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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  Cant Recommend.. engine died @ 1,400 miles - 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mark Dyviniak - October 22 - 11:08 am

  Bought a new 2018 Equinox as my wife very much liked her 2010 Equinox (even though we had a TON of engine issues with the vehicle). Being a loyal GM customer (at the time of decision), went ahead and purchased a new 2018 Equinox. Decided to keep our 2010 Equinox for our college-bound daughter. Regarding the 2018 Equinox purchase decision, since the vehicle had been completely redesigned, we figured the engine issues on the vehicle had been fixed. Well, no! With only 1,400 miles on it, the car died as we were on the highway driving to a family reunion. Once the vehicle was examined by the dealership, they informed that it needed a new engine (under warranty, of course). Couldnt believe it. That was the first of two factors that turned our GM loyalty upside down. The second factor was one month later.. the engine died on our 2010 Equinox. Now, that vehicle only had 45K miles on it - but because of the age, GM advised we would have to pay 80% of the $7,500 engine replacement cost. Shocked, challenged the decision all the way up the GM chain. Pointed them to our GM loyalty, as we had 3 Chevys in our garage and weve purchased 3 new Chevys from GM dealerships in the past 8 years (model years 2010, 2015, 2018). GM didnt care. As such, determined that were done with GM. Just cannot remain loyal to a company that is not producing a quality product (no car should need a new engine @ 45K miles) and, when an issue arises, they dont stand behind their product. Loyalty is earned. GM doesnt seem to get that. In the meantime, with our experience, cannot recommend the 2018 Equinox to anyone.

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  My truck and I - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By Barry Steevens - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 6000 miles. My S- 10 is a good truck for about town and light work. Runs great on the highway. Rides like a little truck . Is best if one places 100 lbs. in the box. Seat is the weak spot. Not very comfortable. Back relly hurts after a 400 mile trip. Motor has this peculiar vibration and vibrates at the stop light while in drive. Chevy garage in has no idea what the cause is. Drove it that way for 60000.Runs smooth on the road. Does not do snow.Best to put 100-200 lbs in the box.Love the extended cab.

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  Very Unreliable - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Todd P. - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought w/ 50,000 miles from private seller and had all maintenance records from the dealership where purchased. At 73,000 miles had intake replaced by dealer and at 75,000 had to have engine replaced. During this time have had to replace ALL automatic door locks, rear light, emissions sensor, and rear door catch. This has been a money pit since purchased. I love the room but the quality is awful. Chevrolet and the dealership refused to help on the engine even after a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am trading for a Toyota tomorrow and will never own a GM product again. Good luck to anyone who purchases one of these vehicles.

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  not bad - 2001 Chevrolet Metro
  By array - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i got this car for 3000.00 not to bad for a 2001. the only thing that has gone out on the car is the camshaft sensor, other then that the car has been pretty reliable. it shakes when you go over 60 though but it takes corners good and it fits almost anywhere. so all in all its a good little car.

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  Work of art! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Brenda - October 21 - 1:40 am

  Chevy has out done themselves with this vehicle.The 2007 Tahoe is a work of art. The smooth ride and comfort are beyond my expectations. My previous BMW X5 doesnt compare. I look forward to driving this vehicle every day!

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  not bad - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By anonymous - October 20 - 6:33 pm

  I have had this car for 4 days and the the steering shaft has already gone bad, but other than that I really love this car. Not much room in the back, but the kids love it the back seats adjust. couldnt ask for a better car...

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  Bought Tahoe again - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Johnny P. S.E Texas - October 20 - 10:00 am

  My first Tahoe had to go to the shop one time in 2 1/2 years (battery replacement)Liked it so well, I traded my black one for a white one and upgraded to the LT. Rides and handles better than my 2001 and much better than the Expedition. Has more power than the Fords.

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  Still Going strong - 1990 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Shawn Deans - October 20 - 2:00 am

  First car had 128k when purchased. Thought it was horrible because of the paint but it ran perfect. Drove it for 2 years and now have 149k miles. It still runs perfect. Headliner has fallen, seats are harsh on lower back after a couple hours. Replaced R-12 refrigerant with R-134 for A/C. Replaced rear shocks because of excessive bounce solved the problem. Nothing doesnt work!

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  My Worst Nightmare - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Spikez0740 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  After trading in my Grand Am for this this car I realized a mistake I had made. Bought with 71,000 miles it was a steal for $5000. 10k later I spent 1/2 that to replace control arms, a new tranny, ball joints and bushings. The problems just kept going downhill, misc. repairs such as power window motor, sunroof motor, a/c sompressor and some electrical work for the headlights. after all that i would be a fool to get rid of it. Now with 138,000 it needs a new exhaust and thats about it.

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  Best AWD model - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Sabino - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Van drivability is extremely well durring the winter, thanks to the active AWD. The gas milage is also better than my former van, Mazda MPV. Ride is smooth and engine comes to life when entering highway speeds.