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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  Love my Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sharon - September 8 - 10:16 pm

  This car is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The mileage I get on gas is great. I take trips to NC every 3 months, and I am always comfortable, and feel very secure that my car is going to get me there safe, without any problems. I am proud to drive this little car, actually it fits me perfectly, since I am only 5 ft tall. And the trunk holds plenty of suitcases! I do not regret purchasing this car, and would recommend it to all!

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  The Whip - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Blue Devil - September 8 - 4:04 pm

  Snap, crackle, pop. Thats how you feel when driving this new vette with awesome power and performance. Better still, its an everyday driver that gets between 17 and 18 MPG. People talk to you every where you go and say how they all wanted a Vette at some time in their life. This is a car that you dont need to drive fast to command respect, just the fact that youre driving it will do that. This car has it all, luxury and performance. Just keep in mind, the lower the price of gas, the faster it goes.

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  Z71 Crew Cab 2 WD - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By drsherw - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for about two months and absolutely love it. Its a car, but its a truck too. I had a Dodge Ram but the gas mileage on this truck is so much better. It is not as big as a Ram, so I can get in and out of places much easier. The center of gravity makes it easy to maneuver. I am anxious to see how it performs in cold weather.

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  KING OF THE ROAD: Best Family Hauler - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Z71 For4 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all the rest; minivans (Sienna, Caravan, Odyssey), crossovers (Pacifica), mid-fullsize suvs (Toureg, XC90, MDX, RX330, Armada). We kept coming back to the Z71. Safety features, cargo space and creature comforts all fit the bill. When you want to travel in style, in any climate, you cant beat the value this mature platform brings to the table. Youll find yourself jumping behind the wheel for no reason at all other than to tour the neighborhood! And...yes...for those who whine and pummel the Tahoe for its fuel efficiency...maybe you should have considered a smaller vehicle or a hybrid..hmm? Until then...leave the BIG DOGS alone!

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  2004 trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By koula - September 8 - 10:00 am

  the trail blazer is one of the best suvs i have ever driven top rate interior for an ls 4x4 its like a truck not a family suv. but still a an ok family suv pesonally i think its tougher than a doge ram 1500 and more reliabale and better looking too great car cheap and usually comes with a 4 inch lift

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  Love out AVEO - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jane & Jerry - September 7 - 8:53 pm

  We got an AVEO LT loaded with all the options including the sun roof. It is fun to drive, seems incredibly roomy inside, even the back seat. There is plenty of trunk room even with the back seat not folded. Never though we could get so much for the money!

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  Bargain American Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Vernon - September 7 - 1:06 am

  If youre under six foot tall, this is a great USA little car. It has excellent acceleration, very good fuel mileage easy cruising 70 to 90 mph with great handling. This car continues having no troubles what so ever. Furthermore, GM is using good quailty paint which was not the case for my old 87 S-10.

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  New car - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pacecar590 - September 7 - 12:41 am

  I traded a 1999 Corvette coupe for the 2005. I loved the 99, but the 05 is a giant leap forward. Great build quality, easier drivability. A well done upgrade to a beautiful car.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Z71 - September 6 - 12:53 pm

  A great truck and great handling vehicle. Built well and strong.

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  My Neat Baby - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mo Laffin - September 6 - 4:38 am

  This car is the most efficient Ive had in the last 10 years..(and Ive had 4!) Its very reliable, and very low maintenance...something to be really happy about. Getting in is very comfortable, like a little jeep--easy because higher up--just sliding in, and actually is higher up, a great feature when riding through a partially flooded street! My baby Aveo is my buddy !