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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  Im so ready to trade this in - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MoJo411 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my malibu at 28K miles. The car is reliable, starts up every morning w/no problem. BUT I have replaced brakes 3 times, rotors twice, had to put new battery and altenator in, replace windshield wiper blades twice, get a/c fixed (and it still isnt working right) replaced taillights 3 times, and my a/c switch now only works on 3, 4 and 5. I have spend too much money on this car, probably more than Ill get for it at trade-in time.

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  Little Red Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By uncle - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Handles like a sports car. With the five speed standard it really zips.

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  Fun! - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jesusita - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a little over a year ago and have fallen in love with it. I have had a few problems with it lately (alternator, ECM, and now transmission), but with as many miles as is on it, I couldnt expect much less...I cant even think of getting rid of it because it is so unique and fun to drive. Although it is an automatic, the color (purple) and convertible top make it a pleasure to have on even just fairly nice days. The body is still in excellent condition and I recently replaced the top due to some leakage. All-in-all, Im glad I jumped at the deal of buying it.

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  Its a POS - DONT BUY ONE! - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By IHATEGM - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We have had the engine overhauled. All parts replaced in the entire engine, suspension and exhaust systems. Interior is as plan as it can get. Seat are uncomfortable for long trips. The car could not have been made or designed any worse

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  First Timers - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mark Cuccaro - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I drove this vehicle daily back and forth from worcester, ma to warwick, ri (52 miles one way). i estimate that on average i drive about 150 miles/day. it had been very reliable until i got up to the 120,000 mile marker where things started to get very expensive. as far as just "underhood" work goes, EVERYTHING from the head gaskets up i have replaced at least twice. blew the tranny and t-case at the same time around 145,000. but other then that, it was great

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  Its a venture! - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Grammy - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We find this a great vehicle for traveling, which we do a lot of. Has some rattles in dash and headliner feels a little loose.

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  03 SUBURBAN - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By SF49ERFAN - January 28 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING GOOD SO FAR EXCEPT FOR SOME NOISES COMING FROM THE CONSOLE. I GUESS IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER / HEATER. BESIDES THAT, EVERYTHINGS GREAT.

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  Maxx is the only way to go! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By timbo9569 - January 27 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased the Maxx only a month ago, and ever since we pulled it off the lot have loved every feature it has. The stock stereo system in the LT model sounds great. You almost have too much music to choose from with the 6 disc changer in the dash board and the 200+ satellite stations to choose from and then you have your basic radio stations.The Maxx rides great and the kids love the DVD entertainment center in the back. We almost forget we have kids back there at times becuase they are just so entertained by the DVD system. Also love the two sun roofs. This is a great addition to all the other great features of this car. It has alot of power and handles wonderfuly. Overall a great family vehicle

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  On my second one! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jlee - January 27 - 8:33 am

  This is my second Monte Carlo SS! I purchased a 2000 and had zero issues with it. I liked it so well that I purchased a 2004. Im a sales rep and put many miles on a car. It drives and rides just like my uncles Cadillac Eldorado! I suspect that it sits on the same platform. Ive seen pics of the 2006 and think its awesome...Im making plans to get it as soon as it hits the market.

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  Poor Quality Build - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By poor_quality - January 27 - 6:42 am

  Purchased a new 2010 Silverado and after 200 miles the interior noise became unbearable on the highway. Sounds like the rear passenger door of the crew cab is not closed. The door is closed, but the cab vents behind the rear seats are allowing for loud road noise. Wind noise can be heard though the weather strilling around the doors at hiway speed. Went back to the GM dealership to complain, and even though they admited that my vehicle is louder than most vehicles, I was told that "they all sound like that". I find this an unacceptable answer. The dealership offered to Duct Tape over the cab vents, but this would make closing the doors difficult.