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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  Very good car in a dull package. - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By paul_jacob - October 7 - 9:18 am

  I got this car out of necessity for a reliable, practical, and efficient car. It fits this build very well. The Maxx draws only a few looks from its exterior, but to some, it is a rather good looking car (remember, were not shopping for a coupe here). The interior is a bit bland, although everything is easy to use and functional. Interior quality will rival most competitors and is a big step up from the previous generation. Front seats are very comfortable although a bit flat, and rear leg room will beat much larger cars. Im getting 30 mpg with about 80/20 highway/city. Driver feedback is minimal and leaves a lot to be desired. The 5 speed transmission is very good.

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  Chevy Malibu is a must have! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mrs_mcgraw2004 - October 6 - 5:32 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Chevy Malibu early 2005 and it has been the best purchase ever! I love everything the car has to offer from electric start to super fast acceleration. I would definitely buy another one in the future. Oh yeah, And the XM satellite radio factory installed is excellent.

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  Good Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michelle Tyerman - October 6 - 4:54 pm

  Totally amazed with Aveos power, styling and comfort considering it’s an economy car, and very inexpensive. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone thinking of buying an economy vehicle. Once you master how to utilize the hold button on the automatic which I purchased, this car is awesome.

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  AK - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By ak - October 6 - 10:47 am

  When I first looked at it and drove it at the dealership I thought it would be perfect for my first car. Then I took it home and started driving it and find that my fuel guage doesnt work, I have a computer problem, and my sway bar is going out!

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  $60,000 Suburban with cracked dash - 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ollie striby - October 6 - 2:58 am

  I bought this SUV new in 2013 even though it was a 2012 for $60,000. I got a standard 3 year warranty from the dealership, Bob Steele Chevolet. Within a few months of warranty expiring my dash cracked in 2 places. Over the instrument panel and most seriously beside my airbag. Chevrolet company just said it was not a safety issue and could help cause I was out of warranty. NO WONDER THEY ONLY OFFER A 3 YEAR WARRANTY! The dealership tried to be sympathetic and said they would see what they could do but it wasnt their problem, they had MANY customers with the same problem! I find it hard to believe that THOUSANDS of buyers with the same problem can be wrong. There is even a Facebook page for Chevrolet Boken Dashes! Dont think because you pay a great deal of money for a SUV its going to be better than the cheaper one, or the company will treat you better. My family has always owned chevys, now because of their indifference to customers and REAL problems with their vehicles, my future cars will be imports! Dont buy ANY Chevrolet without checking online about defects they refuse to fix or even recognize. This is a problem with many models over many years! Sad when a company puts money over safety!

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  03 Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By David Fox - October 5 - 6:47 pm

  I have consistantly had 30 to 33 highway mpg with the 3800 engine from 88 and 01 Bonnevilles to this 03 Impala. 25 to 27 mpg in town. Encountered no mechanical repairs. Oil changed each 3000 miles.

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  not that bad - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ryan - October 5 - 8:07 am

  We have had a lot of little things go wrong with the Blazer, but overall we have been pleased. The side mirrors shake a lot on the highway. The fuel consumption is heavy. It is a fun ride though.

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  No complaints - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dennis - October 5 - 4:33 am

  For the money (with rebate = $11,700 with a rear spoiler the only option), I am very happy with this car. Im getting 34 mpg, and I have enough acceleration when I need it. Im getting too old to drive crazy, so this car is fine. Its got a solid ride for a coupe and looks great. The onboard trip computer is awesome too. For the money, you cant go wrong on this car. Id have preferred going with a Civic or Corolla, but take the nameplate off this Chevy and you wouldnt be able to tell the difference. And this car looks better to boot.

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  Aveo = Affordability, Economy. - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Spikeymikey - October 4 - 11:54 am

  Not a great looking ride, nothing to show off or be proud of. But if you want a new car with payments that are easy to make, great gas mileage, and not a fortune to insure, this car is great. No complaints

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  Str8ups - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Str8ups - October 4 - 11:44 am

  This car to date is a smooth ride, comfortable, sleek, and a good buy. It is a car that many are asking about. My last car was a Cavalier. The Cavalier is a good car as well. I had it 10 years and it is still in good working order. I hope the testament of the Cavalier is a indicator of what to expect of the Malibu.