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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  only time will tell - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By ta4sman - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven about 2000 miles since my purchase. Great looks, handles well. Mileage is about 20 MPG, 80%hwy/20%city combined. Added the GM foldable tonneau cover, along w/ the chrome tubes, bug deflector. Front seats could be more comfortable and plush for 28k price tag, use the Silverado Z71 seats. Cup holder should be moved forward, with the console it is not easy to access. Rear visibily is limited due to the high back rear seats. The bed is adequate despite being about 6 inches short.

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  Great design - decent performance - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By itzed - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Only three weeks so far, but mostly loving it. Outstanding exterior styling (looks great in Salsa!), smart interior styling which is mostly functional, and adequate performance. Accelleration is decent and the very smooth 5-speed tranny makes good use of the torque. I traded in my BMW 325i for this vehicle because I needed 4WD, and storage space and I wanted a reliable vehicle that was inexpensive to own. This SUV looks smart and expensive on the outside and its highly maneuverable exterior size belies its spacious interior. If it remains as trouble free as my other two Chevrolets have been Ill be more than satisfied for many years to come.

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  2003 V.H.O. SS Silerado - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ajack1 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the SS for about 9 months and I love the styling and perfomance. Although I wish it came stock with about 50 more horses and torque.

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  Decent vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steve - May 21 - 3:06 am

  Bought this vehicle used. Have had not issues with it. Rides good, gas mileage not the best. Engine has good pick up.

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  Love this truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mrjaod - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I boutght this used in July 04. I was amazed at the amount of space in the back when compared to the Ford F150 Ext. cab. I have the 4.8l V8 and I think it has plenty of power and about the same mileage as the V-6. I love the standard items that come with this truck (dual zone A/C, CD player, Keyless entry, etc.). It is a sharp looking truck and I plan on owning it for a long time to come. Good Job, Chevy!

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  One nice car. - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Gary Mills - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the first brand new car I have ever owned and so far I am completly satisfied with the car. My only complaint is when the air conditioner/defroster is running the gas milage on this car goes down the crapper. I have taken it back to the dealer but they have not be able to find anything wrong. Except for that, the gas mileage is good for a car running with a six cyl. Handles very well and has a smooth and quiet ride.

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  2002 LS Black with Sport App. Pack. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heavy D - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Had 2 Honda Accords since 92. One was V6. Wanted to use GM Supplier program. I did extensive research on the GM cars. Compared Regal LS/GS, Grand Prix GT, Intrigue and Impala base/LS. I am pretty happy with my choice after 10k miles. The stereo/sound system is the best Ive ever had. The homelink was a must. This cars ride/handling/suspension is very sporty for its size, A+. Safety ratings are a key selling point for this family man. We fit the two car seats in the back with room to spare. Dual climate control is nice, and the trunk is roomy. I also like the taillight covers. The rear spoiler with the raised butt takes a little getting used to.

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  2003 Suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Joebas - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this suv for one whole week, and I like it very much at this point. The most amazing thing to me is how smooth the ride is for such a lare truck. I also like the sharp, and sweet look of this truck.

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  Cloth Seats Stink but Great Truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By DWW - May 12 - 12:56 am

  Have had this pickup over a year now and has been flawless! The fuel mileage is great with the 5.3 and the engine goes like scat. Have gotten over 20mpg several times on trips. Do wish the AFM would stay in the V-4 mode longer,it kicks out way too easy.The cloth seats are another matter. Everything sticks to them like flypaper. If I had known this I would have gotten leather.

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  Unsatisified - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By heavy - May 11 - 7:33 am

  My 2007 Silverado Z71 4x4 has a good ride. it pulls a little to left, has wind noise in upper drivers side door seal, and is getting 14.7 mpg on the highway. I have the 5.3 iron block with the fuel saving 4/8 cyl 8 cyl. on demand. Was told if any aftermarket parts were installed to help mpg it would void the powertrain warranty. Break in point was between 3-5000 miles. Also when braking hard you have to use force to manuver around an object to overcome computer.