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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  Loaded 4-Door Sedan LT Automatic Trans - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mark - February 20 - 12:10 am

  With negotiation, rebates and GM card earnings,paid $11,133 for all-option car listing at $17,255. City mileage 26-30mpgno highway trips yet. I love this little car for what we have been using it for. It is comfortable, and although not a high performer, has plenty of zip for city and highway driving. I am impressed with the build quality,though carpeting is not dense. Winter mats are $80 for the set, are a custom fit and have good water retention edges. Rear seat a little tight, but rarely used. Mud flaps offer great protection. Modest steering vibration (Engine idle feedback), but no worse than Honda Civic Hybrid. Our other cars are a newer Suburban and Tahoe, Corvette and Ford GT.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Hank F - February 19 - 11:30 pm

  Recently purchased this vehicle after much research and I am highly impressed with this machine. External looks are impressive. Inside design suits my taste to a T. Sound system is excellent. Could not be happier with the combination of power and fuel economy of the 5 cylinder engine and 4 speed automatic. Price was also right.

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  Electrical nightmare - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mmscott - February 19 - 8:23 pm

  This truck is a lemon. The heater control has been replaced. The 4 wheel drive system has a new dash switch, transfer case switch and control module and it still puts itself into 4x4. I would not recommend a Chevrolet to anybody. Also the radio will not turn on at times. The display works but there is no audio.

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  Ill never buy a chevy again - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By B.Osman - February 19 - 5:34 pm

  Reading the reviews, I wish I had beforehand, I can feel everyones pain. This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the day I bought it. The drivers side seat is uncomfortable, taking out the 3rd row is practically impossible, it hardly even moves when you push the gas. I have high mileage and had to have major repairs done, Chevy told me that they cant do anything because of the mileage. And I asked them why the put 6 numbers on the odometer. I try to buy "American" when I can, but they will never see another one of my dollars again.

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  Not so bad - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By alfred - February 19 - 12:05 pm

  Hello friends, I am the owner of a 2002 3 door 4 cyl s-10 with 85000 miles. I bought it new, downsizing from a 8cyl Silverado. This is not a powerful truck. it is meant for light use. It literally has trouble going uphill. Ive had to replace the battery, radiator and the a/c died at 75k miles and I have not fix it yet. I think that I have gotten good service from it, I am happy with it so far. I am getting 20 mpg plus. Anyway, I recommend this truck if you are not pulling or loading it with heavy items. Good luck!

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  Love the Suburban - 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Thorsen - February 18 - 10:30 pm

  Just traded our 2005 Nissan Armada for an LTZ Suburban. The Suburban is so much better built than the Armada. I love the rock solid feel and ride of this car. The new interior is great. I highly recommend this car!

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  After 18 years...Still a great Vette!! - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 1990 Corvette - February 18 - 5:36 pm

  After 18 years, still a "eye catcher" and one fast machine! Approx. 122k miles with no major repairs! Best performance car Ive owned! If you want a great looking, fast and a joy to drive find yourself a C4 Vette! Handles great and lots of torque!

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  Take my word, dont purchase - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jd - February 17 - 9:36 pm

  Nothing but trouble out of my trailblazer. Like the looks, but thats about it. Only has 32,000 miles and Im having misfires in cylinders. Dealership cant figure out whats wrong. Want to charge me thousands of dollars to test different "theories". Hatch shocks are also already out. Plus there was a whinning in the motor, come to find out the tensioner pulley was going out. Going to get rid of the suv, before it completely goes out.

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  Mostly Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By susan - February 17 - 9:12 pm

  Bought the car late 2003. Still have it and am now at 108,000 miles. Replaced the temp gauge at 80,000 miles, brakes at 87,000 miles and had no other major problems until 106,000 miles and then the biggie: Transmission went bad. Had to be rebuilt ($2,000). After that bummer, I have resummed my love for the car. Rides smooth, love the interior room. Not the easiest to handle on curves, but this car will fly! Lots of power, with a hint of a luxury feel. Great for road trips. Could be more sound proof inside, but overall well-built car. Would probably buy another.

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  Would get another one - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Jim - February 17 - 7:53 am

  This is a great truck. Ive carried a Harley in the back and pulled a 10K travel trailer through the mountains (not the same time). The plus side of the setup is your friends dont look at it as a truck when they move even though it has all the ability. The only gripe is the 8.1L engines oil consumption is high. One qt in 3K miles when new, three qts in 3K now. Chevy claimed in 2002 one qt in 100 miles was considered high anything less is acceptable. Big engine is great for towing, stomp on the pedal and she jumps even at 70mph. Down side is MPG 11 around town 14 on the highway at 75mph. I would replace with same truck smaller V8 but right now Ill drive it until the wheels fall off.