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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  2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT2 "Platinum Edition" - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By randyb4 - April 5 - 2:40 pm

  I just bought my first Malibu about a week ago and I am quite impressed at this vehicle. I really like the design of this car. I was never impressed with the older Malibu style but GM did a nice job on this body style. I must say that it has a "big car" ride and the 2.4 litre 4 cyl. engine puts out a fair amount power. I am over six feet tall and I have ample headroom.

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  DONT LISTEN TO TEST REVIEWS? - 2010 Chevrolet Colorado
  By dchronister - April 4 - 5:50 pm

  TEST REVIEWS ARE NOT VERY KIND TO THIS PICKUP?? I HAD A 2004 EXT 4CYL. LIKED IT ALOT. AND UPGRADED TO A I-5 4WD EXT. I HAVE OWNED FOR 15 MONTHS, NO PROBLEMS,GOOD FUEL ECONOMY,COMFORTABLE,GREAT LOOKS WITH THE LT2 PACKAGE! I DROVE A FORD RANGER,TACOMA,FRONTIER,AND DAKOTA...... THEY ALL HAVE THIER ATTRIBUTES, AND DIS-LIKES. THE COLORADO SEEMED TO BE THE RIGHT CHOICE THE 2ND TIME AROUND.....I HAVE NO REGRETS....READ THE PEOPLES REVIEWS WHO OWN THESE TRUCKS .....NOT CONSUMER REPORTS,ECT.... FOR SOME REASON THEY THINK THIER SUPPOSE TO DRIVE LIKE A CAR, AND HANDLE LIKE A SPORTS CAR??? ITS A TRUCK, AND A GREAT ONE AT THAT. ASK COLORAD OWNERS,NOT EXPERTS WHO TEST THEM AND GIVE THIER OPINION?

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  Fast, fast, fast - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mudshark78s - April 3 - 11:50 pm

  Bought this car 2 yrs ago for $12,000 with 57,000 miles on it just hit 70,000 ,our summer ride, 35th anniversary package with z rated tires,ungoverned 150 top speed,seen 135, wife gets nervous, added slp intake and diablo tune, looking to put on headers.Would recommend this to anyone that loves that raw power feel, Not one problem with this car.

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  great value - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mudshark78s - April 3 - 11:18 pm

  just purchased this car in february for $7000.00, with 85,000 miles,owned the 3.8 SC in a 96 riviera and new the lighter Impala would fly and have not been dissapointed. came with a few mods,3.4 pulley ,cooler plugs and 180 degree thermostat. did have rusted out oil pan, jb welded it , new one came with purchase ,warmer weather job.definitely arent many of these available and would recommend one .

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By olathehunter - April 2 - 10:38 pm

  The Cruze absolutely exceeds my expectations. The engine, while only a 1.8L, has more than enough power for me (and I have owned 2 Camaros and a 300ZX Turbo). I got the LS 6 speed manual transmission. Not because Im cheap, but I simply dont see the value in most extras. Im only 2 weeks into owning this car but so far, it was a great decision. PS - Do NOT let them talk you into the GM warranty. You have up to 12 mo/12K to buy it, and it doesnt do anything until year 4 anyway. There is a GM dealer in the SW that will write it up on line for under $1500, not the $2500-3500 the dealer finance scum will try to talk you into.

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  2500 miles in - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzeecoowner - April 2 - 5:00 pm

  This car is great. So glad I bought it. I have averaged 37 mpg in first 2,000 miles and had a good time doing it. I got the black one. Love it.

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  A good buy! - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By grammajamma - March 27 - 9:04 pm

  I started researching crossover SUVs in Aug.2010 and immediately liked what I learned about the Equinox. Out of 7 vehicles I drove the Nox was #6 and I was in love. Initially, I wanted a FWD, for the mileage, bought decided on AWD. Since the purchase we have experienced a freak snow/ice storm took it on a 3200 mile trip and got caught in another snow storm on Mt. Shasta. In both instances the car handled beautifully. Im glad I settled on AWD. On our trip we averaged 25.1, getting 26.5 highway. City driving is different I get about 18.5. I knew Id lose mpg with AWD. The car is sturdy, quiet, and fun. Love it!

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  Beautiful Vehicle - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chelerae - March 22 - 9:53 pm

  After much research and test driving the Edge, Equinox & Santa Fe it was a no brainer. The Equinox was the only one that I fell in love with immediately after driving. This car looks like a million bucks. The seats are very comfortable and the entire inside has a very luxurious feel. The car handles well. It feels like a strong solid car if that makes sense. It shifts smoothly. Its an absolute pleasure to drive. There is almost no outside noise in the cabin. I agree that the gas mileage isnt great. The cargo space is adequate for grocery shopping and the like. If you are looking for affordable luxury check this car out. I fall in love every time I turn the key!

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  2011 Camaro 2LT - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By flyersguy18 - March 21 - 12:43 pm

  First thing you should know is that Ive had this car for a week. I had a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. This is my 4th Camaro and its by far the best!! Compared to the Eclipse the Camaros sightlines arent all that bad at all. The V6 has great acceleration and the gas mileage is better than the 4 cylinder Eclipse. My first impression of the car was that it didnt feel like a Camaro at all, at least not one that Id ever driven. The handling is much more stable! The weight distribution of the car is almost perfect, I think its 52/48. The tires are going to be a little expensive but very worth it! Over all, I couldnt be more pleased or more excited every time I get in the car

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  Really love my Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By dottie6 - March 20 - 5:36 pm

  I have had my Equinox almost a year and really love it. My dealer had the drivers seat customized for me since I am only 51" and had some back issues. Now it is really comfy. My other complaint that I had was that there was no light in the glove compartment and the dealership put one in for me. I asked the seat customizer what it would have cost if I paid for it myself and he said about $200 or so. I love the electronics and the feel of the car. I got 33 mpg going 58 mph with the cruise on. about 28 when on the interstate. I have the 4 cylinder 2 wheel drive. I live in Wisconsin and this winter it handled fine on snow covered and icy roads.