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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  2003 Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By steve - May 29 - 11:28 am

  Ive owned my Impala for over two years and it has over 60,000 miles on it and has yet to be in the shop. The 3.4 L engine is extremely responsive given its relatively small size and gets great fuel economy. The impala also handles better than a police Crown Vic which seems to be plagued with engine problems and not to mention consumes much more gas. The Impala impressed me and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.

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  Pimp car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By jermaine - May 29 - 9:50 am

  This Chevy is probably one of the best cars I have ever driven. Very smooth handling. It really turns heads after I put a chrome grille on it.

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  Chevy has come a long way. - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chevy TrailBlazer - May 29 - 12:28 am

  Since I have had my TrailBlazer I have had few problems. Vehicle has required only routine service. I am pleased with many things with my vehicle however it does leave things to be desired. This will be my last American made vehicle since the thing is only worth a fraction of what I paid for it considering it is in perfect used condition. This vehicle is built more like a 2000 then a 2004 lacking features other SUVs of the same year offer. The engine could have been a little more refined with a lot more power and better fuel economy. I was recently looking at the new 2008 TrailBlazer and Chevy has made some great improvements.

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  2nd Vette Owned and Loving it More! - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By NightRaverX - May 28 - 11:22 pm

  While growing up my dream car was always a Corvette. I purchased My 1st vette in 1998 a 1986 Convertible, and as much as I did enjoy "My Toy" It was time for my turn with a C5, I loved the newer sleek look and power, and I had an opportunity to purchase a 2000 at a beyond great price and in practically mint condition,and get a great trade-in price for my 86 it was love at first drive! The 2000 coupes look, feel, and handling, exceeded my expectations. The upgraded interior is luxurious, sporty and much more comfortable than the C4s. The power and handling is breathtaking. I was also amazed that I was getting incredible gas mileage with the LS1 motor. My favorite most reliable car yet!

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  I love my 08 NOX sport - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By LovmyNox - May 28 - 9:24 pm

  This is my first GM or NA product in 15 years and I love it. Not perfect but a pretty good SUV.

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  Better than Average - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ken W - May 28 - 8:13 pm

  Purchased on a Friday in Aug 2004. Left for a 3 week plus driving vacation on the following Monday. Averaged 28 MPG through all terrain. Put on over 4000 miles over the time period. The only drawback I have discovered is the RAPID decline of the initially GREAT ride. I would compare the initial ride to an Infiniti, but now its like any other car I have owned.

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  Solid car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By pgh1 - May 28 - 2:01 pm

  Got the Impala when it was 3 years old with 24k miles off a lease. It has been a solid performer ever since. No major repair work necessary, just regular maintenance. Decent fuel economy for its size/weight. No regrets on this one.

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  217,000 miles and never stopped - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By d3mon31 - May 28 - 8:43 am

  i bought my 2004 chevy 2500hd 2dr 2wd longbed regular cab from my stepdad and its been great. He bought it brand new for quite a bit of money and sold it to me because he wanted a new truck for the farm. it has 217,000 miles and has never had to have it in the shop. the biggest thing ive had to do with it is put new tires on it. Its very reliable. I love this truck to death. I hate the gas mileage, but i have way more power than any other 3/4 ton truck i know. i wish it was a duramax but hey, im not complaining. it holds its value very well, and looks great. the tranny and engine arent showing any signs of quitting so im good. i suggest this truck for anyone pulling a trailer or camper.

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  Nice for road trips - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By spoonified - May 28 - 12:31 am

  Over all not too bad of a vehicle. It would be nice to be driving something where I was not surrounded by plastic when I was inside. I usually get much better then the rated gas mileage, around 38 mpg highway if I watch my speed.

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  I like mine! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jwells1988 - May 27 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Trailblazer just a few months back. So far I must say I have rather enjoyed it. Its good looking. Gets me from A to B comfortably. Fuel economy, not so great, but hey its a 4.2L. Gets me moving! I would have no problems recomending this car to anyone.