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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  Number 3 - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By NFRich - June 29 - 6:51 pm

  This is my 3rd Avalanche. Have had an 02 and 04. Bought an 07 Silverado and didnt like that at all. Only had around 9000 miles when I got rid of it. The Silverado got the worse gas mileage I have ever gotten with one, and have had them for years. So, was able to go back to the truck I love. It is so versitle. Can fit sheets of plywood and drywall in without issues at all. The storage areas are great as well. There is so much room that everyone can travel in comfort. Drove straight through to FL one year and put a futon mattress in the back/folded the seat down and the kids had all the room they needed along with all the luggage. Has to be the best product GM has come out with!

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  Reliable, comfortable and great mpg - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By love my cav - June 29 - 1:16 pm

  I have had my car a little over 4 years and have 116000 miles on it. I only recently had to replace the fan assembly, otherwise only the regular brakes, tires, battery, etc. This has been a very reliable car with great gas mileage. I average about 28-32 mpg but have gotten as much as 38 on long road trips. This is my second Chevy product and I will buy Chevy again, both cars have been wonderful. I would like something bigger but this one is hard to give up.

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  Towed - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Christinia Sloan - June 29 - 10:17 am

  Towed for 20 30 thousand miles behind RV

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  Nostalgic HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rick T - June 28 - 5:15 pm

  My Shadow Edition black-granite HHR reminds me so much of my dads early 1950s Chevy truck. The HHR is a real nostalgia machine! Chevrolet has captured the 1950s feel with modern day convenience included. I love this vehicle more and more, and every time I get into it the great old memories come flooding back.

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  Awesome for a used rental! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By screwwiit - June 28 - 4:46 pm

  I used to drive a 1993 Dodge Intrepid. After 15 years the transmission finally went out! I settled with the Aveo after finding it around the block. I bought it with 49252 miles on it and its been a blast since! Gets me everywhere, has a lot of get up and go for a little car. Heats and cools fast and taking trips to the coast are fantastic! Handles great! I love driving my car and the head room is incredible. Also I dont know how I did it but I fit a readmill in it and closed the trunk lid! This car hasnt stopped blowing my mind! Awesome choice, great economic value and the price wasnt bad too.

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  Oil consumption - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By ed - June 28 - 11:27 am

  Car runs good with excelent fuel economy. Only problem is oil consumption, and anti freeze seems to be greasy at radiator cap. General Motors says one quart every 2000 miles is not out of the ordinary. Oil consumption has been a problem since car was new

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  I love my truck! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By CherryChevys - June 28 - 10:14 am

  Havent had any problems out of it except for the HVAC control door. I still get heat and a/c, but it comes out of the windshield defrostor vent.

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  Annoyed! - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By diana s - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Decent car for the price. However, I am writing this review because I am wondering how RMcoolX managed to purchase a 2003 Cavailer for $7k. RMcoolX please detail out your rebates that brought a $14k car down to $7k.

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  No need for a Ford!! - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Workhorse!! - June 28 - 10:00 am

  At 86000 miles, the only thing Ive had to do is change the oil, put a new set of tires on it, and put gas in it. Still runs like I bought it yesterday. Can you believe Im still running on the original brakes??

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  DISAPPOINTED - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Boop - June 28 - 10:00 am

  New door strap replaced didnt cure problem w/new part one day stopped. Dome Lights come on when hit a bump Wont do it when in for service, 4-wheel drive stopped working had to be reprogrammed. Hesitation from 1st to 2nd gear. Occasionally wants to stall when backing out of garage or parking spots. Engine noise seems to be getting loud. I bought GM product due to Family discount - MISTAKE. Dealership service is good though. For the price not worth it! I believe its down the road and back to TOYOTA! "Prior Owner of Toyota- DOESNT COMPARE!! I should have visited this website before buying!