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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  2005 C6 corvette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dan Dlabay - July 17 - 10:32 pm

  So far I have had a very good experience with my Corvette. This is the first Corvette that Ive owned, and I like the style, handling and performance of this car. For me it is a true sportscar that gives more bang for your buck.

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  Best and Most Fun Car Ever! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By smcwilliams - July 17 - 8:07 pm

  This is my second Corvette, and there is no comparison to my 1997. Dont get me wrong, I loved that car and I thought it was the best, but now I have a new love. This 2005 Corvette outperforms the older model and the sound proofing is truly improved. The climate controls have also improved not only for the driver but for the passenger as well. Lastly, the touch button start is unique and very dependable. If you want to have a drive of a lifetime, buy a Covette. No one will ever regret this purchase. What power and fun!

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  Very Impressive - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ladym - July 17 - 2:04 pm

  I recently needed to upgrade vehicles and when test drving decided on the Malibu LT. The exterior design is a great improvment from the previous bodystyle. Having put it on the Saab chasis is the best part. The ride is incredible, very comfortable and it has excellent leg room. The 3.0 Liter V6 has as much if not more pep than my previous Mazda 626 with the 2.5 liter V6. The electronic power steering is great. Also fuel mileage averages 32+ miles per gallon in all types of driving conditions. Interior design is great, including the heated leather seats. It has a powerful stereo and I also like the side airbag safety feature that has been added. Chevrolet has won back a customer.

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  SSR review - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By itsbish - July 17 - 3:58 am

  I have had this truck for 6 months and it has continued to be a blast to drive. The 6 speed is a must for the fun factor. People do want to know what it is, so be ready to answer their questions. I waited until the LS2 came out before buying. Now im looking at adding a supercharger.

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  2005 Equinox LT AWD - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Carl Cleveland - July 16 - 1:26 pm

  I had a 2004 Chevy Impala LS and I loved it. The only thing is I had three back surgeries and am now disabled and needed something easier to get in and out of. The Equinox was the vehicle for me. Excellent ride and comfort. Love the heated seat option, like a heating pad for my back. The Equinox is a excellent SUV.

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  My Avalanche - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By LMWilson - July 16 - 12:49 pm

  It has great comfort for travel, and tows like a dream. For a big vehicle, the fuel economy is bettery than expected. Ive owned several trucks and this is the best ever.

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  Nice car with a few quirks - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Johnny - July 16 - 12:36 pm

  Love remote start. Engine performance fine (acceleration at all speeds). Mileage decent (wish it were a little better). Handles pretty good. Stay away from the cloth interior. Dash makes some kind of noise (rubbing of some sorts). Seems to happen on bumpy roads. Trunk space nice

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  Best family vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Cel - July 16 - 11:04 am

  I had previously owned a Venture which is VERY plain and boring . When Uplander came out I researched a lot about it until I test drive it and fell in love with it! Love the feel and how it drives very smooth. My whole family loves it, especially the comfy captain seats that are HEAVEN SENT! I love the styling of the interior and exterior as well, feels very much SUV style and room size like a van. How perfect! Met our needs. My husband would joke and said it feel like we are driving a Lexus. Uplander is like a Lexus to us!

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  Well Done GM! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kevin Palmer - July 15 - 8:53 pm

  Great handling, quiet interior. Navigation is a plus. The third row seat is pointless since it gives you almost zero storage behind them. Fuel economy is fair at 16mpg avg after 10,000 miles .Drives great on a long trip and feels just as at home on the beach. LTZ pkg is the way to go. Just do some homework before you buy! You can search local GM dealers inventory online and then request a price via internet. Right off the bat youll save 10% off MSRP.This car is not your old Suburban. Its been completely redone!

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  Like it! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Dale - July 15 - 2:58 pm

  Bought the basic vehicle with only the Z66 package. it has all I need. I love the ride and versatility. I use the midgate at least twice a week for something. The look without the body molding but with the wheel flairs is great. I usually get tired of a vehicle within a year, but Ill be keeping this one for a number of years.