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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  Sold My C6 Corvette to buy it and I LOVE IT - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By eric - September 22 - 12:43 am

  I had a manual 2008 C6 and was looking for a more comfortable daily driver. I test drove it and fell in love with the ride (mine has magnetic ride control), interior design and quality and performance. I bought a 2SS with Auto because I drive it in traffic. I recommend it.

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  I expected to hate it! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TEaK - September 21 - 10:08 pm

  Based on other reviews Ive read, it seems to me that the people who are most dissatisfied with this car are those who expect to get a Corvette or a Cadillac for the Aveos price. After my test drive, I was really quite impressed. Its obviously no Corvette, but it accelerates better than I expected. The engine is smooth and the 5 speed transmission is easy to drive. I am 6 tall. I have plenty of head & leg room in both the driver and passenger seats. The seats are firm, but comfortable. Ive driven the Aveo for an hour on the highway several times with no comfort problems. The hatchback holds tons of stuff. Taken it to the hardware store and Costco and were able to haul everything we needed.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tomster - September 21 - 9:04 pm

  Given the extremely low sticker price, I dont see how anyone with reasonable expectations could be disappointed with a Cobalt. I bought my LS 4 Dr Sedan with auto tranny on June 3, 2008. The sticker price was only $15,530, with the auto tranny and the spoiler being the only options. There was also a $2000 rebate at the time. I cannot believe what a sweet little car that Cobalt has turned out to be, especially considering the low sticker price. I bought the car purely for fuel economy, but I ended up with a car that is really fun to drive. It has amazing acceleration for a gas sipper, a quiet ride, a huge trunk, good handling, and great looks. I am totally pleased with this car!

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  GM Believer - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Frugal buyer - September 21 - 8:33 pm

  I had a 2001 Toyota RAV4 and was totally convinced that Japanese cars could not be beat. I decided I was going to replace the RAV4 and began research by attending an auto show and test driving and just looking at some vehicles. The in contention were the RAV4, the CR-V and the Subaru Forrester. Well the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox came out of no where. And was so impressed, I bought the LS on the spot. Rides like a cloud, has every amenity you realistically need and more than you can believe, for a base model. I believe you really get a lot for your money. With the 4 cylinder and a mix of city and hwy driving I got 26 miles to the gallon. I never achieved this rating with my RAV4. GM hit a HR

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  the fox - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By foxy315 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  just a lot fun to drive and for the quietness i recommend the lt over the z71

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  Drive it and youll believe in it - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tahoe believer - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable to drive and handles the road very well.It accelerates very quickly when needed or brakes just as well.It has a great list of options to choose from as well as a great list that is standard equiptment.When i drive the vehicle at reasonable acceleration i cant com- plain about the milage i get after all it is a heavy and very safe vehicle.

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  Great job Chevrolet - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By eddie - September 21 - 8:49 am

  Our first Suburban and my wife and I are impressed. This is a beautiful, sharp looking vehicle, I have 4 kids and they love it. They are happy, wife is happy, we are all comfortable. Have taken on long trips and at one point I had 11 people in the vehicle. My sister that owns a Hummer now wants a Suburban because it is practical, reliable, is gorgeous and comfortable

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  Great car, would like better gas mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Staffer - September 21 - 7:06 am

  Overall, the car is great. I havent been getting great mpg though. Typically, I get 20-21 MPG, which isnt horrible but it isnt great either. The small SUV fits my needs and it is a fun drive.

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  Love of my life - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rowen D. - September 21 - 1:13 am

  Bought with 48000 on it, has been a dream ever since. I was in a serious head on collision, 79.4% damaged. Neither I nor my passengers were injured but my insurance on the other hand was in the ICU. I had the car repaired simply because I love it too much. Couldnt be happier.

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  My First Muscle Car - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jack - September 20 - 9:15 pm

  Ive wanted a sports car ever since I started driving at 16. Now Im 19 and got my wish. The car is amazing! I love to put the top down and go to the beach. However, Im really afraid of it. Everytime it rains I fishtail. I dont even have to go hard on the gas. I hate to drive it in the rain. The top doesnt leak but the seal around the driver window does and when I open the door water spills in from the top. When I bought it the compressor for the a/c actually smoked because it would run hot. My top also squeaks and the passenger window is slower than the driver. I get excited every time I drive it and am so glad I got it, even though it has horrible mpg and rising gas prices.