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:

• 

  MY AMERICAN FERRARI.... - 2013 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sandy Mandel - July 10 - 9:11 pm

  ...THAT JUST HAPPENS TO HAVE A KENTUCKIAN ACCENT. Actually, its more technically a bargain basement Mercedes AMG SL_, what with all the German parts in it. After putting over 30K miles on Mr. Z so far, the only thing that Id recommend to anyone who gets one is to GET RID OF THE OE GOODYEARS. I switched over to Michelin Sport Pilots and they completely transformed the car. With these tires, most all of the handling and squirrelly handling and tramming nearly completely disappeared. 90+ mph in the pouring rain is confidence inspiring with this car on the Michelins. And half the noise. This car has been extremely reliable, very inexpensive to own (except for the tire replacement) and a pure joy to drive. Ok, the interior may not be the best, but, I dont think its nearly as bad as others might say. The styling is like that of a 430 F1 from the front. And good enough to admire with a glass of (your beverage choice) in your hand as you sip and admire its great styling. Its very comfortable in ride (with the Michelins). Much like a stiffly sprung Caddy. Even the gas mileage is great. I get 380-420 miles range on a tank. And the best part of buying the 2013 is the 7 years of upgrades and updates from the 2006/7 cars. The transmission, once warmed up, shifts with the flip of the fingers (except for 6th, which requires a bit more effort). The only hiccup has been very occasionally, I might get out of the car after running then get back in and the keyless ignition might not allow the car to start. But, just push the bottom of the START rocker switch to go into ACCESS then press the top to start and it fires right up. Doesnt happen often and its pretty random. But, at least theres a work around. I did have 3 niggles during the warranty period. Sticky ECO pod switch, HOUR button stopped working on the infotainment module and a distorted trim piece on the door/window bottom. All replaced under warranty. Otherwise, no other issues. I figure 30Kmi is a pretty good shake down period and a good indication of reliability. So far, so good! Love this car! If you want a bona fide 200 mph car for well under $100K, this is your only choice. When it comes to hot rodding, in this case, the factory did it best! The only real upgrades of any value? TIRES!!!

• 

  2005, and only the strong survive. - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By dan klee - July 9 - 8:48 am

  My 2005 Chev uplander has 180k, still runs Great, only ever have done regular maintainence and replacement stuff(rotors,pads,tires). Terrific.

• 

  Sparky is a great little car! - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By Greg Acker - July 8 - 6:50 pm

  Very comfy for a small car, doesnt feel tiny on the inside. Acceleration is a little slow but cruises happily at 75+. Getting almost 40 mpg overall. I like the my link system, works with my phone and the navigation app. Id recommend getting an LT1 over the LS, I looked at both and the extra features are worth it. Im commuting 32 miles each way and Im very pleased so far. Front seats are very good for a cheap car. The back seat has a surprising amount of room but the folding seats are pretty hard. Overall a very good value for the price. You should be happy as long as you realize this isnt a Cadillac when you get it.

• 

  On the cusp of 300,000... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dansker1 - July 8 - 6:56 am

  ... pleasurable miles of driving:+)}}} This is my second review on this vehicle, did one in 2014.............just took in for 295,000 check up, all I can say it is amazing. Had oil gasket replaced three months ago for the first time, burns virtually no oil (most driving is highway). Has plenty of pep, but needs new shocks...........my chevy mechanics have asked me if I will sell this vehicle to them, after I am done with it! Minimal replacement of parts, had new ball joints put in a couple of months ago, and brakes, other than that, nothing has gone wrong. As said before, I would buy another in a heart beat..............with 295,000 miles on the odometer the care has a negative value (just dont tell that to the car)...........happy owner, had chevys since I was in high school..........1949 fastback pea green, and paid a whopping $50.00 for it (it ran great for two years, the tranny went) should have kept my 1958 Impala two door, paid $800 for it and today it is worth $80,000, but who knew!

• 

  greatest car - 2015 Chevrolet Trax
  By Natums - July 7 - 11:56 pm

  I have had my car for a few days but i love it. Great car for anyone

• 

  Very Happy Customer - 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mrsblack - July 1 - 11:01 am

  Came from a 2003 PT Cruiser. I just bought my 2014 Silver LT Malibu 3weeks & I love everything about it except for the start-stop engine and one small thing the base of the seat, besides those 2 small issues the car rides very smooth quite to outside noises. I have three children, so its just enough room for them in the back w/ a car seat & enough space for my 61 husband in the front. I love the glow light in the front interior which lights up @ night. This Malibu looks so much better than the older ones, the space, the drive, the look exterior & out. I was going 90mph & didnt realize it, thats how smooth & comfortable the ride is. Glad to be part of the Chevy fam.

• 

  I love this car, 100,000k review 2012 Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By jfus - June 28 - 10:58 pm

  I bought the 2012 Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo automatic. Bought brand new. Ive been doing city driving/long distance trips (300+ miles) on freeways/rural roads. I drove in cool/warm/hot desert weather. Acceleration, steering, braking is great. Interior is comfy and roomy. Only issue I had was with cooling system. During first 5K miles, hoses started to leak. Later on at 38k miles~ water pump started to leak, and was replaced. At 75k miles~ radiator needed to be replaced (due to hole). At 98k miles engine overheated due to water pump leaking and thermostat issue Water pump replaced again, therm. also. All repair issues were covered through 100k warranty (except for radiator, warranty ends at 60k).

• 

  Dependable Betsy - 1991 Chevrolet Suburban
  By bestytheburb - June 11 - 1:11 am

  My 91 Suburban was purchased used with 85,000 miles on it. 17 years later 344,000 miles, mostly city miles with many California and Arizona vacations trips, Runs better than any new car. Engine is still great and smooth. Needed paint, Interior is like new when I replaced the dash and headliner. All repairs are just maintenance. Betsy will take me anywhere and safely. Someone did hit me 2015 and totaled the car by insurance standards. Lost all the water and oil, but I had to turn the engine off, it was still running fine. I had told everyone to bury me in it. I had plan to keep it until one of us passed away. Now looking for a new old suburban.

• 

  Almost super car! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 12gabear - June 10 - 3:14 pm

  I bought a 2005 Z51 model last year with low miles and love it. Upgraded interior from the C5. Some people complain about the seats, but fits my fat love handles good!! LOL Ok these cars are made to rip around a track, with different traction controls to learn. Youll really never push the limits of the LS2 on the street. Its insane fast!!It frightens me sometimes still, and Ive owned lots of fast cars. The Handling is very smooth as a BMW but bumps are a little stiffer. What can you expect when Z51 has stiffer suspension for track. But its not bad at all. The Z51s lower 1rst to 3rd gears is very noticeable. When the car puts your head to the seat without even trying! Awesome car Period!

• 

  DEL JOHNKE CHEVY EQUINOX REVIEW - 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  By deljohnke - June 5 - 9:42 am

  The performance is definitely adequate. It wonÂ’t sit you back in the seat like a 460 horse Corvette, but it will pass comfortably on the highway and is real spunky in town. Lets talk mileage. You wouldnÂ’t believe me if I told you. I do have pictures of my message center of the average mileage