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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  Tire Chains Not Allowed - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By BRYCE W KOPPER - December 21 - 7:51 pm

  We love our 2009 Traverse but if you dont live in the mountains where chains are sometimes required you dont realize the problem you will encounter. Tire chains will not work on the Traverse which could pose quite a problem if you want to go skiing and youre not allowed to go up the mountain because the stupid vehicle was built so you cant use chains. What does GM expect? To be pulled up the mountain by a team of donkeys? Im sorely disappointed with this flaw.

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  Lotta issues but I still love it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By xray25 - December 21 - 5:59 pm

  This Blazer ZR2 was my first SUV, I loved it at first and still enjoy driving it, I just wish it was more reliable. I bought the truck with 111,000 and have put 63,000 on it. Trying to count the times it has left me out in the cold...I think at least 4 times. This truck has many issues. A rust hole I can stick my fist through, the gas gauge, CD player, seat handles, have never worked. I have replaced the catalytic converter, wheel bearings, intake gasket, PCV valve, alternator, radiator....the distributor corrodes so I must replace it every 6 months. More rattles than you can count on both feet....but a great backup vehicle nonetheless. Hate to sell it, Love me Blazer!

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  Love my Monte Carlo - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Edward Calado - December 21 - 5:53 pm

  I love the full-size feel of the Monte Carlo. It feels very substantial and is a great cruising car. Handling is good for a car of this size, and gas mileage is actually quite good for a 3.8L V6 engine. I also love the roominess of the interior. I get a lot of compliments about my Monte Carlo. I highly recommend this vehicle for its sporty performance, outstanding styling, aerodynamic design, large interior, and decent handling. The trunk is very spacious as well as the rear seat.

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  reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pb - December 21 - 4:28 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years and Im sitting at 200000 miles and no major repairs yet. I wish all chevys were this reliable.

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  Excellent work truck - 2000 Chevrolet Express
  By Don P - December 21 - 2:57 pm

  The Express cargo van is an excellent choice for the small contractor-repairman. Our truck runs 30,000 miles a year with nothing but routine maintenance, even after 10 years in service. The 5.7 V8 runs flawlessly, and effortlessly carries whatever load we have put on it.

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  I still love it every day - 1991 Chevrolet Astro
  By marzon - December 21 - 1:07 pm

  Bought it as replacement for my 1989 pajero, wanted more high and space, never had regrets what so ever. I drive the astro every day, sun or snow. It does it very very well. Its proven very reliable, in almost a year just a service and an alternator. I service it myself, which is not so hard to do as long as you got a set of tools and means of getting access underneath (I put it on ramps) one of the other reviewers here says its impossible to change te plugs... Well I have to seriously disagree on that! Use a pipe type spanner and a screw driver and its done in a couple of minutes. My astro has a high roof fitted, still makes the 16 mpg, powerful engine and it hauls great

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Rae - December 21 - 10:28 am

  I bought this car in 2002 and have about 97,000 miles on it. I just had to replace the fuel pump ($600), replaced the brake pads, and have put new tires on the car. Other than that, regular oil changes and the car drives wonderfully. It may not be the fanciest car around, but for someone on a budget, it is perfect.

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  Love My Burb!! - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JD - December 21 - 8:10 am

  I bought this truck in 1996 w/ 38000 miles on it. It was very well maintained and has been a wonderful vehicle. It has been the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned, just change tires, brakes, oil and it will seemingly go on forever,(I did have the transmission rebuilt at 150k). I actually considered trading it in during the Cash 4 Clunkers promotion but couldnt bring myself to do it. It has been paid for for 11 years and still runs strong and looks great. Never replaced a headlight or taillight bulb. Yes the mileage is not the greatest but it is comfortable, dependable and bulletproof and I intend to keep it till it dies but then I have been saying that for several years :)

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mwraith - December 20 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this suv with 45000 miles and the only problem was the radio lights went out covered by extended warr After adding a k&n filter i get around 19 mpg in town very strong engine for a 6 cly great family car and great for traveling so far no problems and have made two trips from north carolina to arizona and still quiet and fun to drive. a good buy for todays cars and with all cars having problem this one is a great buy for the money

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  Last Chevy I Will Ever Buy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By bernard - December 20 - 2:15 am

  Speedometer went out at 66,000 miles ($379.93). Light went out on climate control, have to replace whole unit ($336.60). Sometimes windshield wipers don`t work at all. Or wont shut off. Service Traction System light comes on occasionally, then does upon restarting. It seems to me that there is some kind of electrical issue with these cars, as many people experience the same problems.