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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  Impossible - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Gene - September 12 - 1:19 am

  It is impossible to update the navigation system on this vehicle. I can buy an update for a 2012 and a 2014, but GM hasnt seen fit to update the 2013. I am old enough to have owned a Chevy Vega and I vowed never to own a GM auto again but my wife wanted an electric car.

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  My Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By chic - September 11 - 11:16 am

  All in all ownership has been all that I expected and more. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Power is good for a 4 cylinder

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  Excellent fuel economy, value - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By newb - September 11 - 10:46 am

  Bought used with 60,000 miles over a month ago. Agree with previous reviewers about head gasket problems. Car has excellent fuel economy for its size - I average 25 mpg in the city, but then I try not to hit the gas too hard. Very spacious but outdated interior design. Good insurance rates compared to similar models. Yet to find out handling in snow with winter tires. Engine noise is pronounced, not as quiet as Taurus but not too bad either. Car feels stable and safe, in fact has very good safity ratings. Steering a bit funny though. Definitely excellent used-car buy even with todays gas prices - highly recommend if OKd by the mechanic you know well.

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  A good car. - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By merquisez - September 11 - 5:43 am

  I dont know why people are having problems with their Impalas. My Impala works well inside and out. I think it comes down to TLC and regular maintenance. Its a great car for the highways, and a great car for economy for its size. I have 85000 kms on it now.

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  Will Love A Vette.. - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill Zee - September 11 - 3:36 am

  You will love it..........I DID............

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  I Love Basic Transportation. - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By hawaiianbuffet - September 11 - 2:03 am

  Just got a night work shift so I can catch the bus now after driving days for three months. Everything I expect from a $10,000 car with a $2,000 rebate, and another $1,000. from charging groceries on my GM mastercard credit card points. This Korean made car has a 1.6 liter engine to handle the load from the A/C. Since the Special Value doesnt have A/C, it has a lot of power. I drive 95% freeway and get 37 MPG. Same as a Cavalier with a larger motor. Seating is OK. Not plush. What else can I say about a basic car? Will buy another one in three years.

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  Pure Adrenaline Rush! - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mark C - September 10 - 10:50 pm

  No doubt this is an awesome car to drive and own. You will get a lot of attention as you drive up and down the roads in this fine tuned machine. I have the crystal red with a 6 speed manual.

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  Neighbors thought I had a BMW - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By gunga2 - September 10 - 3:42 pm

  My husband and I love this car. We just cant quit smiling when we drive it. It is quiet. It also rides extremely smooth. It is perfect. It is an LTZ 6 cylinder. Driving home from the dealership we got 27 on the highway. It is roomy. Love the radio. The neighbors thought I had purchased a BMW. Best of all my sister is jealous.

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  Like it, Love it? - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chevybilt - September 10 - 1:50 pm

  Best truck I have ever owned! Biggest guts for a 6cyl. I have driven! Only flaw is hates snow! This truck would get stuck in flurries. Does great in rain and corners like a bike, almost. But snow is not our friend we are finding out!

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  Dream Car - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sharen - September 10 - 1:36 pm

  I could not be happier with this truck. When first considering a new car I wanted a Trailblazer, but my husband talked me into the Equinox. I am so grateful that he did. It turned out to be my dream car. Unfortunately My 16 year old daughter flipped my Equinox, totaling it this weekend and walked away with sore muscles. The interior of the vehicle stayed completly intact. The only evidence of the accident inside the truck were the deployed air bags. I am currently looking for another one. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone.