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:

• 

  A very dangerous car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cheri - December 14 - 6:31 pm

  When I bought the car I loved it. The body looked new, the inside was well maintained and it had great sound from the stereo. One day I went to unlock the driver door with my key fob, it unlocked but the door would not open. The next day I drove it and smelled some wires burning. I took it to Auto Zone and a mechanic there told me to park it before it catch on fire. He said it was a relay problem which is very dangerous. I called JDByrider and they told me to have it towed to them, I did just that. They pretty much told me I was lying about the problem and the only thing they wanted was a car payment. Not we will try and fix it or get you something else. I only had the car for seven months and still had warranty. I gave the car back over a month ago and they still have it and still want a car payment. Never again will I buy from these people and after doing a research, this 05 cobalt is a very dangerous car. The dealers know it but trying to cover it up.

• 

  Car needed a new clutch at 4 years and 40,000+ - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jane Silver - December 14 - 2:34 pm

  I have driven standard shifts for over 40 years, several cars, etc. NEVER has the clutch had to be replaced. Ever! Of course a new clutch is not under the warranty, so that is $2000 (yes $2000), and if not under warranty they wont provide you with a rental car. Thank goodness my dealer gave me a loaner. Also why is it taking 2 weeks to get a new clutch? This is very scary to me and I have to warn other owners that this DID happen - and it should not have. I have had good mileage - 30+ in town, 35+ highway.

• 

  The car the drove ME crazy - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tracy - December 13 - 8:14 am

  I bought this car had it for a few years. But to much money into trying to figure out what was wrong. Come to find out this car along with others had a tiny hole in the transmission. (transmission made of plastic) . GM knew about the problem never told the customer nor the dealers. Also they would not stand by their customer told me not their problem while the manager at the GM cried to me about all the phone calls she gets. I never want to deal with this car nor GM again.

• 

  2000 Cavalier Z24 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bob - December 12 - 7:51 pm

  This is my 4th Cavalier and 2nd Z24 the 2.4 Quad 4 is quite lively and great on gas I have been averaging 31.4 combined driving city and hi way. This car goes 75 to 80 mph on the freeway with no effort and maintains 33.8 mpg,I have been reading the complaints about the interior quality.The car isnt an Impala or a Tahoe as far as the interior noise level I find it better than average for a car in its class. I bought this car with 149000 miles it is now at 166000 I have done nothing to it but normal wear idems and repairs from former owner neglect.Parts are easy to find new or used and dont break the bank I have also owned its counterpart Sunbird/Sunfire .I highly recommend as a great 1st car or second car/ commuter .

• 

  not worth it! - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Emily - December 12 - 10:28 am

  The gas and brake pedals are super sensitive. This car also sucks on gas. Im putting $10 in every other day and im only renting the car while mine is being fixed. I would definitely not recommend this carm

• 

  Great mid-size - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Justin Kay - December 12 - 7:26 am

  The other reviews I have read are nowhere near my experience. I have owned this truck for a year and I absolutely love it. The fuel economy is tremendous and the overall value of the truck has been terrific. The MyLink is a little wonky at times, but the overall driving experience of the truck far surpasses that of the 2012 Silverado that I owned before this truck.

• 

  Great First Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Carl - December 11 - 10:27 pm

  I learned to drive on my impala and have loved it since day one. The only issues its had are power steering which seems to be common but is worth it to own a fun to drive sedan. Since ownership ive put a flowmaster exhaust after market HID headlights and other mods. It makes a pleasant noise when you accerlate. My car now has 128000 miles and has been trooper. Only complaint is antiquated trans and the engine not being tuned to full potential. 242 hp from a 3.9 seems low when 3.6 now makes 303

• 

  Awesome Tahoe - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By kolocar - December 11 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this 2002 LS (with most of the LT features) in April 2015 with 104K on the clock. Its now December 2015 and we are approaching 123K. We have driven it on at least a half dozen trips between Dallas and Chicago, Asheville-NC and Colorado Springs. With the exception of having to replace the flex fuel module, the truck has been amazing. Extremely comfortable, and with handling reflexes that would otherwise be expected of a much smaller SUV. Absolutely love the 325 CID V8 - smooth and pulls strong all the way to 6000 rpm. It uses a quart of oil about every 6,000 miles - amazing. It has hauled anything we have had to stuff into it.

• 

  Got Chevy! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By richard - December 11 - 4:13 pm

  I have a 2003 Chevy Impala which was my company car. I was able to purchase it after the lease ended. It was well maintained per company policy. It had high mileage due to my driving it for business. Because it had no real issues I felt it would be a good buy in 2006 with 72500 miles on it. I have not been disappointed. Its real value is it is paid for. Now that I am retired it is used as a second car. I put on a few thousand miles a year just doing local trips to the store etc. Hope to keep it for many more years. It is the best american car I have owned.

• 

  Just hit 30,000 miles and not a glitch. - 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
  By russrusscase@yahoo.com - December 10 - 4:07 pm

  This is my third Chevrolet product and never a problem. They really build a great truck and automobile. I was and wax regulary and it looks like the day I drove it out of the showroom. So many standard featrues and great comfort. I always service at the dealer and feel like Ive saved a ton of money and issues. Absolutley care free driving these past 3 years for me. If you find a clean, low mileage one, buy it.