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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  Super car at a super price - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jerry Selkowitz - November 19 - 11:04 pm

  No shakes or rattles. Everything works well except for fuel gauge. Drops to zero sometimes. Not a problem if you keep checking trip miles and average gas usage. Had the same problem on my 89 coupe. Was rebuilt under a salvage title. Runs and looks like new! Replaced battery and alternator.

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  I love my truck - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Joeshmo417 - November 19 - 10:24 pm

  This is my second vehicle and I absolutely love it. It has decent mileage and enough horsepower youd expect from a 4-cylinder truck. It also is very roomy for being such a small truck.

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  Wow....Love It! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DJA - November 19 - 1:36 pm

  Last year my other vehicle had to go into the shop to get painted. I rented a malibu and did not want to give it back! The ride and comfort is awesome. It is so quite and looks great. I was up side down on the vehicle that I was driving and had to wait until now to get one. The dealership gave me a good deal on my trade and with the rebates, I am very happy. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. Get one!

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  2009 Cyber Grey Coupe - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mac McLaughlin - November 18 - 7:59 pm

  Best Vette I have had so far. I have owned a 68 conv, 03 conv, 06 3LT automatic coupe and now a Cyber Grey Coupe 1LT Z51 manual with Dual Mode Exhaust. Only thing I miss about the 3LT 06 is the seat memory, makes it alot easier to get in and out. All the other bells and whistles with the 3LT are a waste in my opinion. Opted for the solid colored roof over the see through, too hot for Florida. Manual tranny is the only way to go with the Vette. Great daily driver. I am getting around 18 mph overall, about 3 mpg less than the 06. Brakes dont squeak like the 06. Buy the Wheel/Tire warranty from dealer ..well worth it. Best buy out there, $4K rebate on existing 09s made me pull trigger.

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  Im glad its not a mini van - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Pat Flores - November 18 - 7:43 pm

  Wonderful family car for Grandparent, parents, teens & kids. Sporty and classy with dual sunroofs. I cant wait to go camping. Great for shopping, hauls a great deal of stuff. So far, I love it. I do miss my 02 Yukon but I still need to see what this car can do for me.

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  Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill F - November 17 - 11:50 pm

  Walked into dealer wife saw car & fell in love with it. car is loaded with all the great options from side air bags to adjustable pedals.fun to drive.took it home an hour after she looked at.

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  Sick Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nateo - November 17 - 5:03 pm

  If you put the money into your car like the intake system, big spoiler, tires and rims, and alarm system is very cool and fun to drive. I have only had a few problems but easy to fix. I hate the headlights though, very tough to replace!

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  BUY THE CAR - GET IT LOADED UP - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By PETERSON - November 17 - 2:03 pm

  Love this car. I purchased the LT package with all the bells and whistles. The pioneer stereo is more than adequate. It sounds as good if not better than some Bose systems Ive heard. Love the XM radio. Love the Onstar (Incase of a serious accident)- Has great comfortable leather seats with the 2-stage heat option. (VERY NICE) and airbags everywhere. I got the 17" Chrome style wheels with the Pirelli tires. This car sticks and corners SWEET!!! And I have owned 5 Corvettes!!!! You can take a 40mph curve at 70 and it will rail right around. Awesome!!!Traded a 07 Civic EX and yes the dash was prettier and may last a bit longer but I hands down LOVE the Cobalt much much better. Smooth/Quiet/Awesome

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  Back to buying American - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By caesar - November 17 - 2:06 am

  Use to be a big Honda owner. Honda has gone up in price so much I thought Id try an american car. I saw the Malibu and wow! It drives better than my Honda and looks better with all the fun options. Much more car than Honda or Toyota can offer for a great price. Glad to be buying a GM car.

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  2nd Great Malibu - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SGMJCT - November 16 - 8:22 pm

  Traded 2001 Malibu for this Blk 2007 Malibu SS with pwr sunroof. One of the most comfortable autos I have had the pleasure of driving especially on long trips. Been from RI to far west twice with no problems. Love the 4 wheel brake system, easy to use info system.