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:

• 

  Trailblazer LT 4WD EXT 5.3 L V8 - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Charles - November 11 - 4:46 pm

  This vehicle is mainly excellent! Never taken to the dealer for any warranty work...in fact have never taken to the dealer.(all service work done at other shops...all service work done) V8 is the best choice...glad I "forced" the dealer to find me a V8. I drive many highway miles, very comfortable and overall fuel mileage in 20 MPG. Waiting till they come out with a Hybrid!

• 

  Always liked em, now I love em - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By modillard - November 11 - 1:36 am

  Ive always liked this car, when the General first introduced it to media as a car they "might" make, I thought it was hot. Now that I finally own 1, WOW!! I knew it would be fast, but for a car this big to handle so well was a very amazing surprise. I love driving it. Also,driven "sensibly" the gas mileage isnt that bad. I love the body style except for the rounded back end. I think the enterior is cool too I havent had it long enough to see any recurring problem but a Chevy 350 is a easy motor to maintain, even though its difficult to change the plugs and wires on the passanger side. whenever I walk up to this long,low,mean-looking black car, I kick myself for not buying one 10 years ago

• 

  98 Chevy Tracker auto 4x4 - 1998 Chevrolet Tracker
  By GUS ALLEN - November 10 - 9:44 pm

  This is the best little car for running errands , fishing, hunting. All around vehicle for just driving. 33 mpg and 4x4 is almost unheard of. Easy to service and granddaughter loves it.

• 

  What a Joy - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mrgn4shw - November 10 - 3:15 pm

  Traded my old 98 Tahoe for 2005. Even with the price of fuel, still glad I did it. I feel safer and the comfort of the ride is great. Holds dogs, grandkids and pulls a horse or boat trailer. Put the seats down or take them out and have tons of room for luggage and a place for another person to rest while doing cross country trip. I am getting 16 mi per gallon on the highway and 14-15 around town. I love my Tahoe

• 

  "Generally Favorable-But" - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ED Reinhardt - November 10 - 1:52 pm

  Generally favorable, confortable,good mileage,particularly HWY, good electronics, espec.ave/miles/gal.etc. However,several minor recalls, 2 tail- light assemblies, one fan motor, + major expense on a "fuel sender-unit" all at 45m-55m miles, make this a frustrating vehicle compared to my two Four-Runners. Might consider another Trailblazer only because of the phychological counseling provided by my dealer!

• 

  Happy Owner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Happy Owner - November 10 - 12:24 pm

  My Z66 Avalanche is the best truck I have ever owned, and I have had several over the years. I added a Gibson exhaust, K&N air filter and the computer adjustments. The truck runs awesome. The only problem I have had in 28,000 miles is the steering shaft, since it was replaced, nothing, not even brakes. It tows my trailer with two big bikes in it like nothing is even there. I recently added 20" wheels and I get lots of comments on the "green monster." The truck is comfortable for five adults and the ride is more like a car than a truck, very smooth. I use the fold down feature often, mostly leaving the rear window in place and folding the lower section (for ladders etc.). Excellent!!!

• 

  A real Jewel - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Roger - November 10 - 12:18 pm

  After driving a friends Malibu I had to consider it as one of the next cars. I was looking to purchase a Camry or an Accord, because magazines and peoples perceptions were they are the best. After driving the three cars and comparing options, ride, features, quality and saftey, and price. The Malibu was the clear winner. I am averaging 31.5 miles to the gallon. I have remote start, and passive alarm, adjustable pedals, and telescopic steering wheel, Side curtain airbags, and daytime running lights, all speed traction control, anti lock brakes, and programable features. Quailty, and reliabilty it rated over the other two by JD Powers. Saftey it Rated Highest.

• 

  Style and comfort - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Kingpole - November 10 - 2:51 am

  I was more than happy to be able to upgrade my Chevy vehicle from a Tracker (2WD convertible) which was fun to drive-like a golf cart, to the Avalanche. WOW! I have had it for 3 months now and enjoy every second driving it. Power, style, and smooth ride. I should mention that the stock stereo/CD system works just fine. I have Bose in the house and thought Id be spoiled and would need the Bose quality in the truck-NAH. It rocks just fine.

• 

  05 Malibu LS sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tarheelman - November 9 - 9:55 pm

  I considered this car and the 05 Camry LE. GMs employee pricing promotion and the Malibus excellent ride & handling balance ended up being the deciding factors because the two cars were a wash in areas like assembly quality, interior comfort, materials quality, quietness, and styling. The Camry has a slight edge in trunk room and rear seat legroom, but not enough of one to justify the price difference. Overall, the Malibu is a comfortable, fun to drive sedan with materials and assembly quality equal to that of the Camry. Also, so far (with 2600 miles on the odometer), it has been trouble- free. If youre shopping the Camry, shop the Malibu, too. It might surprise you---it did me.

• 

  I love this car! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Chevrolet Aveo - November 9 - 9:16 pm

  This is a perky little car. It handles beautifully, the climate control is great, the CD player and speakers are wonderful. It is very roomy, and everything I need is within reach. There is nothing about it that I dont like.