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:

• 

  Best vehicle in 40 years of driving! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Marcel Hill - October 11 - 2:46 am

  I own a rare 2007 Silverado 2500 HD model, of which only 166 were made (and only 10 in my color red). Its registered with GM Vintage Vehicle Services, and I have the appropriate documentation. Its a 9200 lb gvw tank that can pull 12,900 lbs. Its a dream to drive and gets up to 32 mpg highway, although rated at 25 mpg. Its a dream to drive and I can go from Vancouver across B.C. through the mountains with only tapping the brakes 3 times due to automatic grade braking and auto-manual push button shifting. I have it in car shows all the time, yet its still a working truck used for trailering. Im extremely happy with this awesome vehicle, which gets same fuel economy as my first new Toyota.

• 

  1999 Chevy Tracker - 1999 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Jack - October 11 - 2:34 am

  During the first 5 months of ownership, the dealer had the transmission out 5 times due to broken synchronizers. The last time, they checked, and found a service bulletin from the factory that a few transmissions were built without a certain synco kit. When they replaced it in my tranny, that was the last of my problems. Other than that, this is as close to the perfect car that I have ever found. Fun to drive, (5-speed), quick acceleration, I can carry two adults comfortably in the back seat. Best of all is the gas milage. I have the 2.0L engine, 5-speed, two wheel drive. No matter how I drive the Tracker, I get 30 mpg. I took the car on a 2K mile trip and never got tired of sitting in it.

• 

  This car will suprise you! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By plattsfire1 - October 9 - 2:58 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that got better gas mileage than my old Ranger, and ended up with so much more. This car has a great interior with very comfortable seats. It handles great on the road, but the electronic power steering is almost too good. You have to pay extra attention to avoid accidental drift. The extra amenities that come standard are incredible. Im 64", so the power adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel are GREAT. And I was absolutely shocked at the acceleration. When you put your foot down, this car goes. And when other cars tend to whine out, this car just keeps going. So fast in fact, that when accelerating out of turns you must really be on your toes.

• 

  Good to be back in a small car. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff - October 9 - 11:46 am

  My last small car was a Toyota Tercel, after which I drove trucks for 14 years. I test-drove and looked at every other small car I could find before buying this. I am currently driving it locally around town (computer says average speed 21 mph), and like the 29 MPG Im getting after putting a whole paycheck into my truck every month. Its nimble, turns very tight, and has decent acceleration. Since I dont drive very fast at all, I love it. The drivers seat took some fooling around to get comfortable, but my long legs are happy. This has the same engine as our 05 Malibu, which has run perfect for 2 1/2 years now. We did buy the center armrest for our LS, I recommend it.

• 

  Great sports car - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob - October 9 - 10:31 am

  This sports car is quite a lot fun. Great for almost all occasions. Recommend the convertible! Nothing like a top down cruise on a nice summer night. Loaded with features. Instrumentation has everything.

• 

  My New Malibu - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By shebraatz - October 9 - 1:29 am

  I went from an SUV to a sedan primarily for mpg increase. I hadnt owned a "car" for 10 years. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive and only going to the gas station half as often is a nice break. Itll be interesting to see how much I like it once the winter roads start appearing and I have Front Wheel drive instead of 4 Wheel drive.

• 

  Colorado is Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By B Trombey - October 8 - 10:23 pm

  I enjoy driving this vehicle. It has a nice smooth ride that is greatly improved over the S10. It handles very well, the gas mileage needs to be improved a little bit, but its not terrible. It is consistent. Drove it from Michigan to California with no problems whatsoever, has more than enough power for going up hills. The suspension is much better on the Colorado than on the S10, the biggest improvement, I think.

• 

  Home Run for GM w/ new redesigned Silver - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Louies Truck - October 8 - 9:40 pm

  This is my 5th Silverado since 1991 and it is just a superb looking and operating vehicle, simply the best. No wonder is was selected as truck of the year by Motor Trend Magazine. It is so much fun to drive and the music system is awesome! The looks of this truck are dynamic!! Just a beautiful piece of machinery. GM offered most attractive rebates and owner loyalty discount which gave great value to the truck.

• 

  Perfect practical American car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By renbutler - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for those interested in something practical, economical, and safe. Ive had one small problem--the center console lids hinge snapped--in the nearly four years Ive owned it (knock on wood!). Sure, its not the most stylish car on the road, but theres something attractive about how everything is rounded; its not boxy like a lot of other similar cars. Its sturdy, comfortable, and ergonomic.

• 

  Road Noise - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By xavier - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Lot of road noise and tire noise.Handles nice