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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  Love my Malibu - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Linda - September 15 - 10:43 pm

  I traded my 2004 Cadillac CTS for the Malibu LTZ. The Malibu LTZ is a better ride than the 2004 CTS. Everyone thought I was crazy to give up a Caddy for a Chevy, I made a good choice. I got a lot more for my dollars. It is fully loaded, fun to drive and a great price. It handles well and is very responsive. Gas mileage has been good. Great job Chevrolet!

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  A very sparky Spark - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Daviid Hertzig - September 15 - 8:40 pm

  Just test drive it. That will convince you!

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  Monte Carlo - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By skip - September 15 - 8:06 pm

  The car has been a dream to own. No maintance problems. Makes me wonder why anyone would buy Japanese. 31 mpg on the road overall average 26 mpg.

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  Excellent Commuter Car - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By WNY Driver - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new now have 105K miles. Had to reset air bag sensor 2x. Front brakes lasted until 100K miles & rear brakes not yet worked. This has been great no-frills reliable transportation. 5 Speed provides great gas mileage - consistent 38+ mph in the summer 32mph in the cold winter. 5 speed also allows for adequate acceleration when needed. Under load (> 2 people) need to delay shifting if youre merging onto a hwy. With rear passengers rear end tends to bottom out easily. Front room comfortable for someone up to 510 beyond that it gets cramped. Rear room gets tight for anyone over 4. Body still holding up well after 7 lovely winters.

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  Tracker # 2 Fantastic Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
  By ultrapilot - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is My second Tracker I traded my 1999 4 cyl automatic for a 2004 ZR2 fully loaded, The armrests,cruise control & V6 were needed upgrades Great Vehicle I take it everywhere. Good gas mileage for an SUV. sorry to see that GM is discontinuing the tracker Guess My nest vehicle will be a Suzuki grand vitara (same vehicle without the Bowtie)

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  Great SUV V6 engine but it works for me - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ericando - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have loved owning this car and would buy another soon but i am getting a company car through Progressive. It was pewrefect for me in my situation who worked hard construction during the day but wanted luxury at night.

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  Good Value - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Fred Red - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 7 years - hardly any problems except one bad alternator. Excellent value, huge capacity, dependable performance. One of the better cars I have owned.

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  Many Problems Too - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IHateMyBoo - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 98 Malibu used in late 01. Thought it was great at first. The brakes squeal very loudly and they dont need to be replaced. Had the coolant leak but fixed it w/ leak stopper thing. AC button is VERY annoying. And at 41,000 miles the engine blew. Very unexpected and a bad let down. Have a 2000 Malibu engine, but still having problem w/ cracks in the air plenum. Dont recommend this car anymore. And I owe more than its worth. :P

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  Sad to see the ol girl go - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Princess Pamela - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car right after college and it has seen me through the years. It has been the best! No problems other than usual wear and tear...water pump, alternator, plugs, window motor, front spoiler. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves an affordable, fun sporty car. I have decided to buy an SUV because of the nature of my job- having to transport bulky computers, etc... I would keep her til she fell apart if not. No one can believe the car is a 96...it still looks that good!

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  Getting Better - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By rdwalt2001 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Plymouth Grand Voyager prior to my Venture. Although both are about the same my plymouth got better gas miles and was more confortable in seating and overall room.