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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  My first Vette - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By NICK - August 6 - 4:21 pm

  Ive had 6 cars in 2 years. Tried the 09 370z fun fast garbage. Then a bmw335itturbo engine went in a month, next a Porsche boxster pure sports car, I loved the hidden midengine power and triptronic shift took it in for service a leak was found and 16.000 for a new trans never happen, Ive always loved the Corvette and the c-5 was just a really classy design so I found one tested her and bought it. I havent had a Chevy since 88 Ive stayed with Dodge and still have my durango great quality and service, Chevy hasnt changed a bit poor service they lie and heres an example, if your mechanic dont know what 275/45/18 is and you ask the service manager the same and the answer is worse, that says it all. Run!

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  Comfortable - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jabel - August 6 - 3:14 pm

  This is my first new car straight from the dealer. I wanted to get many options without shelling to much money. I have all the options with a low monthly plan. I had some trouble in the beginning like a leaking windshield, alarm kept ringing, and unbalanced. I find the car very comfortable, reliable and the sound system is quiet nice. For the price Im paying I find it satisfactory.

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  Not bad for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Dave in Canada - August 6 - 5:46 am

  We bought this car in June of this year as a commuter. We then used it for a 32 hundred mile trip through Northern Ontario where gas prices average about $1.08 a liter.($4.18 a U S gallon). Cost us $95 to drive from South of Ottawa to Thunder Bay, a distance of over 1100 miles. Had no problems on the semi Alpine grades and never got below 4th gear. Drove 10 hours a day and no back ache, most comfortable seats on the little car market and the air worked well but sucked power from the slightly too small engine. I have had Kia, Toyata, Ford and even a Russian Lada but this is the most comfortable car we have ever owned including our current Oldsmobile. 4000 miles on it in 3 weeks,love it.

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  2010 Equnior LT1 4 cyl. - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Carroll Sojourner - August 5 - 10:11 am

  EPA should be ashamed for stating est. milage SO HIGH. Ours is 4 cyl. LT2. We are very disappointed with gas mileage 0f 24 mpg, when we live in country mostly level roads, and do very little start and stopping. Have 09 Chev. Impala which easily achieves avg of 28 mpg on same roads. Vehicle needs garage door opener, and option of full power seat on passenger side.

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  Watch out for the crash engine - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By New Motor Time - August 3 - 1:39 pm

  Overall not a bad car and rates well in its class but do the maintenance. Timing belt change at 60,000 miles. If it goes, the motor can not be repaired and must be replaced. When you make the change you need (must) also to change the pulleys and water pump. It is also very tinny and dents easy. Good gas mileage but is underpowered to achieve it.

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  Best car I ever had - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Z28west - August 2 - 10:47 pm

  This one one great car. Probably the best performance bargains out there. This thing is scary fast. Turns heads and is very reliable. I love the Ttops. I am 64" and this car is even more comfy for me then my Cadillac cts. Some people complain about the interior, but I dont mind it. The only problem is this thing is hard to work on because 1/3 of the engine is covered up and everything is crammed inside. Definitely would recommend to anyone who likes style and performance at a bargain price!

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  Best for My Money - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bigbassdrum60 - August 1 - 3:25 pm

  I bought this Malibu in 2005 right off the lot new. It has never ever failed me. Great on mileage and I am averaging over 28 mpg with it. It owes me nothing. Comfortable, built well and except for the brakes, Disc in front and Drums in rear getting hard spots and will need to be turned)I have no issues with this car. Best car I bought for the money. Last year it got me through the snow when my wifes Volvo S-80 wouldnt. Great traction with the tires I am using in snow. I suggest using Bridgestone Blizack tires on this car for added snow performance.

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  Paint chipping very easily - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Sunnygirl1122 - August 1 - 3:25 pm

  Wow, I love this car! We have never owned anything that is as wonderful as our Camaro. Unfortunately, the paint is not a great quality. We have more chips on this car then we do on the 2005 Kia that we own. We have only put 1600 miles on it since February and there is paint chipping all over the doors, fenders and front end. I am very disappointed about this. We are actually going to have to have the car repainted. It would be one thing if we live out in the boondocks.. but we dont. Highway miles only. Come on Chevy help us out here. :) Love the car, hate the paint.

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  Nice Ride! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bob Dibble - August 1 - 3:50 am

  After my first initial test drive, I was hooked! Great performance from the 2.4 172 horsepower. Drove to Reno and back with 3 adults, 2 golf sets, 7 bowling balls and 2 pieces of luggage. The ride exceeded any other vehicle I owned and the gas mileage very nice. I cruised any where from 70 to 80 miles per hour with great ease and comfort. I know some complain about the breaks, however, most cars I ride in have the "squeaky" noise about them. My brakes work just fine. Oil changes are a snap and no problems so far with anything on the vehicle. I am 5,4" and this car fits me perfect. I would hope team Chevy would add a 6 cyl. In the near future. I rate it a 9 out of 10 for over all!

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  Decent Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By zippywafflehead - July 31 - 8:22 pm

  We purchased the van 5 years ago new. We have had problems with the auto sliding door, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. You can disable this feature though and use it manually. The vehicle has been extremely reliable though. We have never had any major problems with it. We have replaced the tires and brakes, but then again, we have owned the car for 5 years. The kids have enjoyed the DVD player and we have gone on long trips in it with no problem. I do wish that the second row seats had arm rests to make the ride more comfortable. The material on the seats could be a little nicer as well for the price I paid. Other than that, no real interior room complaints.