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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  Outstanding Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By sunman - September 27 - 2:00 am

  After owning both a Ford, and Dodge (the worst)truck. This Silverado is a pleasure to drive. My wife calls it the "Lexus with a bed." I had a problem early on with the 4WD warning message appearing. After GM said that they had no fix. They finally determined that it was a faulty Encoder Motor. They changed it and its been fine since. That has been my only issue. Its been very reliable. I find the interior materials much improved over former GM products. I would certainly recommend this truck to anyone. It rides and handles great. Very comfortable. 5.3L Engine has plenty of power, and yet gas mileage at 16.5/19 on average. Great for a large truck.

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  THE BEST EYT - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By unclegrizz - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Z71, both were good, but this is this best. I have everything but the leather seats and with the way I play, I didnt want it. Performance is A1, sound system A1, dual heating/air A1, cant say enough about the way the whole truck is setup. Best yet in my book!! Had one of the first ford F150 three drs and it couldnt come close to this truck. Need to pass, see ya in my dust!!

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  Love my chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dawglover - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My chevy truck performs excellently I have had no problems with it. It gets great milage for a full size truck. I get 21 miles around town, I havent gone any long distances yet. I have plenty of power to pull a trailer or boat with no problems at all. I love the lay out of the inside over the f-150 or the Dodge Ram. The chevy sits just the right height you dont have to climb into the truck like you do with the Dodge. The Chevy is more comfortable and has alot better ride than either the Ford f-150 or Dodge Ram.

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  My 2nd one of this model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - September 27 - 12:39 am

  This is my 2nd Impala. So far Ive had to pay to have the transmission fixed ($1,100.00 - Take it apart) and (3,250.21) to have it fixed. There is a thumping/popping sound when you turn the wheel. That is due to a "shaft thing". Thats another $279.99 to fix. There is also a clattering sound when you are in 2nd gear and speed up. Dont know what thats about. The transmission slips and has a hard time changing gears. I dont know why both my Impalas gave me so many problems. I mean my last one was only 1 1/2 years old and the dealer said its showing wear and tear on the engine and transmission. Come on! Its not even that old. Other than that it starts immediately and rides smooth. I dont even drive my cars rough. Ive had my Caliber longer than my Impala lasted. My Caliber is 5 months old. When my Impala was 5 months problems started.

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  Like it but... - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By DKiD - September 26 - 11:50 pm

  I love the way it handles, and the way it looks. Not too many cars look the same. The only problem I have is that I cant get even 18.5 MPG when everyone here is claiming 22--26 or so.

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  Best truck for us - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Richard - September 26 - 11:44 pm

  This vehicle is perfect for everything we do. We travel, camp, commute to work in comfort, and just ride around town. I can fit 5 grown men in the car and my girlfriend doesnt complain that its cold because she has the heated seats on. I want to take this truck everywhere.

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  Chevy HHR, all looks, - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By jhvegas - September 26 - 8:01 pm

  We were at first very excited to purchase this attractive and different vehicle. It was fun to drive and my first Chevy purchase. Shortly after, began multiple warranty problems. We have had an ac compressor go out a hub bearing replaced a shifter replaced and a huge water leak through the cowl seal. Cosmetically, the interior cant withstand even minor use without dirt showing cheap carpeting and fabrics. The railboard rubber came unglued and buckled. The paint chips easily. The radio pops, even with the upgraded Pioneer model.The third break light fried. I really like to drive the car for the exterior looks, but it isnt a reliable vehicle for a commuter who needs to use it everyday.

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  05 Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By austin kinser - September 26 - 5:06 pm

  My Cavalier is awesome! This is a very reliable great car! Plenty of power for me! Bought for 13,000

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  Not bad at all for the price - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By aveorider - September 26 - 3:59 pm

  Ive had my Aveo for about two years now. Going on 27k miles and the car responds well. The size of the car is illusory because its so small when you see it but inside its quite roomy. For the price and with the price of gas in Los Angeles, its perfect and really enjoy. The best part, Ill have it paid off within the next three months.

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  Awesome New Spark! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By ryan1233 - September 26 - 1:47 pm

  The new 2016 Chevy Spark is an awesome car for the money. You must test drive one if you are in the market for an affordable car. While driving, it feels like a much larger car than it actually is. I love the seating position, as well, sitting up nice and high and easy to see out. I purchased the 2016 Spark to replace a 2014 that I also liked very well, but the 2016 redesign is leaps and bounds better in quality and value. The Spark has great fit and finish on the interior and the powertrain works very seamlessly. I have the CVT transmission, and it works better than any Nissan CVT I have ever driven. It has imitated shift points to feel sportier when you drive more aggressively. Engine noise is low compared to other small cars I have driven. I am AVERAGING over 42 mpg for the life of the car, so far, and I do drive in the city regularly not just highway! I have never spent this little on a new car and been so very pleased. The 2016 Spark was an awesome purchase for my needs! I plan to keep this car for a long time.