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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  Beware - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dave - November 3 - 9:39 pm

  Replaced manifold gaskets twice due to coolant leaks - understand a class action suit is being considered. Alternator replaced. Engine light signals camshaft clearance issue. Rust under the gas cap - mentioned by other 1998-2000 Malibu owners. Ask aftermarket companies what some of the best selling brake rotors and struts fit.

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  chevy rocks - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By akgldhnd - November 3 - 8:00 am

  I drove a 2001 Dakota. The Chevy drives incredibly nicer. And the size difference is incredible... I also get better mileage.

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  Great van! - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By Cindy Collins - November 2 - 8:42 pm

  Very dependable van! Motor and transmission strong no problems. We have driven this van to California, Colorado and Missouri with no problems. Would drive it anywhere. Only flaws I would say would be the lack of front passenger leg room and door handles (have 2 Astros and replaced handles on both of them) Our one van has 186000 miles on it and still runs great! Highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Amazing! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jesse - November 2 - 5:17 pm

  I just bought this car from a private owner. It has the tune-port eninge making it somewhat rare since in 96 they started using the Vor-tec engine. I love this car. It is the best car to ever be built! Keep it up Chevy!

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By scooter1 - November 2 - 12:50 pm

  Car now has 90K miles on it. The car is reliable and has never broken down on me. Gas mileage is pretty good. Responsive car. OK to drive. Had brake problems in the early year. I replaced the rotors with quality rotors and replaced both wheel bearings. Since those replacements, I have not had problems with the rotors or stopping power. Dont use lifetime pads on this car. At 70K miles I replaced the intake manifold gasket. THis is the only major repair.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lin Andresen - November 2 - 4:10 am

  I love HHRs retro looks and size. The aluminum wheels are also a nice touch. I find the HHR fun to drive, I love the great gas mileage and range between fill- ups.

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  Just purchased used and verdict still out... - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By prof_turby1 - November 1 - 11:42 pm

  Just purchased a used unit with 93K miles on it. So far so good but the truck does need a new header stud bolt. Fairly common on vortecs. Gas mileage is 12 on commute and 14 on interstate. The 4.10 gearing plays a part in that but I knew that going in.

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  HHR is a cool retro ride - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By ducky57 - November 1 - 11:23 pm

  Turned in a leased Equinox and purchased an 07 HHR with the 2LT chrome package. I was attracted to the HHR by its "retro" look, favorable safety ratings and decent gas mileage. I am 6 ft tall and the cabin has ample room. It rides smoothly around town and on Freeway, gas mileage is in the 28-30 mpg range (with 2.4 litre engine). It has ample storage room and rear seats fold down nicely with hard coated floor surface. Its a fun and well built ride at an affordable price.

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  Still is Smooth - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Shortyflow - November 1 - 10:24 pm

  I had bought this vehicle to become a pizza delivery driver. It was my first vehicle with 45,000 miles on it, it now has 76,000 . it runs good and it drives great. Brakes are all that I have had to do.

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  Took a chance - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By l.lacy - November 1 - 8:58 pm

  Traded a 2002 super charged Grand Prix. Miss the power surge & heads-up display but I love this vehicle. It drives like a car. Wish it would get better mileage, but I sit up higher, love the handling, and really love the drive and design.