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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  Safety nightmare - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sheila - July 2 - 6:59 pm

  Since I purchased the car brand new I have been to the dealer for the following problems: New rack and pinion replaced twice, 2 bald tires replaced from bad alignment, heated seats go on randomly, the radio switch on the steering wheel stopped working, and now the seat brackets broke on the drivers seat and the car was never involved in an accident. GM showed no concern for my safety and said it was not under warranty anymore! The car only has 34000 miles on it. the interior is a fake leather and shows all spots and water drops. they do not come clean. On the highway you cannot have the back windows open or there is a tunnel sound in your ears.

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  Going back to Chrysler - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By M Stewart - July 2 - 4:25 pm

  I drive over 35,000 ml. a year, so we only keep our vehicle about 2 years, will be 2 in October,has 58,000 miles on it, and we have put a new EHR valve, new gas cap, new igination switch (which I think is going out again) Runs good except there is so many noises and rattles your constantly wondering if its going to break down. Seats just keep showing new stains, ones Im not even sure we made. In wind sounds like its going to fall apart. Transmission shifts wierd. I like the fact that its not a van but more than a car. Love look on outside, inside is cheap quality. Gas mileage ok approx 20 to 24 all the time. Doesnt do sharp turns. Would not recommend to anyone. 1st and last time Chevy owner.

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  The Car That Couldnt - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jackdaniels80 - July 1 - 3:11 pm

  My very first car, bought at 18 year olds. I still love this car despite it being written off last year. Purchased at 200,000 Km, had major issues all around. Crazy sounds from dash. Head gasket blew, never did it professionally fixed, I just didnt care at that point. Felt like it would stall when reversing, idle was so rough, had 2 tune-ups, nothing fixed it. Steering wheel was stiff, felt like power steering was blown. Alternator snapped off the engine mount. Right front end snapped with the control arm. Transmission kicked all the time. Daytime running lights only worked when they wanted to. Fog lights didnt work regardless of bulb change.

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  Last Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gregory - June 29 - 9:09 pm

  My Impala is a fun car to drive, but not a fun car to own. So far the tire monitor system has died twice after being repair or replaced (under warrenty). The remote start receiver has to be replaced. The steering shaft had to be repace because of looseness in the steering. The seat risers had to be replaced because the driver seat became loose. All of the repairs were done under warrenty but tire monitor system just died again and the warrenty ran out. This is going to be my last Chevy. Back to the Toyota, Honda, or Nissan. Dont like fixing and paying for a car at the same time.

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  Major Issue - Stay Away From The Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rob P. - June 25 - 11:05 am

  Unfortunately, I recently found out that the Chevy Cobalt utilizes an electric power steering system as opposed to a hydraulic system found on all other cars. The electric steering system has a high failure rate and the average cost for repair is $2k. I am one of those unfortunate owners and will have to sell my car because of this issue. No recall notices by GM and I dont anticipate one. After avoiding American cars for 20 years, I made the mistake of re-entering the GM/Chevy market and Im sorry I did so. Because of this, I plan on not ever purchasing another GM vehicle. Very sad.

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  So Disappointed - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By So So disappointed - June 24 - 3:57 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used, had looked up car fax info and researched mileage. Guess what Im only getting 19 mpg in the city, its a good thing I only work 5 miles away. The car has a nice build and I cant find anything else I dont like about the car. Im just disappointed in its performance. Ive had other used vehicles with a V8 that gave me 22 mpg in the city. Ive taken it back to be serviced and Im told theres nothing wrong it must be my driving habits. Ive only put about 500 miles on this vehicle.

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  Depends - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By phil n - June 21 - 10:03 am

  Bought car for $300 with 240,000 kms on a 2.2. Have changed coil pack (real pain), transmission (more real pain), water pump (another pain) and other little things. Idle is erratic. Motor is unbelievable - neither uses oil nor leaks oil. When I check the oil it is cleaner than the oil in my wifes 2001 Focus! Its totally gutless around town unless you put your foot to the floor but seems to morph into another car on the highway - itll do 85 without trying. Im not really complaining because we have air care (smog test) here and that inflates the price of any used car that passes and I was expecting to have to fix it up ua bit.

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  Not without a warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avery - June 20 - 8:48 pm

  This car I ordered and waited 6 months for it, it didnt disappoint. The power the feel best bang for your buck. However it is built kind of like a home made rocket ship, amazing performance, questionable quality. Build quality should go negative for this car

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  Blazer is Second SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazer LS - June 20 - 12:53 am

  I purchase this vehicle about six years ago, with 70,000 miles, two years ago I put in a new alternator and battery costing estimated $465. At 75k I had a tune-up,and perform regular maintenance at schedule interval. Now the door sag on driver side 1/8 inch B pilar (pins) bushing need replaced, the driver side lever for seat broke, the mileage in city not good the highway about 18-20. Always had Chevy as a second car and seem to do alright. Mostly do highway driving. Like the room and comfort. I guess I cant complain I have not yet experienced serious mechanical problems. Most cars do have normal wear and tear and that could happen on any American made cars/suv.

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  Not as good as a Toyota - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Jake - June 18 - 3:47 pm

  I bought this truck instead of a Tacoma and wish that I did not. My full size GMC Z71 was better on fuel, better comfort, and better made. I average 16.5 mpg in Va. I got 17 - 18mpg on the 5.3l V8. The truck is noisy, and the interior does not appear that it will hold up. This will be my last Colorado.