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:

• 

  good family suv - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By capt.M - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck since February 03 and am very pleased. Took it on a long trip and after 13 hours the old back still felt well. I do have several complaints. first I had a problem with the 4 x 4 service light coming on. The dealer convinced my wife it was a fuse. NOT!!! Turned out to be a computer problem. The day before we left for vacation the trucks computer module had to be replaced. Dealer service manager stated the computer are a sub-contract to gm and use "B S" parts. After they changed the module no more problems. Overall Im quite happy, the off road capabilities are admirable.

• 

  LTZ Review - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By cannon - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Trailblazer is one of the top Mid- size SUVs around. It handles like a dream, great acceleration, and you can even make a really tight u-turn. The interior of the LTZ is nothing less than plush, with two-tone leather seats and the dvd player.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Grayowl - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful automobile that more than meets our expectations. We prefer it to our previous cars.

• 

  Malibu LS Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By GUS - January 31 - 6:16 pm

  Interstate speed is excellent, well over 30 mpg. Very maneuverable and easy to drive as an around town car. Also, comfortable to drive at highway speed. Surprised to find that mileage at 75 mph very little less than at 55 mph. Comfortable leather upholstery and heated seats are appreciated.

• 

  Hooked on Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dorothy - January 31 - 4:37 pm

  First drove this car on a rental as well as various other vehicles, but when it came to actually putting my money where my mouth was, I chose to buy the Impala. This is my second Chev, I replaced my 13 year old Cavalier with this Impala. Solid drive, power when needed. Handles well on windy wintery highways so one feels secure. Size, styling and ride comfort has impressed both friends and family. Fuel economy for this size vehicle a big plus. My Dad drives an Impala and my sister drives the Malibu. Some engine noise on acceleration, but quietens downs upon reaching desired speed, very quiet on ignition,you wonder if the car is even running. Worth your investment

• 

  Best drive of the SUVs - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Debbie - January 31 - 4:02 pm

  After test driving four other vehicles, the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT was the best drive. We test drove the following 2005 SUVs: The Montero sport - very top heavy and felt like it would tip over if turned too fast, Ford Explorer - very cheap looking in the interior and not a smooth ride, heard some rattling in the front end, Nissan Pathfinder - drove like a truck, interior seats were very cheap looking and also the access to the third row was not easy, Mercury Mountaineer - pretty nice except for the roominess inside felt very tight. The minute we drove the Trailblazer, we knew it was the one. It drives beautifully and is such a pleasure to drive!

• 

  My first new car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jamie - January 31 - 2:57 pm

  This is the smoothest and most quiet car I have ever driven. It is not the most fuel efficient vehicle, and overly-concious driving will still only earn you around 20 mpg... highway driving at 60 mph (on cruise control) will get you 23 or 24 mpg. The rear seats fold down to give a ton of storage space. I didnt notice any wind noise, but I have driven mostly older cars with lots of squealing and roaring. Im an aggressive driver and it handles well... though it takes a while to stop because of the vehicles weight.

• 

  Woodside - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Woodside - January 31 - 2:05 pm

  We enjoy our Tahoe very much, just wish we could afford a new one. We travel with friends and they too like this vehicle because of the comfort and the ability to see better from it.

• 

  I love my TB - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sherribaby407 - January 31 - 10:33 am

  My husband bought me this SUV after I sent him with a list and color I wanted. I absolutely love this car, it fits me perfectly, it has power, it is SMOOTH riding, the color (blue metallic) is just like my old 76 Camaro which I loved. He got it loaded, raised lettered tires, flashy rims. It has 18000 miles now and NO problems at all. I drove it on a 7 hour road trip, highway, and I used one tank of gas on the open road, which is amazing. Doesnt get that in city, tho. The truck is still in perfect condition, I keep in a garage, its beautiful. Im a lucky girl.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lew - January 31 - 5:53 am

  When my lease was up on a 1999 Lincoln Continental, I decided to try the new Impala LS. I liked the luxury appointments such as sunroof, leather/heated seats, digital information center as well as the roominess. The 3.8L V6 has ample power and excellent fuel economy. The Impala is as roomy as my Continental and every bit as comfortable; at about half the price and cost of ownership. Outside of Corvette, this is probably the best overall value from GM. Great job, Chevrolet!!!