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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By L.A. - June 15 - 11:02 am

  I have always enjoyed convertibles, however, this one tops all of them. It is exciting to drive, draws attention, and performs like a dream. The design is especially one of my favorites things about the SSR, not to mention the engine. And, you have the entire trunk to haul items around in. This one I will keep for more than three years.

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  Best all around car Ive owned!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Happi Car Owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I think the dealer trapped me :) My van needed to go in for service, and they gave me a 03 Monte for my rental! Thats all she wrote! I had to own one, so I made the purchace. Its handling for a car its size is incredible! Its performance is outstanding! The style is head turning! Its just an overall great car!

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By rls2882 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Imala Ive owned. This ones black with grey leather interior. Has all the toys which is nice. Good results thus far but a nagging problem are the ac ducts on drivers sided. One either freezes one hand or face. There is no other alternitive except turning off the ducts. Very poor design from the get go. Getting acceptable milage and am happy with the car.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DollBaby - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I drove a 2002 Blazer for about 2 years and was pleased with the performance of that vehicle. When the need arose for a 4-door vehicle in our family we chose the Trailblazer based on the performance of the 2002 Blazer that never gave us one ounce of problems the entire time we owned the vehicle. The Trailblazer screams comfort. I would even say it is comparable to a Cadillac that I once owned. THIS IS A NICE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Philly Joe - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am 100% satisfied with my Equinox and then some. GM has finally produced a solid SUV, and after test driving a Ford Escape and Saturn VUE , the Equinox was clearly the better truck.

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  Best I have ever seen - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jrrsr - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is such a comfortable vehicle. It handles so very easily. All radio, heater, a.c. controls are accessable with get ease and comfort.The controls are close to the driver which makes it safer to reach for it without losing control or swaying on the road. The accessory plugs are great and the adjustable "trunk" cover is such a great idea. We love it!!!

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  buy one - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By moose04 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I like when people stop me and ask "what ist that" or "thats sharp". Plus the gas mileage is comparable to my old grand am gt.

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  3500 Duramax CrewCab 4WD - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By T.D. Ball - June 15 - 9:16 am

  Without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. The more I drive it, the better I like it. Fuel ecomony is 18-24 highway . In town is 16-18. High headwind, tall hills and foot to the floor bring mileage way down. Not lacking power for anything I do. Quiet, smooth and comfortable. Normal conversation at any highway speed is not a problem.

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  Z71 is top notch! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By KAGs Z71 - June 14 - 8:38 pm

  I have always owned GM vehicles, but never a full-size SUV. GM and Chevy do not get the recognition that they deserve! This Tahoe is great in the snow and surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces. 16,000 miles and not a single complaint, and great service from the Chevy dealer. Sport Red with the factory brush guard gets the looks and comments from many. I just smile and say, "Yeah, it’s mine.”

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  The bomb - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Greg - June 14 - 7:11 am

  Since purchasing this vehicle a month ago and putting 2000 miles on it I can say that my wife and I both enjoy driving it. I would recomend anyone that is in the SUV market to consider the Tahoe.