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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  Nice car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jmt - May 17 - 10:00 am

  2nd Monte Carlo Ive owned, the first time I saw the car I knew I had to have one. I have been very happy with the car to date.

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  I love my anniversary model car!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By wag - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my third corvette since 1995. I love this car the very best for performance,handling, and style.

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  I love my vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Spoiled - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I set a goal early on to own a 2003 vette and am glad I achieved it! This is a remarkable piece of machinery - a true American icon.

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  I Luv my SUB-Z - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tony Cardi - May 17 - 10:00 am

  So far, there hasnt been anything that I dont Luv about my SUB Z-71, except the gas mileage of course. But thats a small price to pay for the best all- round, largest, coolest SUV on the road today. Highly Recommended and AMERICAN MADE!

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  Love Our Tahoe!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jeff & Kahla - May 17 - 10:00 am

  My husband gave the thumbs-up to purchase our long awaited Tahoe as my graduation present and I couldnt be happier with our decision! Rides smooth, love the third row (my 6 foot nephew sits back there, no problem), so roomy and looks great! We have had zero problems and tons of compliments on our big baby! Awesome vehicle!

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  Best Truck Iv ever Driven - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By scott - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Iv been blessed to have had the experience of driving a multitude of vehicle with my civilian and military careers. This truck is the best all around vehicle that Ive driven. The performance of the 5.3L engine is exceptional. Highly recomend, a great buy!!!

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  REturning to Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scott L - May 17 - 10:00 am

  After having two Cadillac Cateras I returned to a Chevy Impala. The Impala offers almost as many features as the Catera fro significantly less money. Although the Cateras were verfy nice, the Impala offers more value for the dollar. The handling is better & it uses regular gasoline. I would have purchased a CTS but the Cadillac Dealers were not dealing in my area. Very happy with the Impala so far.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Richard Stromberg - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Execellent to drive and quality is very good.

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  This car is awesome - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tina - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Impala has to be one one the coolest cars ever. It handles smoother than I had ever thought possible and it performs to standard and beyond everytime I get behind the wheel. Not only is it fun to drive, but has sooooo many features, not to mention its stylish, classy look.

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  Bills Imp. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Billbob - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Owning my Impala for only One month its really to soon to give a accurate rating but so far I am very pleased with all thereis to report