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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  2005 Silverado 2500HD Crew 4x4 Diesel - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By R. Carey - February 1 - 11:06 am

  No complaints with this truck. This is my second 2500 HD Diesel in two years. My 04 I got all of my money back on trade for the 05. You cant beat the interior space,comfort and ride. I tow a 30 travel trailer weighing approx. 9500 lbs. loaded with ease.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Maddog - February 1 - 10:41 am

  Im in the military and do alot of traveling. Ive found the Trailblazer to be a very reliable and fun to drive vehicle.The quick acceleration from the Chevy Vortec allows me to move in and out of traffic with ease.

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  Surprisingly good car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By olted - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im pleased with the car. I was amazed at how tight and quiet it is. I bought it for town driving but find it more than adequate for highway. Very peppy on the interstate! Good build quality.

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  Love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lois - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I started researching vehicles about 6 months ago. I thought I had my heart set on a Pontiac Vibe until I drove it. I was driving a 1990 Toyota Cressida (now my daughters car) and the Vibe was a step down from that ride, noise, features & comfort wise. Also test drove Honda CRV, Toyota Rav and the new Dodge Magnum. The Malibu Maxx was on my list but didnt think it would be a keeper until I drove it. Went on vacation to Colorado the first week I had it, did great on gas even in the mountains and using the A/C, kids loved the DVD player and made the trip more pleasant, husband has even approved of my purchase.

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  Colorado ZQ8 LS I5 Auto - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By wylde - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My truck actually has the inline 5 with Auto (loaded) but that selection was not available. I test drove it out of curiousity since I own a S10 and bought it out of impulse... no regrets. After owning 2 S10 trucks, one a 2002 Xtreme (loaded) and a 98 S10 LS (which I still own) the Colorado really impressed me in the ride and power (I even got a speeding ticket test driving...oops). I had actually test drove a crew cab ZQ8 but opted for a regular cab instead simply for personal preferance in looks. The sound system is a huge improvement from my 2002 S10. It can be left stock as mine will. I wish they would have had MP3 availability though (2005 supposedly will).

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  Great Ride - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rebekah - February 1 - 12:53 am

  Just got my Equinox and I love it! It has the roomiest back seat ... lots of leg room. The cargo area is very handy ... perfect level for loading things and no reaching or bending. Drives really well ... easy to park in tight spaces ... easy backing. Has a plain dash ... not complicated ... very sleek and clean looking. Very satisfied with this car ... had an Aztek prior and I like this much better.

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  A great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Casper - January 31 - 8:36 pm

  I really love this Tahoe. I guess the ride quality is what suprised me the most. It is very smooth and just eats up the bumps and potholes. It rides much better than my Explorer. The only criticism I would have is a little bit of wind noise at highway speed that comes from the large mirrors, but that is not bad. The front seats are very comfortable and can be manipulated to fit just about anyone.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By liz - January 31 - 6:16 pm

  I fell in love with the car the moment I saw it. After looking at the ticket price is was even more happy! After the test drive I knew this is my car! I got my car fully equiped for around $14,500 and i could not have picked a better car for myself! Roomy, comfortable, safe, easy to control and nice sound system! I do like the "chirp" on the anti theft system. It is a great first car!

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  Chevy Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tbsport00 - January 31 - 5:48 pm

  At 67" tall, vehicles with sufficient legroom are impossible to find. Thanks to Edmunds spec. page I was able to compare before heading out to dealerships. Trailblazer has more front seat legroom than my wifes Tahoe. Reliabilty Ive experienced with my late model Chevys is on a par with previously owned Toyotas and Mazdas.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By dlr - January 31 - 2:09 am

  I have owned small trucks for 30 years, starting with Datsun, 2 Mazdas, a Toyota, and now an S-10. This truck has been great so far....everything works, its economical (over 23mpg in town, with canopy), very comfortable (Im 61", 250lbs), and fun to drive. The rig also came with more accessories as standard then any other truck Ive owned. I used my GM card to discount it to $8000 cash....I have been offered more than I paid for it by my brother, who is also impressed. The last small truck I had was a 90 Toyota, which was a great little truck too, but didnt have near the amenities and cost $7000 in 90 (after much haggling with the dealer). The Mazdas scored less-so.