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:

• 

  Best mid size SUV available - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Bernard Yanity - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has received many comments regarding its design and overall looks. It is very peppy, handles easily, is easy to park and maintain. The rear seat slide feature adds more than enough room for passengers and groceries. I am looking forward to taking a long trip vacation in the near future. Because of its mileage capability, the trip should be inexpensive and great fun.

• 

  Good Value Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By aramf - May 24 - 4:35 pm

  I bought this one used at 60K miles. I currently have 120K on it. Chevrolet replaced the steering wheel on it. The left blinker burned out too often, untill I replaced the whole light from partstrain.com. Over the last 3 years mpg has been suffering. Recently two oxygen sensor went bad. Replaced both. The average mileage went back to 32 mpg from 24 mpg. I assume that both have to fail before check engine goes on. My front rotors tend to warp a lot. One thing that helps is not to use parking breaks. But I can got fast around the corners, it has a kicking accelaration and mpg has just improved. It is a nice semi-wagon with a strong enough engine for fun things.

• 

  Great car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Tomas P. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Im more than satisfied with this car. Its just a car, without any unnecessary think.

• 

  Carry a Piano, People, or Dirtbikes - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Avalanche Owner - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive carried skis in the back in Winter, Dirtbikes, and even a standup piano. Ive also carried 4 x 8 foot plywood in the dry.

• 

  I LOVE THIS SUV! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lavender - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first experience with anything other than a "car". I have never enjoyed driving a vehicle more than this one! Its comfortable, quiet, accelerates like a dream and is reliable. At first, I had a problem with my side mirrors re-adjusting themselves at whim, but these were recalled and have since been fixed. Other than that - no problems at all. The only disappointing thing about this vehicle is the gas mileage. I drive strictly highway and average 17.0 mpg. I feel like Im always as the gas station.

• 

  2001 Z71 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JohnColes - May 24 - 10:00 am

  14 trips back to the dealer for warranty work. Fuel Cap, side windows, rear window, differential fluid, yoke, throttle , steering column, door hinges,wheel alignment, security interlock, brake cable recall,

• 

  The Best Yet - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Sherri - May 24 - 4:10 am

  The best auto I have purchased in years. I purchase a new auto about every 4 years. This auto is rated 25/30 miles per gallon. I am averageing 28.5 miles locally. Have gone on 3 long trips and have averaged 31.5, and latest was 33.1. This auto has so many nice features. It is an eye catcher, have had loads of people asking what it is, what a great feeling to know you have somehing that other people like. The best yet in autos for me. The 7.2 rating is far from what I think of this auto. Get out and drive it, it is fun to drive. Thank You Chevrolet.

• 

  :) - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Deletrea - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car.

• 

  Electrical Problems - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By Alissa - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this van. However, at about 100,000 miles I began to have electrical problems i.e. turn signal may or may not work, stalled for no reason and would not restart and the fan goes on and off - not fun in hot weather. It only has 125,000 on it and I am going to sell it. I thought I would get about 150,000 to 175,000 out of it.

• 

  Mikes Review - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Mike Saunders - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van!