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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  The Rock! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jsp_parrish - December 27 - 9:56 am

  I love this truck. I have a 10 year plan for it. I push snow with it, pull a heavy trailer, and carry the family around. Cant get any better than this.

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  Not too Happy - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CavalierCutie0001 - December 27 - 6:03 am

  I was really excited to get my Cavalier, i thought it was really small and cute. When I test drove it I loved how smooth it drove and my Cavalier was very comfortable! But after only having it for about 8 months, Ive spent a lot of money fixing it! The check engine light has come on several times in the past month! My car has been in the shop already twice this month. And I have been maintaining it very well. Hmm. Despite its problems, the Cavalier drives nicely and actually accelerates pretty fast!

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  Lousy - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Skags - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a lousy vehicle. Should have bought a Ford. From being four inches higher to a six speed manual transmission that is virtually impossible to use to a crack under the center seat which lets things fall onto the floor to annoying reflection from the radio lights on the rear window, this truck is totally unworthy of the name Chevrolet. Its no wonder sales are down 27%.

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  TrailBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By friedmac - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice features... leather, stereo, 8 way seats, etc. Handles well, drives quietly, we are very happy.

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  SUV of the year?? - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MissouraTucky - December 27 - 2:00 am

  After months of research between the exploder and the new trailblazer ext we purchased the trailblazer in early Feb, and WOW!!! Chevy has out done themselves with this new rig. The trailblazer with the I-6 has plenty of power where it counts and rides like a dream with great handling ,and a style all of its own. I have 2 kids and a large dog and there are no problems where space is a concern. The trailblazer also preforms well off road as I still have the mud to show for last weekend!! Great job Chevy!!!

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  Great and Reliable Car - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By von - December 26 - 9:21 pm

  I got this car used in the summer of 2007. I never had any problems with it. This is my first car and only car. I was surprised to find out they dont make this car anymore. It is good on gas and reliable. It is also good for a small family.

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  forget what you thought about pony-cars - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By tiger - December 26 - 3:43 pm

  Very good vehicle, ride is as good as my 2006 Acura RL, independent rear suspension works for smooth ride and handling. Upright seating, no longer do you recline as earlier Camaros. Very low roofline, side glass less than 12 inches high, but inside view is fine. Almost dont need all the power of V-8, V-6 drives almost as well.

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  Love My SS - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Armando Pagan - December 26 - 3:30 pm

  I am on the road in my truck an average of 4 hours a day. I am a very hard driver and the truck has been at wide open throttle since the day it left the dealership. There is now 53000 miles on my truck and I am extremely impressed by the way the truck is holding up. I have had many vehicles that had to be discarded becuase of my driving habits. This one is a keeper!

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  2008 3.7 liter, 2WD regular cab - 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
  By mike morgan - December 26 - 12:33 pm

  I sold my 2007 Silverado to get into a truck that was more responsive and I found it in my Colorado. The 5 cylinder offers plenty of power and in line motors are known for torque, this one does not disappoint. The interior is basic low end truck but you get what you pay for. I have no problems with the performance, ride or handling.

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  SS Impala 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ss impala - December 26 - 8:33 am

  Fun car to drive. Excellent power. Fuel mileage 26 not 28 as window sticker said. Great value car. V8 is the engine to purchase. Only 2 miles per gallon less than large v6.