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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  rear axle - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By broke - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my suburban used with only 13400 original miles, buy the time I had reached 43000 I had to rebuild the rear end for $700.00, the brakes 600 and 1100.00 for Air Conditioning. Like a sponge, not a rock. The rear end was set up wrong by the factory. I have gotten an avg. of 14 mpg would I buy another no way.

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  rides like a bucking bronco - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By chevy owner - May 7 - 9:06 am

  I wish i hadnt purchased this truck the suspension is harsh and rides worse than a jeep and the 4 speed trans was a messed up bait and switch deal, should have made sure I was getting a 6 speed. The cargo light is linked with the interior cabin lights- not separately. The performance would be just right for a childs first car, had to get a chip and cold air induction for it to keep up with cars with 4cly motors.The heated seats are only heated in the middle not sides.Wish I kept my old 2000 model ls and done some repairs, it was a superior vehicle,rode smooth and performance was acceptable.

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  Last Chevy or GM Ill ever own - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By fedupwithchevy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Back to dealer 6 times for left rear door latch rattle. Told me they couldnt find it. Latches replaced finally, door still rattles and is pulled out of position, not lining up in frame. Window trim fell off in my hand on day one. Drivers seat squeeks. More rattles and squeeks than the 14 year old car I replaced. Chevy Email Customer Service says that district managers wont call customers, theyll only work with dealers. Cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  Over rated - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By No more domestic - May 6 - 2:00 am

  The 99 Malibu (V6) was just ok. Very plain design with minimal extras available. I had to have the brakes replaced 4 times in five years. The engine was the best thing about the car. Not one problem. Something behind the dash rattled from day one and the dealer couldnt find it. The dash was ok, but the materials used were cheap. Delco stereo was useable, but not impressive. Resale value is horrible. Its a good car for the price, but Im going back to imports.

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  EXT Northface Edition V8 Loaded! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By KnifeNut - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with every option available. Very nice vehicle overall with alot of toys to keep everyone busy. Reasonable comfort & space. Good ride on the highway & decently quiet. V8 is smooth & actually not that bad on gas. Definately a nice step up for Chevy, though they are still needing BIG improvements in quality.

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  Heading to the Honda Garage very Soon - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By huskerh8er - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this beauty a little more than a year and a half ago. Loved the van at first. Still dont mind it too much, but its starting to show the good ole American quality. @ 60,000 miles the manifold gaskets went. So, after contacting my warranty company which is belly up, (thanks, National Warranty and SmartChoice 2000) and shelling out a cool $425 to fix it, the airbag light goes off and on intermittently and now the drivers side control for the passenger window decided not to work. Goodbye GM, Hello Honda! Never again will I buy a GM vehicle!!

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  gmproductalert - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By BD - April 25 - 10:00 am

  forward sprague gear failed at 54000mi,replaced transmision,$2280 cost.manufacturer refused financial assistance.this trans is too light for the vehichleit is in.GM has been aware of this for years and continues to use it.

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  Sorry Engine - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By okiecityguy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I liked my Malibu. I was excited to get it. BUT...The first year I had it it had a computer malfunction. There have been a series of small things since. AC switch erratic, had to replace the alternator. Belt pully went bad. But now. Now the engine (V6) is shot! Losing coolant at an alarming rate. Needs intake gaskets! This car only has 77K miles! Sorry GM, Im out on your vehicles. My 98 Pontiac Montana (3.4L) is doing the same thing. Its in the shop now.

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  Low Power Poor Fuel Mileage - 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By blue1966 - April 18 - 5:00 pm

  I love this truck except for the low end power and fuel mileage.This truck has 305 hp,but it has a torque management system on it.It does not let you have any low end power.After 30 mph it runs great.Dont take any chances and pull out in front of anyone or pull a boat up a steep boat ramp,it want pull it.I only get 13 mpg it is suppose to get 17 to 23 mph.This truck only has 7500 miles on it.Really if i new about the lack of power and bad mileage i would have bought a ford.I dont appreciate gm dictating the power i use on take off.

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  Wears poorly with time. - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mpsrent - April 17 - 2:00 am

  AV is a good idea for those looking for room, ride and the benefits of a truck. Unfortunately, like most GM products, this truck doesnt age well. After two years and 36k, problems are starting to pop up on a regular basis.The truck is babied and serviced regularly, but exhaust baffles just went, steering coupler seized up, ABS sensor died etc. The good deals on new Avalanches mean huge depreciation for used units. Buyer beware, buy one to run to the grouond, not for just 3 or 4 years or epect to take a huge hit. Good for a few years or low mileage users, but I fear how long this truck will hold up.