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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  Incredible - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By sae185628 - March 9 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a the 4wd work truck with the upgraded chrome package and seats. It also had the chrome 20 inch Chevy bowtie rims. Absolutely beautiful truck. This is when they came out with the split grille that is much better looking than the 2003-2005 models. Very pleased with this truck. The only reason I got rid of it was because of a round trip commute to work of 60 miles. Gas was going up and I had to do something. I really regret getting rid of it.

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  Bigger and Better - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tracy Scott - March 9 - 4:05 pm

  I traded in a Tahoe, so I am more than familiar with the Chevy line. I have 5 children, so this type of car is a must for me. I love the vehicle and the ride is smooth and quiet, and powerful, even with the "smaller" engine. I am pleased with the vehicle and plan to keep it for at least 2-3 years. Taking our first long trip in it this weekend. It can be difficult to park due to its size, even for experienced SUV drivers like me.

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  My 2005 AVEO is GREAT! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By John Hunter - March 8 - 9:26 pm

  Very well built auto in all aspects of a compact fuel saver transportation and just plain fun to drive car! I use the car for comuting to and from work on city streets and highway. Interior comfort is more than I expected for the price. The prime reason for this purchase is fuel efficency and thats what I got!

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  02 Triple Black - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Steveo242 - March 8 - 6:38 pm

  Phenomenal ride. I have also dreamed of a Vette all my life alone with the posters in the forums. It definitely lives up to the hype. For a little more dough than a Trans Am or Mustang, it is so much better.

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  Beats all others - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Kinsey - March 8 - 4:26 pm

  Weve had a Town & Country and a Quest that cost much more than our new Uplander. The Uplander handles like a dream, wonderful acceleration & braking and the interior looks like a luxury vehicle. We could not be happier with our Uplander. It looks like an SUV but drives like a Cadillac.

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  The Z24 is great! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Smiling at 61 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 2003 Z24 after two other Cavalier coupes. Love it! These things are so reliable, and the Z24 is fun to drive. Enhanced stereo system is great. Ive always been a "no power anything" person, but the sunroof, windows and locks are changing my mind. This is a good car for the money.

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  Hamm01 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jjhamm - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable and reliable Truck.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hot SUV - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This a geat SUV. You can not buy a better SUV for the price. Its handling and ride are excellent. Mine has 4WD and it came in handy on snow and ice. Dont expect great gas milage.

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  Im a Tahoe Convert... - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Peter J. - March 7 - 10:55 pm

  At 33 I decided that I would switch to American made cars (Patriotism...not vehicle reputation). I was surprised to find that I prefer driving my Tahoe LT to my old Camry LE V-6 stick. Better view, comparable pick-up when I need it, and never a concern about the weather (Detroit weather is NOT kind to commuters). The stability control system is amazing, it handles so well you have to work just to make it fishtale in the snow (my kids think its funny ) ). The build quality was better than I expected with no issues/problems to report. I would not hesitate to recommend it to friends and look forward to many years (fingers crossed) with this great vehicle.

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  Parker Impala Express - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By kirbyj - March 7 - 7:41 pm

  The Impala LS is the perfect car for the budget minded family who still likes the acceleration, safety, comfort and good gas mileage for a larger car. My car has cloth seats which was the selling point plus an average 25 mpg in a city/hwy scenario but I have gotten 30 plus on the highway at 75mph. The sound system is great and the ABS brakes and tire imflation system is standard. All this for under $13,600 makes it delightful on the pocket book and very reasonable to insure. Five can ride comfortably although I would not want to attempt a cross country trip with that many and the trunk is large and roomy. It is not a luxury car but the price for what you get makes it very appealing.