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:

• 

  Love it. - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jpeagle21 - April 14 - 3:49 pm

  Bought one of these in 07 as a program vehicle with 5000 miles. Loved it, but when gas prices went up to over $3.50 we traded in for a Saturn Vue. BIG mistake. Didnt know what we had till it was gone. My wife decided she wanted a big truck again recently. She wanted a truck, but with all the bells and whistles normally found in SUVs (heated seats, DVD, nice interior). Looked at everything out there and fell back to the Avalanche. Bought another 2007 model this year with 44,000 miles and love it, again. Will not sell again, I dont care if gas goes to $10.00 a gallon.

• 

  Nice little car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By rallen - April 13 - 8:18 pm

  I drive 115 miles round trip to work every day. I bought this car for the economy and because of the deal on it. I average 36 mpg. At 70 mph. The interior is very nice (LT). No rattles. Radio is very good. Changing the oil is easy once you get a 45 star bit and a 24meter socket for the filter. All in all a nice little car.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve - April 13 - 12:27 pm

  This 2008 LTZ is our second Tahoe. Our first was a great all around truck and this is even better. We need a versatile 4wd that can be used to haul our boat and take our kids sports teams all over Northern California. The ride is excellent, quiet, smooth and the transition to 4WD is seamless. We also own two Toyota SUVs (kids cars) and a Honda Accord. Over the years weve owned Porsches, Volvos, Mazdas and Nissans, but the Tahoe is the best overall period. On our first Tahoe we had over 100K miles and the people that now own it have 126K on it. it still looks and drives like new. Weve never had any maintenance issues with either Tahoe. On a recent trip to Salt Lake we averaged 22 mpg.

• 

  2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr 4cyl - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 2008 Malibu LT - April 13 - 9:17 am

  I bought my Malibu pre-owned with 53k,this car caught my eye with the black metallic color and tinted windows along with chrome wheels, very sleek, sharp look, this is a 4cyl, runs great! great ride so smooth, love the interior great i average around 33mpg highway design and so spacious, gas mileage is and 24-26 in town, the bright lights are amazing so bright and covers a broad area for a car, love the small details such as the accent lights, cup holders, compartments, I am 28 yrs old and was skeptical at first if i should get a smaller sportier type car but after driving this i loved it and the exterior look is so sleek and sharp,I am so pleased absolutely love it, this is a keeper.

• 

  Good car, but a pain - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malibultx06 - April 12 - 5:51 pm

  Well it does get 33 mpg, it is safe, runs great. Everyone fights to drive it the radio is good. The price was right, bought as a demo. Had a steering clunk had it fixed under warranty at 20k now at 48k having the same issue. The service notice is 06-02-32-007f. And if it hasnt happened to you just wait every Malibu owner has had the same issue and it cost $400.00 to fix and the service manger at my dealership said it last about 5k to 20k miles depending on driving habits.

• 

  Old Style Muscle Car/Modern Version - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ron - April 12 - 11:58 am

  This car rocks! Has the best overall application of modern technology packaged like the muscle cars of old. Great horsepower with the L99 engine and 6 speed auto is wonderful and smooth. Applies power as needed. Paddle shift just like the Corvette. Interior is well put together in terms of quality. Some blind spots and rear view mirror is only good straight back. Side mirrors take care of any issues and visually just like the old bubble Corvette rear fenders as you look back. Handling is great, but the Pirelli tires not good in wet conditions. Wear factor is poor. Best modern muscle car for the money over the Mustang and Dodge. Like the RS package with Black on Black ext/int.

• 

  Wiley - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Wiley - April 12 - 11:55 am

  I posted a review in November of 09 and I must admit that I thought highly of the car. In fact I loved it. That changed quickly. I was having problems with my brakes squeaking, now my steering wheel is making noises and when I make a right turn, something is scrubbing. My car has been in the shop for three weeks and I dont think they know whats wrong with it. They say they may have to replace my steering column. They call to ask was my car vibrating, I told them no, so I guess it is no. I have never had this many problems, especially with a brand new car. I will have had my car for 2 yrs. come July and Im having all these problems now, thank God its still under warranty.

• 

  Love it - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By love my Impala - April 11 - 6:45 pm

  I have 116,000.00 miles on my Impala, bought it new. Other than normal wear and tear, I have had no issues. I am actually considering buying another one for my next vehicle. I love it!

• 

  2007 Chevy Equinox LT - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By DHS - April 10 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used 6 months ago, have had no problems at all so far. The sliding rear seat is a brilliant idea that is very useful. Rear seat room is excellent. The center console mounted window switches struck me as odd at first, but I have come to love them, they offer very easy and visible access. Performance is acceptable, fuel mileage is better than I expected. My only complaints are that the transmission seems unsure of which gear to use, (5th or overdrive) and hunts between 40 and 50 mph, the sunroof whistles above 60 or so, and the front seat cushions seem a bit short. However, these issues do not negatively affect my appreciation for this vehicle.

• 

  Best Vehicle I have owned in years - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ret11b - April 9 - 9:45 am

  I have never owned an SUV until I bought this Tahoe. Had driven several but loved the body style. I bought it in 08 with 42,000 miles on it. I love this vehicle, have had no maintenance issues with it. The ride is great, the higher seating for driving is excellent and it maneuvers like a sports car. It is big enough to haul most items from Home depot or Krogers. The interior layout is great. When it comes time to buy another vehicle it will be a Tahoe.