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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  perfect sedan - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By angel 52 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  very happy with this car. very realible

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  MY TAHOE - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By george drape - October 23 - 2:00 am

  ON LONG DRIVES THE SEATS SUCK

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  Tahoe is the greatest - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TabberZ3 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 8 Tahoes and they have been awesome in quality and function.

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  Fabulous Crossover - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By tunxton - October 23 - 1:26 am

  I downsized from my Tahoe. I can confidently say this vehicle is the best I have ever owned. I do a lot of traveling for my company and the room in this vehicle accomodates for my stuff very easily. It is also extremely comfortable on those long road trips. I would definently reccomend this to anyone in the crossover market.

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  2008 Chevy Impala - Awesome - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron Bonofiglio - October 22 - 9:33 pm

  I have about 300 miles on my 2008 Chevy Impala 1LT. It has the 3.5 L Flex-fuel engine. I especially like the fuel economy, OnStar, XM satellite radio, ride quality, safety ratings, stylish appearance, huge trunk, seating for six, fun to drive, ride quality and zero defects. GM also gave me 0% APR for 72 months. What a deal on an awesome American car even though it is assembled in Canada.

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  Work of art! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Brenda - October 21 - 1:40 am

  Chevy has out done themselves with this vehicle.The 2007 Tahoe is a work of art. The smooth ride and comfort are beyond my expectations. My previous BMW X5 doesnt compare. I look forward to driving this vehicle every day!

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  not bad - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By anonymous - October 20 - 6:33 pm

  I have had this car for 4 days and the the steering shaft has already gone bad, but other than that I really love this car. Not much room in the back, but the kids love it the back seats adjust. couldnt ask for a better car...

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  Still Going strong - 1990 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Shawn Deans - October 20 - 2:00 am

  First car had 128k when purchased. Thought it was horrible because of the paint but it ran perfect. Drove it for 2 years and now have 149k miles. It still runs perfect. Headliner has fallen, seats are harsh on lower back after a couple hours. Replaced R-12 refrigerant with R-134 for A/C. Replaced rear shocks because of excessive bounce solved the problem. Nothing doesnt work!

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  Best AWD model - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Sabino - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Van drivability is extremely well durring the winter, thanks to the active AWD. The gas milage is also better than my former van, Mazda MPV. Ride is smooth and engine comes to life when entering highway speeds.

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  solid truck for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By elloco1974 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  is a very good truck for the money, I like the fact that you can put almost anything in the bed under the cover is great, and the look without the body armor.