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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  Great vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Larry - July 25 - 10:08 pm

  We traded a 2000 Jeep Larado for this Trailblazer and just love it. After owning a Jeep for 5 years we noticed the Trailblazer is very soft riding. The interior is very large. I am 62 and I have plenty of head room. We just love the 2005 Trailblazer.

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  I Love My Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Corey - July 25 - 9:43 pm

  My husband went and bought me a new 2005 Chevy Malibu. We already had a 2002 model of the Malibu and I couldnt have been happier. I love Chevys and the Malibu is perfect for me and my family. I especially love the automatic start!

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  Big Family Hauler - 1999 Chevrolet Express
  By dennis - July 25 - 9:23 pm

  We bought this rascal in lieu of a Suburban and in favor of Fords one tonner. It has served us well, although the interior finish is better suited for a cheap doll house. Roadability is excellent. I am over 63" and not skinny and I can drive for hours in this vehicle without the usual leg cramps, etc. If you are tall and heavy, you understand. As I said, the interior lacks in quality, the carpet wore through 2 years ago, the reclining passenger seat now is a rocking chair, the door panels are impossible to keep attached with use. The engine is flawless as long as it is serviced regularly, it will let you know if you forget. The transmission is still under scrutiny.

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  2002 trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By michaelshane32 - July 25 - 8:14 pm

  My only complaint is a cold engine noise that quickly clears up, and a taillight recall, theyre on backorder. Could also use a larger gas tank..

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  Repair costs $2,200 for 2005 (so far) - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dave - July 25 - 7:26 pm

  This car was poorly built. This car requires new brakes every 15K miles and new rotors every 30K miles. I followed all recommendations for maintaining my vehicle per the owners manual. Once the car hit 60K miles, it started to fall apart completely. In the last two years I have had to bring my car to the mechanic for repairs eight times (thank goodness for AAA)!The cost of repairs for 2004: $1,200. The cost for repairs through 7/05 $2,200. List of items needing repairs: ignition switch(2x), ignition cylinder, manifold intake gasket, antifreeze cap, A/Cc. I will not be purchasing another Chevy, or any product built by GM,. They just couldnt discount it enough for me to take the risk!

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  2 1/2 yr review - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By JC - July 25 - 6:43 pm

  Well I bought it because of the bed conversion capability. It seemed like a good idea, but in actuality more of a hassle to convert to full bed. The bed panels are a chore to remove and store. If you plan on using the full bed a lot, then get a regular pickup! No issues with the engine, but thats where it ends. In 2.5 years Ive been to the dealer for new rotors and pads all around at 5,000 miles, steering shaft replacement, Bose radio replacement, rear window replacement, faded cladding, center mount brake light replacment, regrease steering shaft, failed rear end, and failed transmission. All fortunately covered under warranty except the tranny. I baby the thing. Ive never towed or gone off road.

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  Bad fuel economy 2004 Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By jennifer - July 25 - 3:03 pm

  This is my third Tahoe. In the past, Ive gotten about 20 mpg on my daily commute, and have been very satisfied with the performance. This new Tahoe gets 12-14 mpg! Very disappointed. Dealership has checked vehicle, nothing they can do. Fuel economy will be the top priority in my next vehicle purchase, the Tahoe wont make the cut. Cant even trade at this point because of the flood of rebates and "employee pricing" out there - Ive had it for 7 months and owe $12K more than someone can buy a NEW one for! Makes it impossible to get rid of!!

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  Super Blazer - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Eright - July 25 - 1:01 pm

  This is the second Blazer that I have owned. I found them to be reliable, and easy to maintain. I have had no major repair work, in fact other than an alternator on the other Blazer after 150,000 miles. Currently other than tires and general maintenance (oil changes, tires, wipers, there are no problems. What a super truck.

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  Happy with Cavalier - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By James OMelia - July 24 - 10:19 pm

  I purchased it new and have had no problems. This is my second Cavalier, having bought a 97 new. Great A/C and heat, pickup, reliability, and gas mileage. I like its looks too. I disagree with Consumer Reports concerning this vehicles comfort and interior design. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for cheap transportation and some degree of style.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mike lynch - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  I currently have 71,000 miles on my 2003 Trailblazer and it has performed extremely well. It is still all original, including brakes. Tires were replaced at 60,000 miles. Performance is excellent and mileage of ~17.5mpg is acceptable. I will buy another one when I get about 120,000 miles on this one