 1/2 Years and Still Pleased - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JnGalt52 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We waited for the 2000 model change and the "changes" were as promised. Jus had the brakes checked at 24,000 miles and they are still good to go! The only problems we had were with the back door electric window motors. Told the problem was a design flaw and the replacement motors have worked perfectly. I have driven off road, in heavy rain and snow and in heavy downtown traffic. I have towed several times as well. The Tahoe handled all tasks like a champ. I highly recommend the 2000 model and above.

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  CORVETTE FUN - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By HARVEY - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I OWNED A C4 1984 FOR 8 YEARS. A FUN SPORTS CAR, BUT NO COMPARISON TO THE C5. TOP QUALITY AND GREATLY IMPROVED.CAN RUN WITH THE BEST.CAINT WAIT UNTIL THE C6S COME OUT IN 2005.

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  2002 Z24 - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By air750 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle for the price. Good motor with decent power and good fuel milage with the 5-speed. Bad brakes! Rotors cut once and replaced once already. Old style but still looks good.

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  Smooth and Powerfull...but the inside - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By VaGuy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We have over 35,0000 miles on the truck. Fine power and ride with good fuel economy for its size and the big V8. Interior design needs an update, too much plastic!

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  More than a chic magnet - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rocksolid - January 22 - 2:00 am

  A real head turner --- a awesome car for the price

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  07Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jjdoodah - January 22 - 1:23 am

  Pros: acceleration, brakes, heat/air;radio, seats, turn circle,fun to drive. Cons: ride; very poor seal around doors..way too much noise, mileage (15- 16), too light on rear..spins wheels & looses traction too easy, no trip odometer, a/c switches; overall poor fit in areas of body & interior.