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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  48,000 complete engine failure - 2001 Chevrolet Tracker
  By standed - April 2 - 2:00 am

  50 miles from home in a 2001 4 Cyc 2.0L 4 door. Purchased less than 2 months ago. The engine fell apart from the inside, cloging the oil pump and totaling the motor.

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  Good deal was really a bad deal - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By MaryBeth Costa - April 1 - 3:03 am

  Got 2009 Silverado in 2015 with 33,000 miles for about $25K. A month later the camshaft went, dealer repaired. Two months later camshaft went again and oil pumps as well. Dealer said sorry. I had it fixed. problems with electrical system, throttle body, steering column electrical issues. Needed complete transmission replacement at 60,000 miles. Now more electrical issues with grounds, throttle body, alternator. I need this truck for work! It is costing a fortune in repairs. As soon as it is fixed I am selling it.

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  Piece of Junk - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jhow0672 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Only 66,000 miles but already had driveshaft fall off, computer died, radiator leak, water pump died, intake manifold leaked, air-conditioning died, windshield wipers had a manufacturing defect that I fixed myself.. generally unreliable truck.

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  Durable - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jimbob - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used in 97. Maintained it with regular oil changes and GM updates. It has never failed me. It has sat outside covered in snow in sub-zero temperatures and starts right up. Yes, the cloth interior is wearing out, but automotively speaking, it still runs as well as when I bought it. And I havent been real nice to it at times (missed a few scheduled oil changes, demand a lot of it getting on the freeway and have strained the suspension with some really overweight loads). Not something to take a date out in or go to church, but overall, a good dependable, durable truck.

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  Those wires drove me crazy! - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Economy Engineer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The high-energy ignition module kills a set of wires every 25K miles.Until you recognize that, it will make you insecure. As soon as you feel that first stutter, probably on a wet day, change them immediately. When its got good wires, it runs like a champ. 103K so far, still getting 28MPG on a commute, Ive had as high as 35 MPG on a trip w/ 5 speed, 4 cyl.

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  HOT HOT HOT - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Mike123@aol.com - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and fun to show off. It is beefy and it is bold. This truck turns EVERYONES head and gets you noticed.

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  Smart Buy - 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
  By KBCE - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased @ $134,000.... Im 30 miles from 150K. I put in New alternator, got rid of air box, got an alignment, (4 wheel), add ed tach & vacume gauges. Plan on dumping SunRoof, wheels & keyless. This car is worth that investment in all manner of speaking. Im 1/2 a Century old & have piloted a few machines. This unit gets 35 MPH with me alone in it with gear, @ NOT over 70 mph! 50 to 55 on flat is closer 2 40MPH. Only a fool would pass-up a car this Safe & Cost effictive. I paid $2500. My next unit will B another one of these but not newer then 2001. (Read all U can on these & Ull C where the lines of quality start & stop).

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  Strong reliable workhorse - 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
  By bralwel - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have 190,000 miles on my 97 Lumina. It has served me well and very reliable during that whole time. I have only replaced a water pump and one alternator. I finally have to rebuild teh motor at 190,000 miles which I am now doing. I expect another 150,000 miles from this sturdy car

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  Surprisingly good car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mbzc230 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I took over the driving duties of this car and let my wife have my Mercedes. I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with this car for its class it is comfortable, quick and quiet. I have restored faith in GM. This car is five years old and has had no need for repair (knock on wood).

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  Needs Woork - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By fpkeegan - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Blazer new in 1999 it now has 79,000 miles on it. The plastic seat handle on the driver seat broke off in the first 5000 miles. I use the vehicle to drive to and from work and normal city driving, it has not been used for towing or any off road. In the last 10,000 miles the transmission has been replaced ($3300), the air conditioning compressor was replaced ($700) and the Heater coil was replaced ($700). The heater coil is located in the dash board, which required the removal of the dash board to replace it. The only saving grace is that I purchased an extended warranty on the vehicle at the time of purchase.