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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  Big Guy Comfort - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By edward - February 16 - 6:24 pm

  Im 6-3 270lbs and getting in and out of this vehicle is easy. V6 gets 20+ on average and 23+ highway. Plenty power and great in snow, I have fwd. also you can get 4 large adults in with no problem, lots of leg room. For the money this is a great vehicle. Also Chevy warranties are great. I’ve always been a Ford man and so far I have no regrets in switching, I think Ford has been lagging the last few years.

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  06 LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mrrench - February 16 - 3:13 pm

  I got my LTZ at the end of May. The car is great. Since I got the car. no problems with it at all. The 3.9 v-6 has plenty of power. Why they did away with it in 07 beats me. The dealer has already contacted me twice about selling the car back to them because of the demand for the 06. Just in case you all dont know, they do not make the LTZ in 07.

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  Absolutely fun to drive! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Runamok23 - February 16 - 8:16 am

  This is my first Corvette and I am having a blast. It is fast, fun and an eye catcher. I cant tell you how many people have yelled out their window, "Nice Car!" I was even stopped by a cop (lights and everything) just to say he was envious and has always wanted one. After all, the car has great power and an awesome look. This is my first Corvette and it will not be my last. I LOVE IT!

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  Luv my Nox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By luv_my_nox - February 16 - 3:16 am

  We just purchased our New LT FWD Equinox Jan 31, came right off the truck, still with the wrappers. MFG date: 1/05. Equipped with Sunroof and Leather. After 650 miles and about 1 month I am happy to report no problems. I looked it over, top and bottom, and was impressed with the paint, build, fit and finish. It is a nice looking vehicle. My wife loves it. Ive driven it in the rain and snow. Im impressed with the ride, handling, and acceleration. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Wife and I love the vehicle and its universal features.

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  Toyota cant match a Silverado - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By BrianSpears - February 15 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my truck a week ago, and am so impressed at how useful it is and how economical it is to operate. Chevrolet has really out done itself by building these GMT 900. The thing that is the most impressive is the architecture that is built upon, by far the best frame and suspension combo on the market. The torsional rigidity is awesome, it corners like a BMW, tows like a Mac truck. It is a must have for anyone buying a truck

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  My Wifes SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dj - February 15 - 4:52 pm

  The Trailblazer SS is an excellent all around performer. My wife loves it, and im pretty partial to it my self. Again its a great truck. Just dont hit a patch of ice (in southern Texas) at 30 mph it will send you through a fence and in to a field.

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  Thrilling! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - February 15 - 2:16 pm

  This is my third Corvette and definitely the most fun to drive. I was very surprised that the Z06 was extremely comfortable with fantastic gas mileage (18 city/28 highway) yet is is extremely fast when you turn it loose! This is one fast ride that delivers the most performance for the money spent! Go get one!

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  Energizer Bunny! It just goes & goes - 1998 Chevrolet Metro
  By HappyMetroOwner - February 15 - 1:58 pm

  When I bought the car new, it was listed MSRP $9000, at 2% interest payments. I got $600 off the trade-in, $750 Special markdown on sticker, and $500 loyal Chevy buyer discount ($7150 total cost). Its been ultra reliable, only routine maintenance and 1 starter, less weight than a Volkswagon, gets 44.6 MPG when new, and not much different at 101,300 miles. Do not let the oil get low! It is a 3 cyl. 1.0 liter, best for 1 person city trips. Use 185/60QR-14 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 snow tires on this car in the snow or expect to not go because it is so lite in weight. I replaced the original 13" rims for 14", and had no issues. The metal sides dent easily in parking lots, no rust in 10years!

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  Chevys SS package does it again! - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By SS Man - February 15 - 1:48 pm

  For all you SS lovers out there, Chevy finally answered back! This SUV has it all... power, suspension, body style and all the options you need cruising at 100mph. Ive had no problems with the windows rolling-up at high speeds (like another review I read) and the new 4 speed transmission allows a lot more than torque than any 5 or 6 speed can handle. I own a 2002 Camaro SS with a 6-speed manual transmission and couldve only prayed for a 4-speed manual! Less shifting.... more driving! If you like stlye, comfort, power and most importantly SS packages buy this SUV now before there all gone. I recommend the the Black Granite Metallic for paint.

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  Ups & Downs - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By liquid_dark - February 15 - 10:02 am

  I have had my beautiful Impala for just over 3 years now. I have had quite a few repairs but I still love this car. Its fun to drive and looks great. When it does run it runs great and I will admit that I am slightly rough on it by driving it so much. I would totally own another one and I do realize that repairs come with each vehicle. I would suggest this to someone looking for a car.