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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  A lot of car, not a lot of money - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By dogd923 - August 9 - 3:40 am

  My Daytona blue HHR turns heads and gets a lot of attention. People love the looks, even though most people mistake it for a PT Cruiser. Interior is roomy and comfortable, even for a 300lb guy like me. The 4 cylinder still has plenty of zip, and the gas mileage is great. I love the car, but my only complaint is- everyone asks-"what does HHR stand for?" Most cars that use initials for a model name,the actual spelled out name is either on the car,or brochure,or,owners manual. Nowhere on my paperwork, owners manual,or anywhere, says what "HHR" means. But,I really love this car, with its retro looks, and modern technology.

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  C - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By c - August 9 - 12:43 am

  I also love this vehicle! It came loaded with useful features, and is very solid, GM have come a long way. Interior and exterior are clean and blend very well. The adjustable foot pedals, drivers steering wheel controls, DVD, 3rd row folding seats are great. There is excellent power, towing and off road capability. My wife, who is the biggest vehicle critic I know, loves this new vehicle.

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  Fun New Car! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By eman116 - August 8 - 6:01 pm

  Nice smooth lines on the body. Rear kicked up to 3.73 ratio really kicks in at 2800-300 RPM. Feels like an extra gear. The ride is so smooth. Mileage is very reasonable. Locations of gauges and gadgets is nice. Instrument cluster is very nice. Full gauges-Gas, Oil, RPM, Tach, Temp, Battery. Engine feels like it always wants to go. Good feeling and response from the engine. Smooth acceleration. Rear cargo hold is easily accessible. Braking has improved too. Stopping my 1995 Blazer was like stopping a bus! I really enjoy driving this car!

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  Best Corvette Ever - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jeff Adams - August 8 - 2:25 pm

  I was trying to choose between the Porsche 911, the Boxster S or the C6 Corvette. They are all great cars, but I just fell in love with that from dead stop to fast performance. The car handles great with the Z51 option.

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  Comfortable and Safe - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DrivingMsB - August 8 - 11:04 am

  Great truck....glad I bought it! Had an accident 3 weeks after purchase. I was rearended by a car going 30+ mph. You can barely tell I was in an accident. The trailer hitch took 99% of impact. I am very satisfied with this vehicle and would highly recommend it to everyone interested in a resonably priced SUV.

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  I love my Monte - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Joe Owens - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It was my first new car and I could not ask for anything better. It handles like a dream.

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  Great Buy! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Melissa_97 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with the rear tail light sockets being defective (3 times). The ride is pretty smooth and the gas mileage is great! The 140 hp is a lot better than my old car and is really appreciated. I love my car and am very glad I purchased it!

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  Only 500 miles, but WOW - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By itisgreat - August 8 - 2:00 am

  So far I dont know what they could have done to improve on it. Move over Honda & Toyota...here comes Malibu

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  No complaints - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Not4U - August 8 - 2:00 am

  =)

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  Top Notch Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By GDT - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles great, and is very comfortable to drive. It has every feature needed to make this a top class pick up, with a taste of luxury. With its V8 and 535 HP, this truck has the power to PULL. The Avalanche has the best of both worlds all wrapped up in one vehicle...SUV/PICKUP. I give it a well deserved 10.