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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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Matthew - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used at 12,000 miles, now at 50,000. It has been in two fender benders (other drivers faults) and besides the repair work, has not been in a shop once. On the highway CT to NH, I get 33 miles per gallon there and back at 60 mph. Highway mileage is great, just keep the speed down. Front seats go back far (I am tall) but there is less rear leg room then the 2003 style impala. Tons of rear space when the front seats are push up. Lifetime gas mileage is about 23 mpg. Computer led display is nice, no vents have broke, my driver side floor mat wore out, and has three cigarette lighter jacks. I love the car, and plan on keeping it for years more.

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  What a great truck! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Greg Vojnovic - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This has just been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned! Super reliable, still looks good, never a problem. It drives great, almost like a car and yet it can haul big trailers with horses in it. Just a great, great truck. I LOVE our Suburban. Were buying a new one now and will miss it.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jtucker0142 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I drive this car at least an hour back and forth to work every day and it has never once broke down. I change my oil every 4000 miles and keep a clean air filter. I just hit 90,000 and going strong. my key has never once got stuck in the ignition and gas does not come gushing out when its full. Really dont understand why there are so many bad reviews.

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  Service ride - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By jimbo - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I drive an average of 1000 miles per week at 70 mph most of the time @ 24 MPG. Since I bought it there have been no running gear or A/C problems. In fact greasing the doors and oil changes every 3k is all it has seen. It runs today as well as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Wish they still made these! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By drdetroit - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the third s10 I have owned, I have had a 99,00 and the current 02. I am very partial to the 4.3 because it is very dependable and I always put 200,000 miles or more on these trucks. I do not know why people have had problems with the fuel pump, I have got 180,000 out of all of mine. I always felt the truck was a good buy with good looks for the money! I would Rather push a USA truck than drive any Toyota!

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  Will buy again - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Susan - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Impala and prior to that I had a 91 Lumina. This is the best so far although I liked the look of my 2002 Impala much better and Chevy got cheap with the interior lights and mirrors (must have been a mans idea). My check engine light is on now and my remote start wont work. Im told its a sensor in the evac system. Trying to find out what thats going to cost me. I do go through front brakes & rotors annually. I dont replace with Chevy parts and I never cut the rotors.

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  Have had very good experience - 2005 Chevrolet Classic
  By james palmerini - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problem with any break down. I have preformed all maintenance required. I have no complaints. I have to sell because I cant drive anymore due to health reasons. The vehicle has never been in an accident no mechanical problem.

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  My first Vette, worth the wait - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dave - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Im 38 and this is my first Vette. Ive loved Vettes since I saw the old C3s back in the 70s, and finally bought an 09 Coupe last year, Ive had it for almost a year now, with no problems whatsoever. Im worried about when its time to buy new tires! Yikes! $1-2K, but I love the fact that I can take this car anywhere (ritzy neighborhood, fancy restaurant, meeting new people, clients, friends) and it is immediately accepted and welcomed, usually they are impressed and jealous! And of course you always get a few looks wherever you go. I bought the LT1 because I just wanted to have a Vette, didnt need all the cool features, although it would be nice. I get about 20 mpg, not bad.

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  Great Car - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. Before purchasing I test drove a Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. This car had the best ride and had better styling than these others. Whenever I have rented another midsized car during the past year, I am anxious to get back to my Malibu. Attention was given to the small details in the Malibu that other competitors did not. The ride is smooth, and the interior is very stylish and quiet. I love the interior two tone titanium color. The black interior was too dark for me. Overall, this is a great car.

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  Fun to drive, its a gas - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Linda - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt be happier with our HHR. Great fun to drive and it looks wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone. Its the perfect "dog" car. One of our friends told us that and he was right. We have 2 rescued greyhounds and it is perfect for them. They have plenty of room with the back seats down. We did not have to give up the fuel economy for the extra room we needed. It is a perfect fit for us!