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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  I have the 6.0 MAX LS and love it! - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By opus - June 21 - 11:23 pm

  Ive only had the 6.0 for a bit over a month and love it! Got the 6.0 trailering package to tow for Moab, but fell in love with the power and comfort! The LT doesnt have the leather and heated seats, washers, etc., of the LTZ, but with a remote start, who really needs that? And for 8 grand more than I paid, I sure dont! Ride is great for a truck, better than most cars! Interior is far superior to Ford or Toyota - which I considered as well. Gas mileage is not that great. Ive been averaging around 12-14 for the past month, but my foot is a bit heavy with this new toy! And I dont do much freeway driving yet. Overall, A great vehicle for 15000 under invoice.

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  Best cars built - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By joe boxer - June 21 - 9:22 pm

  This has got to be the best car ever built. My 98 Lumina has 430,000 plus miles on it and I’ve done only routine maintenance repairs on it. The car drives like new yet, the power the 3100 v-6 makes. The passing power the ride. All are awesome yet.

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  Amazing technology for the money - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Rand - June 21 - 6:49 pm

  i have wanted an electric vehicle for several years since I installed solar panels that could offset the cost of gasoline and to reduce pollution. I looked at the leaf and even tesla(way too expensive). The other EVs keep you tethered to a charging station for out of town trips. The second gen Chevy Volt finally had the electric range plus the gas engine backup for long distance travel, I needed so I took the plunge. With the tax credit and dealer discounts my fully loaded premier with both safety/confidence packages ended up costing $26,500 before tax and license. This car has the smoothest ride and is the most fun to drive Ive ever had. It gets 55 miles on a full electric charge and should go up on warmer weather. Im also seeing almost 50 mpg on gas but havent used much yet. The safety packages are worth it and have helped miss several potential accidents. Its very comfortable in the front and Im 5 11". The back is comfortable too but tight if you are tall but we usually only have two in the car. Plugging in using the 110 power cord works for me as I dont mind the overnight charging. Using the brake paddle on the steering wheel I can drive mostly with just one pedal. The infotainment and navigation work better than I expected and the touchscreen reminds me of my iPad in how well it responds. Cargo space is decently sized for a compact car. Great design and features at a price that rivals mostly inferior competitors. The quality of the build seems above average and is great entry into the electric car market with no worries about range.

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  Why Chevy lost me as a customer - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Pete792 - June 21 - 5:11 pm

  I bought a 97 S-10 brand new, at the end of 96. It was a great looking truck, and appeared to be a decent vehicle when I test drove it. Little did I know what a lemon this piece of junk would turn out to be! Until I bought this truck I was a Chevy fan. But it didnt take long before I felt like they had taken advantage of me. I read many of the reviews, and was amazed I had identical problems with my S-10. Like the rear view mirror falling off, and the gas gauge breaking after about 3 years, and the A/C problems. Not to mention the engine repeatedly over heating and eventually burning up and had to be replaced. Pieces continue to fall off and things break regularly. Avoid this lemon!

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  Yuk - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jimbo - June 21 - 2:56 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems with wind noise coming from the rear windows. Ive taken the truck back to the dealer several times and they cant fix it. I also had 3 out of 4 speakers blow.

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  Chevy Owner - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CHEVYOWNR - June 21 - 11:36 am

  1st Chevy I ever owned. Absolutely love the sporty look, but definitely was impressed with its overall performance. Great deal for the money!

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  Econo car - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Lawrence Pemberton - June 20 - 10:57 pm

  This is the second Cavelier Ive owned. Both were bought new or near new and have exceeded my expectations for an economy car. Ive owned other economy cars, Mitsubitsi, Chevette, Honda, etc. with less than favorable results. I get 30 to 37mpg with a 5 speed manual transmission, and have driven on several vacations with no excessive driver fatigue. Ive had no mechanical problems, and generally trade after about 200,000 miles. My only negative comment is that I do get tired of shifting in city driving.

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  Wanted More Room - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By sadler19fan - June 20 - 6:46 pm

  I owned an 05 GTO but wanted an 07 Tahoe. My husband said I would not be happy since I loved the power of the Goat. Boy was he wrong! He drove it from GA to NC and said it wasnt as comfortable as his 03 Silverado. I then drove from GA to NC and I disagree with him completely. I wanted a black Tahoe but decided on white since it gets so hot in GA. I got the LT2 and added Victory Circle 20s with Pirelli tires. I get lots of looks when I drive, almost as many as I got in my reg GTO.

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  Beautiful Z28 - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kristen - June 20 - 8:02 am

  This car is the best. Great mileage for a V8 350ci. The 6-speed transmission (T56) is perfect for this car. Drives so smooth, shifts smooth. Easily handled car being RWD. Fun, fast and classic Muscle Car Chevrolet material. Love it!

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  One tough truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Ryan - June 20 - 3:46 am

  I went from a 1975 IH Scout, my first truck, to the 2500HD. So it rides like a Cadillac, to me anyway. I like the ride to be a little stiff, it makes me feel connected to the rode. For those who say it rides too rough, did you test drive it? And do you realize what this truck is intended for? Get a 1500 if you want a smooth ride. The 6.0L is very strong but I would like a little more "get up and go". The interior quality could be stepped up a little also. The turning radius is decent and stock exhaust is throaty. Definitely recommend this truck if it serves your purpose.