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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  Reality - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Trapezoid Joe - December 7 - 7:46 pm

  This is a solid truck. I see nothing wrong to complain about. When I shopped I looked at the Ford150 and Dodge Ram. The F150 has more options but it was $3000 more. F150 was also more refined. If you can afford it the F150 is a better buy if you want the most refined truck with the most options/features. The Dodge Ram was $1000 cheaper but much less refined. The Ram had the exact same interior (plastic) and clothe as my 98 Dodge Neon which is very very cheap. For the money the Silverado is by far the best buy using value as the measure.

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  outstanding - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By erna wuolikainen - December 7 - 1:43 pm

  reliable, great comfort long distance driving

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  2007 Z71 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Arl King - December 7 - 1:02 pm

  We recently purchased our 2nd Tahoe Z-71. We do like the way GM replaced stereo system and control knobs with those that will not peel, the remote access options for rear and front, the new way we can adjust the roof rack (easier now), the ease of putting the rear seats down, the new styling, and the navigation/DVD/stereo sytem.

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  After Warranty Problems - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jim Williams - December 7 - 9:31 am

  Although my TrailBlazer is excellent for the transporting of my family, 7 of us in all. I have 59,000 miles on my vehicle. In one month the camshaft sensor went bad, the fuel guage does not work, the rear air unit only pumps cold air and I am beginning to feel a transmission stutter. I am scared to death I bought a lemon. Initially, I was well pleased with this car. Warning for families although on the EXT you have a third row. It is extremely difficult to enter and exit the vehicle. I will not buy another Chevy, ever!

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  Colorado - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Postman - December 6 - 11:06 pm

  Very good power and mileage. I get 20.5 to 21+ MPG during combination highway and city driving during warmer months. Got 23 to 24 MPG on the interstate. Wheels are a little cheap with a large plastic center piece. A very bullish appearance for a smaller truck, looks tough compared to other brands. Console needs to be enlarged.

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  Great truck so far! - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By AviFan - December 6 - 1:58 pm

  I have a little over 3000 miles on my LTZ and am really enjoying it. It is one of the most comfortable rides I have owned over the years. Visibility is excellent although changing lanes on the highway and parking do take a little getting used to with this big beast. Definitely splurge on the rear back up camera as I cant imagine parking without it. Fit and finish in the LTZ is great and so far in almost 3 months we have not needed to return to the dealership for anything.

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  Screamin Machine - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Connally - December 5 - 11:37 pm

  Incredible acceleration. Good engine sound, handles like a big go cart. Nice interior. By far, the quickest car Ive ever driven, and Ive driven some fast ones. Reminds me of the song, "The Best is Yet to Come-...you think youve flown before, but babe, you aint left the ground."

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  Fun car great performance - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brent Jones - December 5 - 7:41 pm

  Make sure you can handle the fun!!!!!!

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  2016 malibu lt 2.0 ltr - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ginger Ramsey - December 5 - 2:54 pm

  I have a long term lease on this car. Everything is great except the stop start on the Eco option. I despise it. I hate sitting at a red light and when it turns green and I press on the gas pedal. The car jolts and its as if someone is hitting me in the rear. Also the fuel economy on this car isnt that great. I got better gas mileage on a dodge challenger. Other than the fuel and Eco stop start the car is an excellent choice!!

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  !995 Corvette - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By john g - December 5 - 12:13 pm

  I love this car. It has plenty of power to justify instant incarceration. It rides stiff and really isnt made for bumpy roads, but dont let this fact discourage you from buying it. The value and quality of the build of the car far out weigh the negatives.I can honestly say that if you are considering a Camaro or Mustang, change your mind! You cant get a better car in its class for a better price( 8k-13k )