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:

• 

  Nothing to trade up to. - 1994 Chevrolet Caprice
  By TDM - February 11 - 5:47 pm

  Got ours,fulylded lther seat,4.3L,at 32K frm retd couple who got it new.Safe to say its never been abused.Hwy Mpg at 32K was 30.5 obsving spd lmts,cruise,& fully loaded.Its had only 1 tuneup.Last rd trip at 140K was 29.1 mpg.If mass is #1 factor in safety this size leads the way.Comfort? One revwer said it was like drving a livingroom dn the rd.Couldnt agree more.Yet it handles superbly in all conds.The 6way seat holds the drver in grt drving posture while he compltely escapes normal drving fatigue-all day!Dependable? Weve replaced only the water pump.All sched mntnance perfmed.Eng smokefree leaks 1qt in 3K (fixable).Still rustfree.Trade?No thx. The combo is just too good-what a ride!

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By donnn - February 11 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had this car since the day I turned 16, and Ive loved every minute with it. I drive over 60 miles a day, and this car has NEVER let me down in the least bit. I have not had to repair a single thing in the 60,000 miles that Ive had it. Starts in the coldest weather, and goes through any kind of weather like a champ. Its great on gas, and Im always getting compliments on how sharp looking it is. Treat this car well, and it will run forever.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Dee - February 11 - 3:17 pm

  I have read some of the reviews and totally disagree with them. I have had my Aveo for almost three years now and has had no problem with it. Everything still works like new and nothing but the windsheild wipers have been replaced so far. The gas millage is great and doesnt cost alot to fill. I drive all over the city daily and a full tank last me almost a full 7 day week. the only problem I have with the car is adjusting to the anti-lock breaks. The car is great for a 1st car or for a college student like me. The car also has alot of room because I have moved several times with it. You can fit a stroller, laundry basket, under bed toat and bags of clothes in the trunk at 1 time. Thats a lot.

• 

  First Chevy - surprising car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cawfebug - February 11 - 12:49 pm

  In the past I have bought mostly Ford and Hondas, but was attracted to the Bu by the styling. After driving most of the competition I thought Id try the Chevy out, and was completely surprised. 15 years ago, I never bothered test driving a GM. The interior is a pleasure to be in, seats are supportive (headrest doesnt push your head forward as do many new Fords), dashboard is simple and easy to understand. The quality of materials are excellent. The 2LT is the best value, with nice "leatherette/micro fiber" seats, and the luxurious touch of wood trim, accent interior lights. Gas mileage has been right on, and if you drive 65mph its even better. The backseat and trunk have plenty of room

• 

  Nice Vehicle for the money - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tdyson - February 10 - 5:37 pm

  my 09 HHR is not bad for the money $17000.00 tax and tags out the door. Auto trans, XM radio, On Star with turn by turn direction. Drive good 500+miles to a tank of gas. My 08 Max pivk up stays park in the drive due the fun driving money saving, on gas, HHR I wont take it places were I will take my truck off road or drive it in snow its has 7000miles and no problems. If i have drove this before I got the truck, the truck would still be sitting at the dealership. the HHR is a nice car/truck for the money.

• 

  Great Car, Simple and Fun! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Shauna - February 10 - 3:55 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Chevy Aveo. I purchased this vehicle right out of college looking to save money on gas and the purchase price. I have not had any problems with the vehicle at all. I keep up on all the maintenance and just got new tires at 46,000 miles. Not a luxury car for sure but the LT is nice with leather, wood and some stainless accents...plus the AUX is nice and the 6 disc changer. Everything I needed and would definitely recommend it! p.s. I live in WI...handles unreal in the snow for the size! My first winter I was REALLY nervous but my pumpkin (burnt orange:) never let me down!

• 

  WOW! Worth the Wait - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By orange vette - February 9 - 4:29 am

  What a car. To find a different car that compares with the performance of this car would mean you would have to spend $150,000 dollars. The build quality is excellent. It is tight, no squeaks or rattles. It handles great. The acceleration is truly awesome, breath taking. This car is fun to drive. Styling turns head. Its very nice handling in town and a beast on the open road. My Vette has the NPP exhaust (dual-mode exhaust), Z51 Performance package, 6sp/man and 3LT pkg. Atomic Orange. The performance value of the Vette CANNOT be beat. Its a world class supercar. Hands down. And you will not have to spend world class price to own one. Lots of performance bang coupled with great styling. WOW

• 

  Would buy again - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By loveit - February 8 - 9:56 pm

  This is our first SUV and it has been wonderful. I would probably buy the 7 passenger now but at the time it wasnt an issue. There is a 12" height difference between my hubby and myself, we are both pretty particular about how a vehicle fits us, and we both fit comfortably. This vehicle has been very dependable, has plenty of towing capability, and lots of space for our cross country vacations with the family. We make sure the maintenance is taken care of routinely and have never had any issues with it. MPG is 16-17 city and 20-22 hwy and thats loaded down. It handles great in the snow and I feel very safe driving around my little ones.

• 

  One mean little car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Fallenmoon - February 6 - 7:01 pm

  Bought used in early 2009. Handles well, corners great, and has some serious cumption. Has heated leather seats in the front which are a nice addition in the winter. The short range fuel use leaves a bit to be desired (22mpg), The long distance fuel use is great (41mpg at highest avg. was 38mpg over 1500 miles). The Interior is Black with silver high lights. Leather heated front seats with plenty of leg room (unless your really tall). My car being a sport has as lower profile that can cause issues, namely the lower grill can pop out. But other then that Its rather sleek. Over all the car feels like it was put together rather well, Handles like a dream and looks good too boot.

• 

  200k no problems - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mike - February 6 - 1:57 pm

  I had a 2002 and put 200k on it b4 I sold it. Never had a problem other than a plugged sock in the fuel pump from dirty fuel. never rattled, squeaked. flexed. I towed the heck out of this truck and changed oil at 10k to 12k miles. after about 200k was using 1 qt in between changes. I now have a 2007 w/ 130 and its even better.