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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  LT2 3.2l V6 AWD - 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  By James D. DeLude - March 6 - 9:09 pm

  I rated this model excellent for reliability but I havent owned long enough to accurately comment on the attribute. Overall the car is pretty much what I expected after driving a VW Tiguan SE 4Motion for 3 years. The motor is smooth and powerful but not really inspiring. Lots and lots of technology helps keep my mind off of the numb steering and sounds of NY salt and sand pinging off the bottom of the vehicle. Braking is adequate and a little better than I expected. Visibility is great and seats are firm and comfortable. MSRP on my model seemed high at $37k but GM made it affordable with almost $4k in lease incentives.

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  just a few tips - 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cigrman1 - March 6 - 12:34 pm

  The front windshield rear view mirror section is too big and is in the way of a complete view. What really bugs me is the accent trim on the steering wheel. If the sun is coming in the driver side window it glints of the trim just right and is blinding!!! I have to put my hand just righ to block the sun. Add on - I hate the windows that do what they want, all the way up or all the way down. When I press the window button I just want it to do what I want period. Not all the way down and then have to adjust it up to where I want it. Oh that would be nice but when you go up it goes all the way up unless you think to stop it somewhere. Pisses me off...

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  Still going strong! - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gary Cram - March 3 - 1:01 pm

  I purchased this Blazer new in 1996. I now have 275,000 miles on it. I still do not burn oil and I get 25 mpg. Ive had very few problems with it. Replaced the AC Compressor etc at about 125,000 miles. Replaced the heater core around the same time. Other than normal stuff like front end parts etc, I have not spent much money on this car at all. I use aftermarket beefy front end parts. One persistent problem is an oil leak. Ive replaced the rear main seal twice and it never seems to fix it. Its a very small leak and more of a nuisance than anything else. Ive had the 4.3L engine in an Astro Van too and it ran forever. I might keep this thing forever just to see how far it goes.

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  It has very few shortcomings for the type of car its generally classified as. - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By inprogressing - March 1 - 3:05 am

  After three months of pouring $80 of gas into a 2008 Jeep Liberty, I headed up a car hunt with a top priority on fuel efficiency. I ended up with a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, and it surprised me in so many pleasant ways. Its a very effective little car, and then some. Despite some irritating features such as on star and day running lights, the car is extremely fun to drive. It glides like an eagle, quickly and quietly. Its powerful, both mechanically and electrically, and it uses a very intelligent design. Its pretty tough and durable for its size. It looks a little less sharp than average for its size and type, but its roomy, comfortable, and reliable. I would recommend it, very highly.

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  Great American car!! - 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Eric Hayes - February 25 - 9:22 am

  Ive had my 13 Malibu LTZ for a handful of months now. Bought it used with 31k miles on it. Around 34k miles I had to replace one of the rear wheel bearings, but fortunately it was still under warranty. I do have to say I am not getting good mpg at all. I have had tanks down at 22.5mpg and as high as 27.5mpg, so nowhere near the claimed mpg. Trans d/n shift smoothly at all especially on downshift. Other than that, love the car! Great design, very comfortable, great radio with Bluetooth and XM. Better than some more expensive cars of same year. Owned a 05 Malibu Classic, gotta say, Chevy has come a long way with this car! Definite buy for the $! Better value when buy used

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  124K and still Reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Scott Sierzega - February 24 - 12:18 pm

  My 2007 Z71 Tahoe has needed minimal mechanical attention. 1st set of Brakes and Tires were at 75 to 80K miles (and I tow a Boat in summer months). At 100K I had the Rear Differential, Front Differential, Transfer Case, Transmission, and Anti Freeze fluids and Filters changed. As well as Spark Plugs, Wires and Serpentine Belt. All as preventative Maintenance. At about 110K my Driver Side Wheel Bearing replaced, and about 120K my Passenger side Wheel Bearing replaced. This truck is as beautiful as any 8-9 yr old Truck can be. This vehicle has NEVER left me stranded or been towed due to mechanical failure. My opinion, Paint and Interior have outlasted anything in its year range.

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  New Colorado X-Cab LT 4X4 w/I4 - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
  By cjbrown - February 17 - 1:35 pm

  We primarily wanted a lighter weight pickup truck that we could flat-tow behind an motorhome. The new Colorado does this in spades. To keep weight and complexity down, as well as cost, the extended cab and 4-cyl was our best choice. The 4-cyl is very smooth and quiet as long as you are not in a hurry. If you mash the pedal or like to drive fast then this is not for you. Around town it keeps up with traffic, it is not designed for towing heavy loads over mountain passes. The new build quality is outstanding, looks very euro or japanese under the hood. The ride is very smooth and its amazingly quiet. This on is a home-run.

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  Love my truck - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kp6921 - February 16 - 2:08 pm

  This truck is amazing. My family first bought it in 2007, and I am the third person within my family to own it. 14 years old, 114k on it and not many major problems. We had to replace the radiator a few years back, and I recently had to fix the rear axle seal (leaking), however thats it over 8 years of ownership. The handling of this truck is amazing, so much fun to drive around in. Great in the snow, comes with electronic shifter for 4 wheel drive, HI and LO options. Gas mileage is actually not that bad, I can get about 20 mph highway, but city is probably around 14. 2 door is more attractive than 4 door. Id recommend this truck to anyone.

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  2009 Chevy Cobalt - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kayly - February 12 - 7:45 pm

  I have been driving my cobalt for the last two years with out any significant problems. This is the first and only car I have ever had, and it has served me well. I find it to be very comfortable, even for long car rides. I especially enjoy how quick it accelerates. ) In my opinion the vehicle has held up really well against all my wear and tear.

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  Great Little Car - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By ecflagcorp - February 9 - 4:14 pm

  I love my Cruze. Its dependable, quick, and comfy. My older daily driver has a V8, so this little thing takes some getting use to, but all that goes away when you fill up the gas tank. I havent really had any problems with my car. There was one problem before I even drove it off the lot when I bought it. It was something with the Turbo Charger. You could tell it had zero power and it just didnt have any get up and go. But the dealer gave me a loaner, and delivered me my new car after it was fixed. The only other repair has been a recall, which was the water pump. Ever so often there is a little bit of a shutter when I turn off the key. My older car (86 T/A) does the same thing.