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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  I love my Monte Carlo SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MistyJ - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My Monte Carlo is the best thing I have ever bought. Since I was a little kid, I have always wanted one. My dream came true, and I have nothing but good things to say about the car. Its a guy magnet at Nascar Races.

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  Home made import - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Baker - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I was going to replace my 01 Impala with an 04, in fact the dealer had my new Impala prepped for me. I saw the LT model in the showroom and had to test drive it. I fell in love. I love the looks of the Nissan Altima but would never buy an import. This car has it all.

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  dependable, but leaves you wanting more - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Roy Christian III - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one mechanical problem out of this car, It has very good handling but I have always wished that it had more get up & go..... The power is just not there, But for the price & monthly payments & dependability... I really cant complain at all about the Malibu...

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  Chev. Malibu-fun car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Allen Paul - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The handling is sporty, the car has plenty of get up and go when needed, all instruments on control panel are easily accessable, and it is fun to drive. I went from a Chev. Venture mini van to this car and I love it.

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  Outstanding Value - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By walkerj - February 8 - 2:00 am

  In the first two weeks of ownership, I am happier with each passing day. The Z06 is an incredible package, offering mind-boggling performancee in an easy- to-live with vehicle. The engine is so flexible that even SoCal freeway congestion is not difficult to cope with.

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  lemon - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailtech - February 8 - 2:00 am

  In 1yr. our trialblazer has been in the shop 18 times.a/c problems that GM refuses to work on under warranty.4wheel drive that has not worked in 5000 miles.no brake lights 3 times and yes 5 recalls.my review can be shortend to one word "LEMON".this comes from a big GM fan and technician

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  my top pick - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By growbiz2001 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I rent a lot of autos when travelling, and always request the Impala if I have to spend any real time in the car. I own my 2nd Impala. First was a 2000, now a 2002. Great interior design changes in 2 years. Extremely happy with the car overall.

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  Just bought another one! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By G. Evans - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought a new 2002 TB in Nov 01, and liked it so much, I bought a 2004 TB yesterday. Had a few leaks with 02 (front struts and a very slow cranckshaft seal)which dealer fixed. Otherwise no problems. Also own a 98 Expedition. TB is much easierr to handle in the city vs. Expy. Gas mileage could be better, but both 02 and 04 TBs are extremely smooth and quiet.

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  2003 Silverado Ext Cab 4.3L - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JBaxter - February 8 - 2:00 am

  4000 miles and minor problems. Both rear windows and seals have been replaced due to poor design with wind noise. Vibration/buzz in the gas pedal is being worked. I know there is a TSB from GM on this. Fun truck that is smooth and plenty of power from the reliable 4.3L. Wife likes the room and the feel of a truck in the city.

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  Probally the best 1/2 ton on the market. - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Brandon Blair - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Just bought new 2004 LT Z-71 ext cab, 327 v8 (vortec 5300), love the leather heated seats, xm radio, onstar, Bose sound system. love the ride-very smoothe for a 4wd. love the power/sound/performance of the 327. ride puts ford 4wd and dodge to shame. ext cab is very roomy for an ext cab. this is my 4th silverado, 2nd z-71, all have been excellent. only minor problems on every chevy truck Ive owned, the doors eventually start to flex making a slight rattle noise. adjustments of the doors or just re- lubing the hinges will stop this. definitely reccomend 2wd or 4wd. opt for the 5300 327ci v8 over the 4800.