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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  Horrible - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By altalbor - April 28 - 10:36 am

  I bought my Equinox just two months ago. I have a horrible experience with it so far. Just after two months (3000km) loud noise appeared in drive side front wheel bearing. Its high pitched humming noise, very loud and unbearable after just cuple minutes of driving. Even more frustrating was dealing with GM warranty service. They didt have bearing assembly to replace, it had to be ordered and Im still awaiting for it (3 weeks passed already). GM doesnt provide replacement car and I have to drive Equinox with faulty bearing. It is become a torture - noise getting more and more unbearable. I had to cancel my travel plans, limit my driving to minimum. Fuel consumption is very high - horrible

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  Impala a decent car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Woggy - April 28 - 9:50 am

  While it isnt the Impala of the 60s the 2004 Impala is still a pretty decent car. Solid build structure (withstood a concrete truck backing into front end very well). Fuel economy is not excellent but good for a car this size. No major component breakdowns yet. Just quite a few more minor annoyances. Brake part frequent servicing,a number of worrying, but so far harmless, noises of varying types. Comfortable to drive, reasonable quite ride, good handling. Has been a 7.5 out of 10 on overall satisfaction. Lots of trunk space, especially with fold down rear seats. Standard stereo not outstanding but more than adequate. Exterior finish good to very good. Horn stinks, intend to replace it.

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  The 49 Subur.. Um HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By RetroKid - April 28 - 9:50 am

  Overall the HHR is a great car to own. It is fun to drive and own. The gas mileage is better then the PT Cruiser (which I also own), and the features are great for a car in its price range. The instrument panel is designed well except for the almost out of reach window buttons. The interior room is solid for the front, Im a big man and I fit perfectly into the car, but legroom is a little tight in the rear. I would have liked to see more entertainment and other convenience features available for the LT models at least. Again overall its more fun to drive then the PT and is very stylish while maintaining a retro look.

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  Good Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By scheurin - April 28 - 12:31 am

  Since our purchase of the 07 burb early this year we are more than satisfied. The Suburban has lots of space, a smooth ride and a really good looking dash. Fuel mileage is great even topping the advertized 15 city and 20 highway. Parking brakes were not set up correctly - they had to be fixed. Bulb changes are a horror. These issues are minor. There were no rattles so far and we love to feel safe in this vehicle.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Edunn3202006 - April 27 - 4:31 pm

  I needed a car that was fuel efficient, low maintenance, and most importantly, reliable. After almost 2 years of ownership my Prizm has proven to be all three things! I was initially a little concerned because the mileage was a little high when I bought it (100k), but Im at 114K and can say Ive never experienced any problems with this car. It is a great value for the money.

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  SoCal Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By TRG - April 27 - 12:11 pm

  This is my first domestic vehicle. This truck has wonderful fit and finish, and has appoinments similar to those you mind find in European cars. The power is impressive, though it seems a bit sluggish from a stoplight or in a passing lane. The poor MPG is well documented. I drove it from LA to Monteray (roughly 400 miles) at 75 with the cruise control...and still only averaged 14mpg. All of the luxury features are nice, and made well. Bluetooth is a feature this vehicle is missing, and GM has no real excuse for not equipping it on a $50+ truck.

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  disappointed - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sweetpea - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1997 2-door cavalier & bought a blue LS sport coupe 2003 cavi about 2 mths ago. I have had it in the shop already for this cracking noise in the front. It ended up being a recall part (something that they "forgot" to put in). My part has yet to come in (2 weeks now). Then 3 days ago I noticed that my fuel gage is acting up. It is tellimg me that I have 3/4 a tank of gas. I know that I should have under a 1/2 (went 185 miles since last filled). So its going back again. Everytime I drive that car I get bounced around. I know it is a sports model but when I hit a bump in the road forget it. One last thing-it is TERRIBLE in the snow.

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  Best Chevy SUV Ever - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ben I - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for a year now. Not much mileage yet, but I took it for a couple long trips. Very smooth drive, with lots of power. No problems at all in the snow. Every thing seems to be in the perfect place in the driver seat. Great looking car, elegant with a touch of muscle. Noticed some vibrating /thumping on the brake pedal when braking on bumpy roads. And a loud fan noise sometimes when I start the car, but goes away as I drive away. Other than that Chevy Trailblazer is #1. Wouldn’t want to drive anything else.

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  Good SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tom50 - April 27 - 7:23 am

  Traded in a 2004 Nissan Xterra for the 2007 Equinox. The Equinox has much more interior room both in the front and rear seat and being over 6 foot tall I was surprised by the rear seat leg room. The ride is smooth and comfortable and compares favorably to my Nissan Altima. The gas mileage has been as advertised. It has so much more get up and go compared to the Xterra.

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  Why I did not buy - 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Eric Smith - April 26 - 9:05 pm

  I bought a ram 2500 because Chevy/gmc dropped powertrain warranty from 100,000 to 60,000 (to save the consumer money). If General Motors doesnt stand behind there product than neither can I. Mind you this was the first truck I have had that was not a Chevy or gmc.