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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  Great Price and Value SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GONE_FISHIN - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have used my Blazer extensively pulling my bassboat. It has been dependable with no major work. The 4.3L engine is smooth and the vehicle is very quiet at all speeds. Long trips make this SUV shine with comfort! I most enjoy loading it with camping/fishing gear and get outta town.

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  Good value car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TopD22 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Its no Lexus, but its a pretty good car for the price I paid 10K. Came with automatic tranny, sunroof, rear spoiler and cd player. Has pretty good ups for a 4 cylinder, and very firm brakes. Only problem I had was a burnt out right brakelight, which was covered by warranty and fixed in 15 minutes. Very good car when compared to the similiarly priced Hyundai Accent and Kia.

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  I like it, I love it - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tripn3 - December 8 - 1:40 am

  I love my SS. I did have a few issues with power but I added a raised plenum, a 8lb turbo boost,borla catback mandrel bent exhaust, and remapped and programmed the computer. I still get about 10 mpg around town and it now makes a awesome sound when you spool up the turbo. I havent really deove it in snow or anything as I live in Texas but the AWD sure helps with the traction. Ill say it again I love it.. Very very fast.

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  Love it so much I married it - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jeffrey - December 7 - 9:40 pm

  Ive owned both a 2015 and a 2016 model. Both have been exception in quality and pure pleasure to drive. No other car has excited me as much as the Corvette in many years. I would love to see them come out with a hard-top convertible- I think the lines with the rag top convertible are lacking when compared to the coupe- that said, with the top down the convertible is stunning. Will probably never happen- a hard top convertible would add substantial weight to the vehicle.

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  Stay away from this car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Cromagnum - December 7 - 1:46 pm

  Car would not start 2 times, had it towed. Constant light surging, even with cruise on. Cold starts result in hesitation on take off, even once backfiring. The dealer naturally says they cannot duplicate these driveability issues. Big mistake getting this car, it will be gone soon. Oh, the car is 3 months old.

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  nice car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By petrock - December 7 - 2:00 am

  have no problemes with this car,unlike edmunds I like front wheel drive handles great in snow

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  2001 Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By CHARLIE-D - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Left fron transaxle seal leaked at 7,000 miles and repaired. Most miles are highway and one of the better cars I have ever owned. Looking for a new 2004 and will buy another Impala. I wish they had changed the 2004 body style.

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  Highway driving - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John & Sue - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Basically we stole the car when buying it. I got such a good deal (in my opinion) that even though I wasnt looking for another car we just couldnt pass it up. Its enjoyable to drive but attention has to be paid to handling on the highway, it handles well in city driving but the steering is way too tight for the highway. Not a good highway car for a person who while driving may do things that could take their attention off the road even for 1/2 second.

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  Looking Back.... - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 4carowner - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 LS that is identical to the 03s. With 60k miles I have to say it has been a good car. Initial problems with brakes and tires have been fixed. Only other problem is a short in AC switch & alternator failed at 45k. There are only 2 ways to buy the Malibu. First use rebates, GM card promotions and Insist on Invoice price. Second is to find one 2 yrs old and pay half price since resale value is horrible. Right now in SE Region there is 3000 rebate plus 1500 bonus cash and they are clearing out the 03s left for the improved 04 version. With GM card savings you can get it for 6-8000 under invoice!!!

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  great - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By john adams - December 7 - 2:00 am

  i realy love this vihicle and i am in the army it gets me everywhere i need to go and more.