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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  Tracking the fun - 1999 Chevrolet Tracker
  By nospam - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This tracker has been a great car! Its the 4wheel drive, 4 door and we generally drive it over our Mercedes E class. Mileage is around 25mpg on the road, very responsive handling, reliable car. We love it!

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  Pretty OK - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mr. X - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I think its pretty ok. It has never given me any problems.

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  Frayed Wires - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By graciebh - September 7 - 6:52 am

  With the exception of this, I did love my Monte Carlo. Wires frayed and broke at 32,000 miles on the shifter causing the shifter to stick in park. Also caused my battery to die. Dealer and complaint to Chevy was answered with average wear and tear, out of warranty. Sorry 32,000 miles going from park, drive and reverse caused wear and tear on wires that are hidden under the console?

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  2000 LS - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By PMcG - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall very good. Upgraded tires (Continental CH-95s) made a significant difference. Have had occasional problems with hesitation while accelerating (improved some after servicing), the radio has become tempermental (reception), and had to have a cracked subframe replaced. A perfectly adequate performer for my needs.

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  Good Quality car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By -dood- - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is a good quality car to drive. It has a sporty exterior that turns eyes and a good midsized engine that performs very well. I have had little trouble with the car and it doesnt look like i will have much later either.

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  Low Price for Excellent Quality - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By squire46 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Chevrolet made an excellent small truck in 1997. The mechanical and structural aspects have stood the test of time. The engine and drive train have aged nicely without any major repairs. The engines hummes the same way as when I first bought it. It is an excellent vehicle for someone with light duty chores, but at the same time offers a smoother ride than more sedans.

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  Road Warrior - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sales Guy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I drive for a living to call on many accounts throughout Michigan. I drive in all weather conditions. I have been delighted with the IMPALA. I wanted a car with a comfortable ride, lots of trunk space, engine power and relability. I have only one problem and that is the steering was making a crunching sound. I have had that repaired. All is well. Sometimes the breaks "grab" and make a "jerking" motion. But most of the time there is no problem. I have ordered another one.

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  I have enjoyed the car very much... - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chevy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great car! I put over 20K miles in the first year of owning it. Had a few problems, but you expect that from any car. No major problems! My car has over 80K now and we still love it.

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  My van - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By jsray - September 5 - 2:00 am

  It has been a very good car, up until this past year minor things are starting to go wrong with it.

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  Family Van - 2000 Chevrolet Astro
  By Papabear - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Great family vehicle. Lots of cargo space for kids, dog, and camping gear.