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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  Thrilled to the Maxx! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By xboxt8er - September 15 - 12:46 am

  I will have to say I am a huge truck guy, but when I got a job in outside sales it was time to lay the truck to rest. The gas mileage on this car is great, average @ 26 mpg. The ride is very good and the 200 hp v6 is amazing. The first week I after I bought it we had to make a trip to Detroit about 1000 miles round trip. I am 61 and my father in law is 63 and we both had plenty of room in the front seats not to mention my sleepy wife and daughter in the back was very comfortable also.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John Quinn - September 14 - 11:41 pm

  Ive owned my 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 for about 8 months. Ive put approximately 12K on the odometer. Ive used it for just about everything, from normal city/hwy driving, towing my trailer, to several off road 4x4 adventures. Ive never had any problems other than the odometer stop functioning, and it was replaced free of charge by Chevy. It has handled every conditon, and drives like a Cadillac, smooth and easy. I have 305-70R16 Dunlope/Remington tires mounted on Centerline rims. I get approx. 18 mpg hwy and 15 city on good days driving the speed limit on cruise control.

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  Its another "WARBLER" - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Devildog - September 14 - 10:03 pm

  Many owners of 2016 Chevrolet Corvettes (some 2015s) are reporting on various internet sites IE: Corvette Forum. Stingray Forum, that their new Corvettes, primarily base models with automatic transmissions produce a WARBLE type noise at exactly 1500 RPM under light throttle load , as when going up a slight grade. I am one of said owners. Go to these internet sites and look up WARBLE and even view the video / audio of the issue / complaint. Currently I understand that owners are invoking the lemon law process; GM supposedly has taken back vehicle (s). Basically there is no proven correction at this time. I too have contacted GM and like many others, I was given a "case number". Its been awhile; GM has been involved deeply; taken cars back in exchange...under pretense of studying them. However; GM IS REMAINING VERY QUIET about this serious issue. WHY ? Dealing with this corporation; their possibly covert approach to this serious matter will make GM owners uncomfortable...if they care to listen. Meanwhile, my C7 Stingray, auto has had the differential changed; a improvement is noted but the "WARBLE" goes on.................. and on.....................!

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  Check the details before you buy - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By oscarcat - September 14 - 9:41 pm

  Great looks, quiet ride. However, the front cupholders wont hold a 1 liter water bottle. The seats with base interior dont recline. Beware, there is no way to unlock the passenger door from the outside if you dont have the $500 power package because there is no lock cylinder on the passenger door! This is a serious safety and convenience issue, especially if you have children.

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  Like it, dont love it - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Les Kevehazi - September 14 - 7:51 pm

  We have been happy with the vehicle. On the highway it is great, with a smooth and quiet ride. It is a little big to drive in the city daily. I would recommend it for long trips.

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  Best Chevy Car Ever Made. - 1995 Chevrolet Caprice
  By DonDao - September 14 - 4:55 pm

  I bought a 1993 9C1 caprice in 2001 and I loved it. I bought a 1995 Caprice with 110k and it has more HP, and is much more fun to drive. I had to replace the AC pump since it was out when I bought it, but it wasn’t hard to do. Any Caprice from 1991-1996 are good solid cars. They are easy to fix, parts are reasonable. The car is comfortable, reliable, and is real safe to drive. The only bad thing is MPG, interior, and its a big car. I had 3 Hondas and 3 Chevys, but the Caprice is the one I love!

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  Looking, But Nothing Comes Close. Love It - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SiasSr - September 14 - 1:39 pm

  Every now and then I get the urge to buy something smaller, more fuel efficient, and newer, but then I read all the horror stories about crappy engines, failed transmissions and nightmare dealer service and I thank God for my Suburban. Ive had this truck since 03/2001, and it has been nothing but awesome. I have fixed a couple of leaks, the door hinges, replaced radiator, and replaced the water pump in nearly 6 years. Reliable, strong, and comfortable are trademarks of this truck. MPG isnt great, but who buys a Suburban for MPG. Drop your foot and hold on. You cant kill this truck. I love it.

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  Solid Car, Great Price! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mike - September 14 - 10:16 am

  This car is built very solidly, much better than the Malibu it replaces. Nice touches in the center console and the power adjustable pedals and the telescoping steering wheel are nice features on a car in this price range. Good power from the 200 horse V6, seemless shifting automatic, and commendable handling. Biggest drawback is the cloth interior, which is comfortable, but cheap looking. Like most GM products, I got a big discount, and a sweet lease deal of under $200/mo. for a nicely equipped model.

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  Way better than my HONDA - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Vicki12 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  After having so MANY PROBLEMS with my 2001 HONDA CIVIC, this is way better. It doesnt break down like the civic. The sales people were nicer and not so arrogant.

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  SAtisfied - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By xxxxxx - September 14 - 10:00 am

  13000 miles, no problems, very comfortable with lots of power. Nice ride. tows a 8,000 lb boat without any problems. 18.5 mpg is better than my last Durango, but not by much.