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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  Red Rider - 2014 Chevrolet Impala Limited
  By journeyman291 - May 31 - 10:08 pm

  Only have 19k miles on it but for the money you cant beat it. Very basic trim inside but has I have had other luxury vehicles ie lincoln Mark VIII, Buick Riviera I found after years of ownership these interior gadgets and trim break. This car is built has a fleet model so it is sturdy and reliable and not complicated. I believe in the future it will be a lot more affordable when it comes time for usual repairs especially compared to higher costing cars where just their name brand demands extra premium pricing on parts and labor. I get the large car ride, large car storage, even the rear seat opens to trunk, Geez I could camp in it in a emergency! I do get 30mpg at 75mph. Im sure after 50k that will go even higher!

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  Lumina, not flashy, but reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Ken - May 31 - 4:05 pm

  I had this car for about 2 1/2 years with minimal problems. Gas mileage was good for a mid-sized car. I averaged 24- 26 mpg with mixed driving. It had 130k+ when I traded it. It had no leaks and was running fine. The car seemed very balanced and rode smoothly. I had no problems in the snow.

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  Top of the Line - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Satisified - May 31 - 6:47 am

  Our family was getting larger and much busier. We bought the Uplander and it has been the best decision that we could have made. My children love to drive in the new van due to the dvd player and they have more room. It is stylish and sporty, without the feeling of being "old". I would definetly buy it again if the chance arises.

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  Fun at a low price tag - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kris - May 30 - 10:50 pm

  This car is a fun cruise around the city and it has a whole lot of acceleration. It lacks a little in the handling but it makes up in the style and design.

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  The skinny on the Colorado - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Ryan - May 30 - 1:38 pm

  The Colorado rides like a full size and is as comfortable in every way as any truck on the market. With power everything and plenty of power in the 3.5 L 5 cyl for your everyday hauling and stop and go traffic it leaves one wondering....why didnt anyone think of the 5 cyl before? I like the lines on the body, they are simple and catch the eye with its square ends. This truck is almost exactly like the Slverado in cosmetics, and it is perfect for the anti-suv population who still want to haul the kids and the u-haul, with comparable fuel economy.

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  Super Reliable - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By AMF - May 29 - 6:13 pm

  I ordered this car in late 90. I had problems with hub bearing, starter and heater core much later in life. Changed oil every 3K with 0W-30 year round. Engine never leaked or burned any oil. Motor ran strong up to 120,000 miles when I sold it to friend. Last I heard it was still running and owner was impressed with performance. The car was driven hard at times but just kept on going. If you can find one that has been well maintained I would say it is a good bet. It was the first new car I ever owned so I felt the fluid changes were important. With high miles the motor ran like new and didnt miss a beat. Original muffler and cat converter replaced at 112K. Check oil change records!

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  I love the look and comfort - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By DLA - May 29 - 3:20 pm

  Bought my 03 Impala 04/20/06. Took it PA the next day. Ran great. Put 1300 miles on it in up and back. Great on gas.32 m/g on high way. Getting 26 m/g in the city. I have two complaints. When turning right or left at a speed between 10 to 15 miles I will feel a quick slip in the steering wheel. The dealer cant feel it. I will take it back and tell him to turn at a slower speed because you dont feel it at a faster speed. Second is that the car feels every bump. Not the smoothest ride I felt anyone else having this problem?. After cutting car off its rough to start right back up.

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  The best SUV we have ever owned - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Logan Franks - May 29 - 2:01 pm

  Our 2002 Chevy Trailblazer is just about to hit 300,000 Miles on the odometer. We have done regular maintenance every 3,000 miles. We have had only one minor issue, which was a coil pack. Everything else about this vehicle has been perfect. Ours is our daily driver and is garage kept. I tend to do around 100 miles of driving on it each day. It is an amazing truck.

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  Maxxs Review - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 05 Maxx - May 28 - 10:14 pm

  I own an 05 Malibu Maxx Hatchbox, I get fabulous gas mileage in this car. My last trip to New Orleans from Fort Worth Texas, I filled up with 15 gallons of premium gas (I fill up with premium all the time) my Malibu averaged 37.6 mpg. I saw a Mercedes commercial. If I were to buy a 50,000 e class diesel you can get 37 mpg, well let me tell you one thing ( my Malibu didnt cost me half that and Im getting more than what their 50,000 car does on mpg. Well back to what I was typing, I filled up once on my trip to N.O. and still had nearly 200 plus miles to go! This car packs the punches at the red lights and hauls (you know what) on the highway when Im being a bad boy.

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  Love it, hate all of the little problems - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By AHall - May 28 - 10:09 pm

  Bought the TrailBlazer new in March. We have ejoyed the extra room with our small little family. Also love the power the strait 6 gives us, but with that comes the terrible gas mileage! I have also had it back to the dealer 3 times now for adjustments to the doors because the wind noise is so bad. Tonight I got home and started to roll the power windows up and the driver side completely stopped working. Here is another trip I am going to have to take to the dealer. Other than all of the stupid little problems I am having to put up with, it is wonderful!