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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  What we wanted - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By anotherchevy - September 11 - 9:14 pm

  Have had for about a month. Already have over 3000 miles on it. Bought for a third car to drive long distance commute to save on gas. The car is what we expected for a $9000 car. It runs, goes down the road well, is great on gas and is a tin can. Plain Jane and we like it.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mike - September 11 - 4:56 pm

  The car so far has been great. I love the exterior design. However, the interior is subpar, and the radio seems bland. Otherwise, the car runs great and looks even better.

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  Red Lemon - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kathi z - September 10 - 9:00 pm

  Nice to drive, traded Metro in for an Aveo sedan. Has been to dealer six times for warranty repairs with only 34,000 miles on it. Fuel mileage is not great. My Chevy Impala with 3.8 gets as good. Dash hard to read in daylight. The stupid chrome around shifter has sun glare off of it. In cold weather, will not shift into over drive for several miles.

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  What a truck. - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Highlander - September 10 - 7:57 pm

  Really enjoy this vehicle. The car looks stunning. Interior is nice. Fabric picks up lots of "things". Interior needs a little top mount center console like our mini vans. The exterior paint doesnt feel quite as nice as other cars Ive owned. The ride is incredible. So smooth. Power is great. Flexiblity is awesome. Easy to convert.

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  Great for $8000 - 1999 Chevrolet Astro
  By john - September 10 - 4:04 pm

  These vans are very reasonable used. Bought this van at 62K, and have 86K on it now. It has needed an alternator, power steering lines, vacum hose for hvac controls, idler arms,and a front hub. About $3K at dealer cost, I save by doing a lot of the work myself. Yes, the gauges, switches, ect. are typical GM junk, but I love this van. It is a large, tall, spacious, heavy, solid vehicle. The ride is cushy and "van like". People always comment on how huge it is inside (the middle seat taken out gives passengers in back a limo like ride) Lets not forget the AWD. This van goes in the snow unbeleivably well. These vans were designed with utility in mind, and are known to last 150-200k,(change the fluids)

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  Glad I Didnt Buy a Fit - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda - September 10 - 12:29 pm

  I did it. After months of readings reviews and comparing similar vehicles, for me the Aveo offered the most car and extras for the best price. I purchased a model that had all of the extras as a package straight from the manufacturer. For those of you caught up in the import hype, I suggest that you strongly check out this vehicle and give an American automaker a chance. I traded in my 2004 Subaru Outback and do not regret it one bit. I am hoping my Aveo will be ever the realiable vehicle that our current 2005 Chevy Silverado has been.

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  Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By N Kirk - September 9 - 8:19 am

  This has been the most dependable car I have owned. Mileage is in mid 30s on average. Even around town, I get 30 mpg. Only trouble was a gas cap that leaked air and was replaced under warranty.

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  2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By smfcpacfp - September 9 - 12:34 am

  I bought this car new, and it has been the most trouble free car that I have ever owned. I had to replace one sensor in the 46,000 miles that I have owned it. It is also extremely comfortable on long trips. My wife and I recently took it on a 4,600 mile, 3 week trip and as always, extremely reliable. It also had adequate trunk space. I couldnt possibly ask for a more relaible car.

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  Not bad - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By brian - September 8 - 11:50 pm

  I puchased this vehicle hoping for descent fuel mileage. I was a little disappointed. Power is great. It has been a reliable truck so far.

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  Blue rocket on wheels - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By great little car - September 8 - 7:31 pm

  I needed a car for travel as my job is 3hrs away. I sold my Geo with 248 thousand miles and it had great mileage. This was an inexspensive auto, and thats what I needed. After driving it for 3.5 months, I havent had any problems with it. Im very happy with the car all around. It handles very well driving through the mountains.