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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  NeatLittel Crossover - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By beti - May 27 - 5:00 am

  I have only owned my HHR about 3 months but the gas mileage is very good. The look of the vehicle is very appealing and gets lots of attention. It is a fun little vehicle to drive. I feel very safe and comfortable when I drive it. The only thing I could possibly think that might improve it would be repositioning the cup holders. I am not sure where but they are awkward to reach.

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  solid car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jonesy169 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 53000 miles on it and three years later its now at 118000 and was still going strong (some bozo crashed into me and it got totaled). It was extremely dependable and the only issues i had with it were normal things like an alternator, brakes, battery, and a map sensor. It got great milage (30mpg hwy) and was peppy for a compact.

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  Best ever - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By pharr - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Had the truck for 6 months, 4,000 miles. Greatly impressed with my first GM product. Build quality and performance better than my old Ford Expi. Fully loaded, love the leather seats, and the sat. radio. Cant ask for more, other than better gas mileage. Not one single complaint.

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  2004 Trailblazer LS - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sherim1968_ - May 26 - 2:00 am

  My first trailblazer was a 2002 and now have a 2004. I love the way it drives and the comfort. The only downfall is the gas mileage. The 2002 got about 16 mpg city where the 2004 only gets about 14 mpg city.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By uscfan05 - May 25 - 3:33 pm

  I bought used almost 4 years ago and still love my car. It has lots of room and space, even passengers in the back seat have plenty of leg room. I love how the rear seats lay all the way front ward like a SUV to give you more space. Ive even put a live Christmas tree in there with no problem. Love how the car tells you when to change your oil and when certain fluid levels are low! This car is great for every age group. Im in my 20s and love this car but it also has plenty of room for a family. Rides smoothly and turns just as smooth. Back seat riders also love the moonroof. Traction control is great as well.

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  ssr - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By lm` - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the most different and fun to drive vehicle to come out in a long time

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  2004-mt. kisco - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jim Bobby - May 25 - 2:00 am

  we have been chey people since 1955 and suburban family for over 20 yrs. we like the accomadation of the car,, size, handeling and all around work horse that Never Faile us...

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  my suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mark d russell - May 25 - 2:00 am

  if you are looking for a suv with room power,comfort,and reliability this is for you.10 below or 100 it doesnt make a difference,everyone will love it. smooth comfortable ride for your family. ill be sure to get another suburban the next time im buying a suv.

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  Best mid size SUV available - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Bernard Yanity - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has received many comments regarding its design and overall looks. It is very peppy, handles easily, is easy to park and maintain. The rear seat slide feature adds more than enough room for passengers and groceries. I am looking forward to taking a long trip vacation in the near future. Because of its mileage capability, the trip should be inexpensive and great fun.

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  Great car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tomas P. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Im more than satisfied with this car. Its just a car, without any unnecessary think.