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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  HHR-SS - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ed - March 22 - 10:16 pm

  Its an awesome little car. Very fast, great handling, steering very quick and predictable. Tires are good in all weather. I drive it hard and am getting 23.5mpg. But I think 1st gear is a bit low, lots of torque steer at full throttle. It is a handfull if driven very hard. Using the launch control and all I get is wheel spin.

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  I loved my friends Tahoe...I bought one - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Michelle - March 22 - 8:13 pm

  I cant say enough good things about our Tahoe. It is sturdy, safe, reliable, beautiful, roomy, handsome (male drivers or female), great in Ohio snowy weather, easy to drive (& I am a petite woman), classy and sporty all in one. My husband and I enjoyed our friends Tahoe so much, we vowed that we would also get one for our family. We are a family of 7...tired of driving the "mom mobile van" for many years, I now feel young and sporty in this SUV. It seats 8 people comfortably. A good buy if you are looking for an SUV.

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  Its a good buy - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Nick Atyia - March 22 - 5:13 pm

  I feel like it meets all my needs. I dont drive to far places and I dont take lots of people around town with me. It runs good, not fast, but good. it is comfortable and sporty. I like it.

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  Why I Bought an Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jackie Annis - March 22 - 3:50 pm

  The Uplander was my first minivan. I was not sure I was going to like it. But less than a year later I am telling everyone to go and buy one. I have four kids and was thinking about buying an SUV. Now with gas prices where they are, I am soo happy I didnt. My Uplander is fun to drive, the kids love having their own space with plenty of arm room, and I love the design on the outside and inside. I would definately buy another one. It is the best car buying decision that I have made. Thanks to GM for building such an awesome vehicle and such a reasonable price!

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  Incredible! Is it really a Chevy? - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By adhurdler - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I went and test drove a FWD LT on Saturday and took it home that evening in Salsa Red(second choice; glad I purchased over Silver; traded in Pontiac Vibe). Wasnt going to buy a new car that day, but couldnt leave without one. Dealer made an offer I couldnt refuse. Let a relative drive and they want one as well(trade in PT Cruiser). Incredible ride quality and handling for a Chevy Truck. Purchase due to need for extra space in back seat and it has plenty of room and then some. It is very quiet, has plenty of power, and it nicely equipped. Take one for a drive and you will take it home!

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  2004 Silverado - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David Hernandez - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Unlike any other truck on the market, I find that the Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab combines the interior space and comfort of a full size, 4- door SUV with a full-length extremely practical pickup bed. Big, roomy fun to drive, good sounds (music)....very comfortable and a go getter on the highway. I find that it gives me a very good response with a minimal amount of effort. It just goes. Great Truck.

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  Astro Van - 2005 Chevrolet Astro
  By b veitch - March 21 - 10:22 pm

  I own and show dogs. The Astro van is perfect size for transporting dogs and crates. Crates are easily stacked for the smaller breeds. I have had no problems with this van.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By deminin - March 21 - 5:36 am

  We have had our 06 LTZ for about 3 months now, and it has been flawless. The more we drive this car, the better we like it. The build quality is excellent, the ride is firm, but not harsh, gas mileage is acceptable, and improving. The Bose radio is outstanding, and the car is very quiet, even at highway speeds. I would have to call this car an outstanding value for the money in todays car market.

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  A Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Marvin Thompson - March 20 - 10:00 am

  First this truck has a great ride for a 3/4 ton vehicle,along with a very strong 350 horse engine. This is the best vehicle i have had opportunity to own.

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  What a cool roadster - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Rusty Fishel - March 20 - 9:33 am

  Truly a unique vehicle. It will truly set you apart from the crowd. Although its usefulness is limited if you are looking for a truck, it really doesnt fall into that category. The lines and the throaty music of its V8 will surely inspire you. If you are looking for a classic mode of transportation, this car will surely be noted in classic car history.