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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  Trans. and rearend out at 72,000 miles - 2001 Chevrolet Astro
  By mmfan56 - April 17 - 6:25 pm

  This is the second Astro we have owned, the other being a 1993 we sold at 170,000 miles with little problems motor mounts,elec. wondows, etc. This van has been babied since we had it, but I tow a small trailer occasionally, with heavy loads. The trans never seemed to shift quite right, but Chevy dealer always said okay. Recently, noticed the rear starting to sing, especially, at 40 mph, off gas. Oil leakage around pinion seal, 1 pint low. Took to Aamco, bad rear and trans being repaired as I write this.

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  Car Stinks - 2005 Chevrolet Classic
  By Karrie - April 17 - 4:54 pm

  This car stinks! We have owned this car about 9 months and it has been a nightmare. It has been at the dealership for repairs about 13 times in 9 months. The intermediate shaft has been replaced or repaired 4 times. The gas mileage stinks. We are lucky to get 15-17 MPG. The calipers, rotors and pads had to be replaced at 10,000 miles. The sunvisor clip has broken several times. On trips the car is very comfortable and roomy but overall I would not reccommend it to anyone.

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  Not Like my 1980 Chevy Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill - April 15 - 10:05 pm

  Driving and handling were no problem - excellent as a matter of fact in acceleration, braking and handling curves. Gas mileage was better in my 1980 Chevy than the 1998 one. A/C switch was the first item to go, then the blower switch. Radio reception lasted about 3yrs. Went through at least 4 or 5 brake changes and recently have been taking on water in the trunk when it rains. When driving I feel cramped in (Im only 58") - why cant Chevy make the Malibu like they use to???? My 1980 Malibu lasted for 20 years - great car!

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  Watch Out for Safety Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Stout - April 15 - 5:16 am

  I have had this vehicle in the shop 10 times in last year. Rear hatch leaked and took two trips to repair. Front seat broke due to faulty seat metal. Now the steering has major issues that Chevy says their aware of but cant fixed. Mine locked up from stop position with wheels turned to right. During right turns your drivers side front end sounds like it is coming out the hood and floor board. Steering makes terrible sounds while turning. Braking at 50 mph and above the vehicle front end shakes violently. I have paper from GM service that brakes are OK. Dont by this car used. It is unsafe.

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  Major Dissapointment - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jwarren - April 14 - 9:10 pm

  Bought the Silverado new in June of 06. Since then, I had a leaky radiator hose, replaced the whole front differential, a transmission leak, numerous steering problems, brake lights went out twice and a few other minor problems. Very dissapointed in this truck. My first new truck and it is nothing but a constant problem. It is in the shop now for a moaning noise in the 4x4 when turning. I am looking at an 08 Tundra or Sierra to replace this mess of a truck. Great power from the engine and ride is great. Gas mileage is okay with about 12 city and up to 17-18 highway.

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  No More Bowties For Me - 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ed - April 9 - 7:24 am

  2017 Midnight Z71. Like the truck, hate the Chevy Dealer who sold it. Brand new, trans surges & downshifts too hard. Dealer lied & said Chevy didnt know anything about it. Nothing they could do. Different Chevy dealer knew all about it, had a TSB on it already. 6 speed trans problems. Tried to tow my Vette & felt like the trans was coming thru the floor. Beware. Lifetime bowtie guy, next truck will be an F-150.

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  Last Chevrolet - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DonMac - April 7 - 2:00 am

  within the first year, weather molding on all four doors fell off. Dealer wound up gluing on to make it stay. They said it was a poor design. Climate control went out and had to be replaced. Driver front window regulator had to be repaired twice. Fuel guage quit and sending unit had to be replaced. Emergency brake cable broke and had to be replaced. You have to move front seats forward in order to lower rear seats. Problem when you have long legs.

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  Good In The Snow - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J.Meckley - April 6 - 2:13 pm

  The Blazer is a great small SUV if you need a 4x4, however it leaves a lot to be desired in the suspension department. Power is sufficient but not excessive. The ride is harsh at best and any road inperfections are amplified throught the vast amount of interior plastic trim. It had been a reliable car besides some electrical gremlins that are there one day and not the next. A great looking, offroad capable SUV that could have used some major refining in the suspension, and interior materials department.

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  2003 Chevy Malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DMS - April 5 - 12:15 pm

  Replaced front brakes and rotors at 6900 milles, again at 30,000 and again at 48,000 including replacing wheel bearings and calipers to the tune of $1200. No, I do not ride the brake! I have been told by several people that GM knows they are installing junk and the only way not to be replacing the brakes and rotors all the time is to replace the wheel bearings to correct the problem. GM should step up. Considering the size and price of the vechile, besides the brake issue, it has been dependable transportation. Mine is a basic model so it lacks in the comfort department.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By "BUYER BEWARE" - March 31 - 10:06 am

  I bought this Chevy used. I knew the risk but car looked great, low miles and great used price. Did not buy an extended warranty because the car only had 28,000 miles and was in excellent condition. Three months and two car payments later the trnasmission falls apart on a car with 31,000 miles. Unlike many of its competitors, Chevy does not offer a 5 year warranty on the power train of the Trailblazer. Wonder why? Chevy knows this should not have happened but we still had to pay big. (Chevy did split the price with us). This car is junk. Do not buy! If you have to have it, buy a very good extended warranty.