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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  Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By princess - December 20 - 10:54 am

  This vehicle is not one I would recommend I have had so many problems with it. It has been in and out of the shop for 2 months now and that should not be happening with 5500 miles on it I purchased it in April...I do not suggest this car to anyone. They are garbage.

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  Back to the true sports car - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John - December 20 - 4:59 am

  I have had this car for a a little over a month, but what a great car. I only have the V-6 with the five speed. It is a very agile car that is very fun to fly through the gears. Drifting the car / burnouts very easy. The car is built solid and doesnt seem to have any problems. The seats even though they are cloth are more comfortable than my sisters Mustangs that are leather. Over all it is a sporty fun car that is a great starter car or even a easy driver.

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  Bills Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bill Kramer - December 20 - 4:10 am

  Love driving this car.Handles like a pro. I also love the automatic shift. The engine is fairly quiet and responds immediately.This 4-banger is above all my expectations. The interior design is unimaginative and looks like someones fishing car. The rear seat room is almost non-existant.I love the information panel and the radio exceeds most.Overall I would rate this car a 7.5 out of 10.

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  One problem after another - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bob Koenig - December 20 - 2:12 am

  I bought this car when it was only four years old and it didnt take long for things to start going wrong. At first I started having problems with the electrical system. I had to replace the alternator. Next,the car started over heating, I had to replace the thermostat. Then the gears started slipping and I had to get the transmission rebuilt. Then the compressor for the air conditioner stopped working, I could hardly tell, since the air was never cold in the first place. After that I had problems with the emissions control system and had to replace the E.G.R. value. The car never was the same after that it would stall if you didn’t keep your foot on the gas pedal very dangerous.

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  2003 Competition Yellow SS ,my dream car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By imarealslimladee - December 20 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw a Yellow Monte, I couldnt wait for my lease with my 2001 Red Impala to be over.I put a Yellow Monte on my desktop till I bought one. The kids thought I was alittle obsessed with it!Well they took back the Impala 7 months early! Now I have my baby! I Love driving it, 13,000 miles in 9 months. Sometimes Im amazed at how many compliments I get on my car. Its a great car:)

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  Great Ride! Finally a contender - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jay_Jay - December 20 - 2:00 am

  A great american sedan with European handling. Take a way the badges on this car and you may mistake it for an import. the fit and finish is near flawless. THe engine is silky smooth and the car drives like a dream. This has to be the best sedan overall chevrolet ever made.

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  Great SS - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jim and Pam - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive! The performance and handling is great. We have gone on long trips with it. It is very comfortable and easy to drive. We owned a 96 Impala SS and the Silverado SS is the best. It is an all weather and versatile vehicle. It is close to the GMC C3. However is has more standard features. We love it. We have been looking for a vehicle like this for a long time. Great job Chevrolet.

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  Awsome Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark Yarbrough - December 19 - 7:45 pm

  I test drove several cars, I liked the impala the best. Now having owned it for @6 months, I must say, I still love it! Nice ride, nice stereo, nice everything..

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  Adequate for the cost - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By scottwalker69 - December 19 - 7:16 pm

  I have just driven this car over 59,000 miles since my purchase about 2 1/2 years ago. I average around 38 MPG on the highway and around 30-32mpg average on each tank I have not had to take the car into the shop at all since I bought it except for routine oil changes. There is a minor squeak when the heater is turned on and some rattles in the dash, but overall, I have been satisfied with my purchase. The material is "cheap" but does the job. I drive around 100 miles per day for my commute and I have been content with the car. It has been reliable. The only reason I would not buy this car ever again is because there are some foreign cars that are more reliable.

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  Good truck between major repairs - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tim - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  Im the original owner of my 4wd ext. cab ZR2 with 100K mi as of 12/05, and the truck has been a blast to drive off road and to haul stuff with. However, there have been several major repairs that have cost much $$: Tranny at 50K mi, fuel pump, pwr window motor & switches, 6 batteries, oil leaks, two A/C units, two alternators, electrical problems, idler pulley and recently some ignition system problems. Also, at 16 MPG on the highway it is a lousy commuter. Im convinced the ABS never worked right in spite of at least 3 recalls/bulletins. The 4.3L Vortec V6 has been strong and burns no oil.