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:

• 

  Chevy has a Winner with this Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Christy - June 27 - 9:10 am

  This truck is a pleasure to drive. Versatile, comfortable on long trips and the quality is excellent. I have had zero problems, rattles or any other issues with this truck. Being a woman I like the way it sits up so you get a better view of the road. I will definetly buy another one.

• 

  Great American Car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rkt - June 27 - 8:53 am

  Very Quiet, ride is xtra good, handles like a race car, looks fantastic. Good mileage..

• 

  Think before you buy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avhhis - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I have had this car for two years and have many problems with it. It is currently in the shop right now for the 8th time and it only has 39000 miles on it. It was in the shop twice for problems with the sunroof, which is not that big of a deal. But I have had two major problems. One, the brake lines and brake fluid lines were bad. It was in the shop three times for brake issues, and the third time I took it in I had no brake fluid left in the car because of a major leak. The second problem has been with the steering. Twice I have had problems where the power steering message comes up and I lose control of the steering. If I could go back I would buy a different car.

• 

  Lots of room, thats it - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Kevin - June 27 - 4:54 am

  Love the room. That’s all. Man, this thing has been expensive to maintain. At 110,000, had to put an $800 fuel pump in it while on vacation. The ac/heat blower motor only works on high now. Mechanics say a $40.00 sensor is bad, but since it requires the removal of the dash... labor alone is $450.00. Power locks usually don’t work. Left rear window only rolls down half way. Passenger seat heater comes on and off.

• 

  Aveo Fan - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By SJediMstr - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Aveo for about a month now. I have owned 2 Ford Festivas and 1 Ford Aspire in my lifetime. The Aveo is by far the best car I have seen in this market. The overall design is great and the engine pickup is excellent(the Toyota Echo that I test drove was a dog). Steering and braking are very responsive. Call me crazy, but I traded in my PT Cruiser for this vehicle and I dont regret the decision one bit...I still have a sharp looking car, better gas milage and a lower car payment.

• 

  Fantastic little car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kevinator - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my black hatchback about a month ago, and I still look forward to driving it! Handles beautifully, love the Euro styling, and its suprisingly quick! I find myself going over the speed limit all the time! The great mileage doesnt hurt either!

• 

  Salesman Swears Off Minivans - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hiramT - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Delighted with this solid, feature- packed, versatile car. Nice pickup; great room for 4 adults; switches to office or hauler. Build quality 97% of wifes Accord, but lots more features for the money. This is the best domestic in its class, and may be a better buy for anyone looking at an import. Everyones surprised at the comfort, ride, and handling.

• 

  NICE AMERICAN - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RUDY - June 27 - 2:00 am

  FIRST NEW CAR IN 20 YEARS THATS NOT A FORD AND WE COULDNT BE HAPPIER. GOOD LOOKS,GREAT POWER,PLENTY OF FEATURES.

• 

  Great Automobile - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By HJack - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Im very pleased with my new Malibu LT. It has so much more get up & go compared to my other two Malibus I have owned. The new style has people turning their heads to check it out as I drive down the street. Being a gadget freak, for the money, I have no complaints on the interior. GM did a good job on this automobile.

• 

  Excellent Small Pickup - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Pete M - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Colorado came with the I5, auto, buckets and the ext. cab. I spend countless hours in my truck. Contrary to the pro reviews, I find nothing wrong with the interior design/materials. Compared to Japanese branded trucks, the quality difference in materials was negligible. Every part on this truck is aligned as expected and the body panels are perfectly matched and spaced. The ride is wonderful, the truck goes exactly where you point it, and doesnt wander over bumpy roads. Dodge, Toyota and Nissan trucks were nice, but not near as good. GM got it right, this is an excellent truck.