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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  We Love This Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Stan - February 28 - 1:48 am

  Ive owned this car for about a year now and it has been great! The only thing I have had to replace is rear brakes and the front rotors probably need replacing or at least to be turned down - minor for a vehicle approaching 100,000 miles. The 3.4L provides more than adequate performance and exceptional gas mileage. I actually do get 24-32mpg. This car is extremely smooth, roomy, fun to drive, comfortable for someone who is 51" and the stereo is the best! It makes me wonder why the Consumer Review mags refuse to acknowledge a quality American-made vehicle - consumer rating for the Impala have always been above "editors" reviews. For some reason, they would rather promote Toyota, Honda, etc.

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  Whinning noise - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By mmrando8 - February 25 - 3:15 pm

  2nd trip back to dealer for whining noise under the hood. Purged the power steering lines the first time didnt work. Took it back today and they have now replaced the steering rack. Seems there are some problems. Also had whining noise coming from steering column but after reading another blog, Im guessing that noise will be gone as well. Going to get it now. Will let you know more tomorrow. Absolutely love this car though. Super fun to drive, roomy on the inside.

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  Super Ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By gozmore - February 25 - 10:16 am

  This vehicle is such a blast to own and drive, I am the second owner, 39,000 miles, 33 miles to gallon on highway, great sound system, great visibility,I get peoples attention where-ever I go, 24 miles per gallon city, hauling capacity is unbelievable, I had a custom trailer hitch added to pull a small trailer.I added the "Chevrolet" word on the front nose and on each side of the hood, the color is light gold with saddle trim, I also added power air filter system

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  Solid family truck!! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By edwardstd - February 24 - 10:52 pm

  This is a great truck and family vehicle all in one. I have owned suburbans and this allows the large quad seating area for the family when needed and then haul dirt with having to worry about destroying the interior. Mission accomplished for multi purpose vehicle. Performance is great as I tow boats and trailers regularly. 3/4 ton would have been nice at times but for the average person not needed, probably why they discontinued the option.

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  09 Cyber Gray Z-51 6speed - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By gtfldad - February 24 - 8:49 am

  What a toy! But only a toy...On the roads in the Northeast,especially after this winter, the roadways are more of an obstacle course. With Z-51 package, the ride can be jarring at times. The front airdam is way too low, but chaulk it up as an expendable item that can be replaced without big effort or bucks. I dont see reliability being an issue, as Ive spoken with numerous of owners who have lots of seat time in their Vette with very encouraging feedback. Certain cunsumer magazines arent consistant or accurate in their assessment of this car. It is fast, fun, iconic and efficient. Ive had GTOs, Cobras and a Grand Sport GSX. At age 57, I have the best of them all plus, plus plus

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  This is my second AVEO.. I love the car! - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Connie - February 24 - 8:35 am

  I bought an Aveo when they 1st came out in 2004 only problem I ever had was w/ the horn & clock dying out Chevy was aware of this flaw & fixed both for free with no hassle. I put 71,000 miles on my 2004, and loved every minute, so when I saw the new 2010 at the dealership, I fell in love & bought it. The ride is GREAT.. smooth & silky. TONS of room inside this car.. my huge boyfriend rides in complete comfort. the car handles like a dream, & the body / build feels tight. the interior is nicely styled much better equipped w/ extras, far more so than other cars in its class. better warranty too!

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  Way to go GM !!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jamie in SC - February 22 - 7:36 pm

  My 2nd Tahoe, the 05 Z71 was great at 65K miles but wanted the "new 07 styling". Its been a terrific 4 yrs and 100K miles dlr maintained, syn oil, a battery and a set of tires later and I am ready to buy another..the experience (s) has been great. A solid 40K has been towing my Porsche race rig all over the USA. I hit "tow-haul" and have watched that engine pull that big rig up the mountains of Pennsylvania etc @ 4500 RPM, on the floor in 2nd gear for miles..time after time, never missing a beat..nary a drop of oil used..truly "like a rock". I have every option, for overall comfort, fit, finish and reliability a GREAT BUY. Way to go GM, my Porsche buds cringe every time I sing your song!

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK !!! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Redman - February 22 - 5:37 pm

  A couple years ago I decided I wanted a Tahoe.When my wife and I go on weekend getaways, my mountaineer didnt seem to have enough room. Ive had many Chevy,Dodge and Plymouth vans but nothing to compare with my Tahoe!!! I have enough room,Its turning radius is great..No problems at all...

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  Absolutely Confident - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Thomas - February 22 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased my Red Malibu 2LT two years ago and could not be happier with it. I havent had a single issue with it and I feel 100% confident that it will be a very reliable car. The interior is gorgeous with the two-tone cashmere/cocoa trim and the Red Jewel paint is awesome. I have received so many complements on this car and it never gets old.I am getting great gas mileage in combined driving and my car feels completely solid. The safety features in my Malibu make me feel very secure. I am especially pleased with the small details put into this car, such as accent lights by the inside door handles. I recommend this car to anyone looking for safe, reliable, and stylish transportation.

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  WOW - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By FLADAVE - February 22 - 12:13 pm

  Well I feel like a little kid because after having many different cars over the years I finally found my favorite new toy. Quite simply put, this car is the American Dream in all its glory. Go drive one and you will understand....