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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  2009 Malibu LT - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By keli - March 24 - 3:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for 6 years and 90k miles. Door locks replaced plus regular maintenance. It rides great and still looks good. Instead of trading up I just brought it in for scratch removal and some cosmetic repairs. In the winter its good in the snow with snow tires. Average 25mpg.

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  exceptional - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By James Goga - March 24 - 6:38 am

  Vehicle used as passenger vehicle not a truck. Has padded bed with cap covering

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  I love it - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bushido - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I like that its so powerful, looks good its roomy, its comfortable. The controls are easy to get to. Everything is right there in front of you not alot of reaching. I have nothing bad to say about it. GO TO PADDOCK IN KENMORE NY TO BUY IT. They were great to deal with.

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  Tahoe Z-71 - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dilligaf32301 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Will Haul anything! Mileage is very good even at altitude. One of the best SUVs Ive ever owned

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  my first vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BluByYou - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely fortunate in that my first Corvette was a new Z06. The car has met and exceeded ALL my expectations in overall performance and driving enjoyment, but you must be prepared to drive, and pay attention to your driving at all times. This is not a vehicle to drive while talking on the cell phone, putting makeup on, or, heaven forbid, reading while cruising in the right lane. Buy this car if you love to drive.

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  First Time burb - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By burb lover - March 23 - 2:00 am

  WOW, What a ride! Upgraded from an Explorer for the room but, got a whole lot more. I love this vehicle. The XM and Bosesound is incredible for a truck. The kids love the room and the DVD sytem in the back and with the wireless headsets we are all happy!!

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  My First Car - 1995 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Foo24Z26 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  It was very sporty looking for a 1995. I love the acceloration and quickness of the car, its easy to pass with on the highway, nimble and agile in the city. I bought it with 38,000 miles on it, and now have over 150,000 and I still love it. Ive only ever had minor wear and tear items be replaced on the car and its been extremely reliable.

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  Like a Rock - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By dasford1 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been quite pleased with my S-10 extended cab 4X4. I ve taken it on a 2,500 trip and wasnt worn out at the end. Enjoyed the CD and cassette during the trip. Its been an easy starter - even in our cold Montana winters. Bucket seat could use a bit more padding but is adequate. All in all, after having driven a Ford Ranger, I prefer the S-10.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Spades - March 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a car that will satisfy the needs of any man with a desire for a car with good looks and performance. The styling is superior to any import or local car of the same era with its distinctive curves and driver focused interior.

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  Great Family van!! - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By nanbret - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Being a stay-at-home mom with two little ones, this was the perfect car to buy for the price. It drives well and has lots of room for our family, the dog and all of our stuff. We like the exterior with its sporty design. This car also has good power.