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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  Big problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dakoda - August 29 - 2:36 am

  My cobalt was purchased in March 05 for $18,500. The car has been in the shop 3 times now because it will not start. Ive had to have it towed. They have replaced 2 computers so far, but they really have no clue whats wrong. This car is a lemon. Do not buy one until the next model year. By then, Chevy will fix the problem, or be chapter 11.

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  Not A Happy Camper Today - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By raleigh - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car with 7,000 miles on it from dealer. At <30,000 had to have the rear brakes (rotors/pads) replaced ($300).The tie rods were replaced at same time (under warranty).Today, I have 36,400 miles and am having alternator replaced ($400)after putting a brand new battery in last week ($75) and also the AC switch panel which may be why your a/c is shutting off and on too)$200. 400 miles ago this would have been covered under warranty. Not today. Im not very happy with my Malibu. Oh yeah, did I mention the tires that were practically shot at 17K. am now totally convinced I should never have bought a Chevrolet

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  Thar she goes and goes and goes.... - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By GHC - August 18 - 12:35 pm

  I bought this car in January 2002 from my friendss mother-in-law who had sadly passsed on. It only had 17,000 miles and now I have over 58,000. In that time, it has had at least four alternators which I understand is a problem with this car. I am going to ask my mechanic about installing a reflector shield between the exhaust manifold and alternator. I read that solution on this website. The white paint is peeling but it was recalled for that. I touch up with Rustleoum. I really have no rust, it gets 29MPG and it is a smooth riding car. The A/C was nice before I was in an accident. I occassionly get water somehow in the car because I smell mold. I love this car. She goes and goes and goes...

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  Isnt bad, but needs improvment - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chris - August 18 - 8:00 am

  I have a black 2000 ZR2 Blazer with 53k on it now, had 24k when I bought it a little over 3 years ago. I like the looks and features, but have had a lot of the same problems others here have posted. Ball joint on passanger side went bad, seat level on passanger seat broke. Tons of rattling of panels of doors, and in the back, spare tire blocks 96% of view to the rear. Gas gauge broke, heater core went, cd player went dead, and the sun roof had to be changed out 3 times. The MPG for this SUV stinks and the power seems to be bad during the hot summer days, at least mine is like that. With all those problems, I still like the car, but would trade it in if I could.

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  Electronic nightmare - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Brooks1 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a brand new 2003 LT with all the gadgets (including DVD). It was extremely comfortable and smooth riding. However, the electronic climate control system had a problem where the A/C would go wide open no matter what temp. setting you had it on. Also, the headlights flicker on and off. After 4 trips to the GM dealership, I left it with them and got my old car back. I also have a 2001 Suburban LT which has been great. However, because of GMs lack of service and knowledge on the 2003, the next one I buy will be from another manufacturer. Warning - If you buy the 2003 with all the electronic gadgets, dont expect much support from GM.

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  Buy Japanese - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By buying Japenese - August 7 - 5:48 pm

  When I saw this car I thought I would get a lot of bang for my buck. What I got was a drain on my wallet. I have put less than 15,000 miles on this car and already replaced exhaust system, transmission sensors and the problem is still not fixed. GM reimbursed me for the exhaust system but only about 60% of the bill and the trany problems are related to the catalytic problems I had but not covered by recall. This car has started to ride very rough and goes through brakes like crazy. Car also shakes and shimmys around 55- 60mph

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  02 Silverado - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By My green Chevy - August 6 - 11:23 pm

  My Silverado has been what I expected from it. Its quiet, runs well and rides well. I have not done any heavy hauling and it has not been used for towing. It has handled the heaviest loads of stones with ease. Power is a little lacking compared to others of the day. Like everyone says, interior is a joke but it has held up OK. I do like the leg room in the back. I wanted a Tundra at the time but the rear was way too cramped. MPG is OK for a truck but needs to be much better if GM wants to survive. Truck looks SO MUCH nicer than every model since 2002. GM designers need to be canned. They are really into UGLY vehicles across their entire product line.

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  Around the west in a small truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By jeff - August 6 - 10:47 pm

  Overall a good little truck. Slightly under powered for the demands I put it through (doesnt like climbing the Rockies while fully loaded).

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  Bad on brakes, power windows and fans - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dave - August 1 - 8:33 pm

  One thing after another. Front brakes and rotors. Tire sizes hard to find, never on sale like others. Driver side window loose. Blower motor resistor just went. Back of driver seat broke earlier. CD player does not eject fully anymore. Plus, the CDs get extremely hot after a short play time. Not the best on gas either. Just my opinion. Hard to resell.

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  Unreliable - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Manny- Chula Vista - July 30 - 1:20 pm

  Im very disappointed. I just purchased my 2008 LTZ with every option, has had to be towed twice, last time left me totaly stranded, nothing would work, including OnStar. Great looks but has had a replacement alternator, battery, and now waiting for a complete new wiring harness.