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 Car But It Has A Long Way To Go - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Detour2525 - April 20 - 12:27 am

  This car is a fun car to drive and the V-6 has a lot of power. But thats where the fun ends. In the 3 years I owned the car, I realized there is always something to fix on this car. First off, the GM build quality is horrible. The car is a pain to work on, nothing lines up. The front fenders are totally uneven with the doors and the car has never been in an accident.The glue on the seals in the trunk came undone and had numerous puddles under the rear seats.The driver seat creaks and moves a little while driving.2 pieces fell off from under the car and I do not know where they came from. Watch the weather reports b/c snow will make u stay put,dont even try to drive in the snow,waste of time.

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  Great when it works...but rarely works - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By cschroed - April 12 - 5:31 pm

  Overall we were satisfied with the Venture. Unfortunately, were on our third hub/bearing assembly at 60,000 miles. The rear heat controls fail intermittently and blast the back seats with straight hot air. The brake fluid low light comes on for no reason. Our intake manifold gasket leaks coolant, and the air conditioner stopped working this week. Its a great van when it works, but theres always something wrong with it. Unfortunately most of these issues are well known to Venture owners and dont seem to be addressed by Chevy. Most of these problems happened shortly after the warranty expired.

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  05 Equinox Review - thumbs down - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rick - April 9 - 1:20 pm

  Poor mileage but plenty of power, small gas tank, small cramped interior, emergency brake handle hits cup holder, bumps are very rough, pcv valve riveted in, front seats are small, interior has too much plastic, awkward center console, window buttons very confusing, pinch fingers on shift button

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MC - April 5 - 6:33 pm

  I am a big GM fan, but this vehicle has issues. The ignitions switch went bad at 60k miles. My 4wd selector switch has been replaced, but is already acting up again. I love the look and ride of the vehicle, but a $35k vehicle is supposed to be reliable for more than 1 year!!!!!

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  Monte Carlo Sadly No Good - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dan ryan - April 5 - 2:26 am

  ALthough very room(front seats only)and smooth styling the craftsmenship(things snapoff it)and the engine actually started on fire!!!!!!!! At best it is only a poorly crafter fancy Lumina!

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  Nice to look at - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By angela - April 4 - 7:16 pm

  I am very disappointed in this SUV, Chevrolet put cheap paint on that scratches very easily (same with my Impala). I had a Hyundai for 7 years that never scratched like these cars. I have had several minor electrically issues within 6 months of owning the SUV. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable for long trips, which is why I bought a larger vehicle. For a company that is hurting you think they would offer a better warranty on their cars. Do not buy a car that their own maker cant stand behind.

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  Huge Mistake - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By onthefly - March 30 - 11:25 pm

  I purchased my Blazer used with only 8,500 miles on it. I had no problems at all until 32K. Alternator, battery, wiper motor, Dex-Cool sludge, engine oil cooler lines started leaking. I did all the repairs except I left the oil lines for the dealer. I really had no other problems until 72K. Oil cooler line leaking again, transmission slipping, brake caliper, 4WD semi engaging on its own, high speed vibration, heater core "crappy Dex-Cool". Spent $2300 and the dealer still cant fix the 4WD problem. I have taken very good care of this car,doing tune ups and fluid changes every year. I know I hate this car.

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  My Bu - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JL - March 29 - 2:24 pm

  The quality of this car is a major step up from Chevy cars of the past. Other than being on my 3rd set of brakes, Ive had no major mechanical problems. I wouldnt have one without leather, a sunroof, and a spoiler because they really improve the look. I wish the leather seats were a little more comfortable. I have back pain during long rides. The resale on American cars is still poor. Im trading mine in soon and after 5 years it will bring 1/10 of its original sticker price. I think this car has held its value better than that because mechanically its very sound.

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  Mine is a lemon - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Santha - March 28 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2003 Chevrolet Blazer in July of 2003. My exhaust pops when it cools down, every single time you turn the car off. There is no "fix" for this problem. I am dealing with GM and the better business bureau. I am totally unhappy with GM and my Blazer. I have had the radio replaced. Terrible for blind spots.

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  chock full o trouble - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By djlotek - March 25 - 10:00 am

  in less than 15,000 miles we have had to rebuild the engine due to a seal blowing and the oil level warning lights never coming on. The transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. the Theftlock system on the ignition failed and cost us 400 bucks to replace and we jsut got nailed for 500 bucks to replace and ALTERNATOR. this car has been full of problems and very expensive to work on