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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  Just got it three days ago and---- - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By nick385 - July 30 - 8:56 pm

  Im not happy with the AC, at all. If Chevy gets the AC up to where it needs to be, Ill update all ratings to "5." As it stands, Im in a city with 100+ temps that span three months in time. As I ran my sales calls, today, it was 95-101 outside. I kept shifting around in my seat to get the air to blow on me and it wasnt cool enough, to boot. The drivers side vent is just not good at getting the air onto the driver, even with the other three vents closed. In stop and go traffic, the compressor seems to kick out and the air is then even warmer. Not cool, literally or figuratively. Chevy has me scheduled for 7AM, tomorrow. Ill get a loaner. Lemon Law may be invoked. Stay tuned.

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  Buyer Beware - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By elizabethrm - July 29 - 10:23 am

  I wanted to love this car. As a prius driver for years I was so excited to have a more luxurious eco-friendly car and buy American. Win/win right? Unfortunately not. This car has stranded me 3 times because it stopped functioning in the first year and a half of ownership. Two of these times I was placed in incredibly dangerous situations. The first 2 times I was told that there was a defective part that would be replaced. The third time the dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong for days and then gave me an illogical reason for the breakdown. Its an incredibly unreliable car. Women should especially beware of their safety if they buy this car. Just waiting for the next breakdown.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By chasman123 - July 29 - 9:09 am

  Bought our 2010 new in 2009. Have been very pleased with the smooth and quiet ride. Did have to get the steering fixed due to it making noise when turning and also had the temperature controls replaced due to the paint wearing off the fan buttons. All of this was done under warranty. Overall weve been pleased with our Traverse. Now have 45,000 miles on it and it seems to be going strong.

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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By famcircus - July 29 - 8:58 am

  Recently traded our 05 Toyota Sequoia in for the 09 Chevy Tahoe very, very happy we made the change. Cant say anything bad about our previous vehicle, but the 09 Tahoe and its ride quality, power, and options are extremely solid. My wife (and I) loves everything about her Tahoe and mentions she feels safe and comfortable while driving herself and 3 kids. Chevy did and outstanding job putting this vehicle together.

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  Good "mom" car - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By mrpetrankov - July 26 - 3:38 pm

  Im 16 and i got my mothers 2004 venture about 5 months ago, when she had it she liked it very much. Overall its been a good car for me but it has bad car computer problems. We had to replace the whole computer system about 3 years ago. ($750) which wasnt worth it because about a year ago the gas gauge just stopped working which would be $500 to fix which is not worth it to us because we dont want the car anymore. But then again it has been a good car not including the computer problems.

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  From a College Commuter - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By alirios - July 25 - 3:33 pm

  I bought this car for around $3500 and it is definitely worth it. Its alright on gas. I work weekends and put 32 miles in total on that travel. Then, I put around 40 miles throughout the week and only put $17 of gas weekly. Ive had this car for some time now and the only thing wrong with it was a little ring piece for the A/C which the mechanic fixed for free during an alignment/oil change. The A/C blows nice and the size of the car is good enough to fit 5 people max. I plan on getting to the 200,000 mark from its current 128,000. Just perform general maintenance of your car and dont be and idiot and this car will treat you with respect.

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  Watch your speedometer - 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
  By k2vi - July 24 - 3:37 pm

  Best car I ever owned in 23 years of driving. Installed borla cat back exhaust , BBK cold air intake and diablo tune. Got it right around 450HP at the flywheel. The launch feels like a big block is under the hood. Chevy did a great job with the design of the engine. Its a rocket however your sure to get a few tickets if your not careful. I think im doing the speed limit and find out im cruising along at 85mph. And she only has 5100 miles on it. Forget the V6 I test drove it and the low end torque is nothing compared to the SS ...I highly recommend this car.

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By cdh907 - July 24 - 11:36 am

  I went to the dealership wanting a Traverse and left with this car instead. I love my new car and I look forward to the savings on gas milage. The eco button is awesome and the hands free calling are just a few of the things I like about this car. The leg room for the second row is awesome. I couldnt believe how much space is back there. Even though it doesnt have a third row, the space is great for me and my family of 4.

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  2013 Chevy Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By standres - July 23 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased the Chevy Volt 2013 in June 2013 and I already drove over 1500 miles and I had only put in gasoline (not premium) three times. The gasoline tank capacity is about 9.5 gallons (full). The car was making 51 miles only using the battery and about 43mpg using the gasoline alternator, so about driving 94miles with the use only 1gallon of gasoline. Smooth drive when is using the battery, a little vibrating and nose when using the gasoline alternator. The front seats are manually operated. Already from the 2012 model has not yet change in this 2013 is the lack of space for the rear passengers (legs and head).

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  Spark 2LT - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By laban - July 22 - 9:40 pm

  The Sparks main claim to fame is four doors and a real back seat. Compared to the Smart Car and Scion IQ those features leave them behind. The gas mileage is at least comparable and the sound level and ride are much better. Compared to the Fiat 500, rear seat room and access is much better in the Spark, performance is about the same. The new CVT is a great improvement over the previous 4 speed auto. So far I am very impressed.