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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  2006 Malibu LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ktm0126 - February 14 - 3:00 pm

  Completely surprised and pleased with the performance of the 2006 LTZ. Features for the price is outstanding compared to vehicles in its class. Interior has a well defined classy look with the leather, contrary to other reviews. Handles well, with some power from the V6, and so far the gas mileage has been good.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris - February 14 - 5:53 am

  I was worried that my Chevy Impala would not compare well with Toyotas, Hondas, Dodges, and VWs that I have owned, but I was pleasantly surprised. Quality, economy, ride, reliability are all outstanding. I think American cars, at least for the ease of servicing and the relative price, are commonly underrated. The Impala compares very favorably with the Honda Accord and even with the Dodge 300, both of which I have either owned or driven. Quiet, responsive, respectable (my 19 yr old college student daughter says it is "swank"): it is the perfect car for my 54 yr-old tastes.

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  Not bad - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - February 13 - 6:16 pm

  So far so good. Its my 3rd Vette and by far the best. The interior could use some upgrades in the trim areas , maybe some wood grain around the radio. It does get 28 mpg at 70 mph, city is a little less then expected but the same as my other Vettes mid 14 to 15. not bad for 400 horses.

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  My 06 Malibu SS - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ladydecuir - February 12 - 10:23 pm

  Wonderfully exciting car to drive. Small gas tank, but good mileage. Excellent mileage on the highway. A real fun and sexy car driving experience!

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  Corvette C6- best all around - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By vicred-C6 - February 12 - 4:58 pm

  Im glad I decided to wait for the 2006. A very upgraded (sportier) steering wheel & interior improvements were needed. Other than those minor improvements, this car is in a leauge of its own. Nothing else will give this type of saticfaction on the road. World class performance at such a value when compared to the cars in its class(Porshe, Viper, Lotus, BMW). My victory red with red interior 6 sp., with the 3LT package is a perfect blend of performance, style and comfort. This is an everyday car that looks and performs better than anything else. Trust me-GO DRIVE ONE!!!

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  Chevy Suburban -- Z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Margo - February 12 - 12:56 pm

  This is the most comfortable vehicle weve owned during the past 35 years. I feel safe when traveling the interstates!

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  An Underated monster - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By stephen Passio - February 12 - 10:05 am

  Throughout the time that I drove my Camaro, I have been nothing but impressed. It has been very reliable, I have had to do nothing to it but service it. It is a sharp looker, A head turner, and fairly comfortable. The interior makes you feel like you are in control of something major. As far as porformance goes, its a long way. The only car on the road you are going to meet that can pass you up is a 97 and up Corvette with a gutsy driver. Oh, and by the way, you can play with a Mustang Cobra without a worry in the world, its not even close. The harder you run this car, the better it performes.

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  Fantastic fun - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Doug Constantine - February 12 - 5:02 am

  Just driving to the store is fun. King of the road. Car is bi-polar. Put the pedal to the metal and everybody around ducks. It is so much fun. And... after 15 months it has not been back to the dealer for repairs.

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  Satisfied customer - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Kevin - February 11 - 3:17 am

  This vehicle does it all and looks good doing it. Doesnt beat you up on long drives. Pulls heavy loads with ease 2 horses in a 16 ft. stock trailer no problem. Zero mechanical problems love the engine it even sounds strong. Interior is very comfortable and has toys everywhere. Dual zone temp control works like a champ.

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  Stylish, economical vehicle. - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By annmarie doyka - February 11 - 2:21 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Aveo for the past year. It runs great, saves on gas and also has a very large trunk and interior room. I have seated 5 adults comfortably.