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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  Will buy another HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By bobby boos - October 9 - 9:10 pm

  I have had my Chevrolet HHR for about 5 weeks and absolutely love it. People stop and ask me what kind of vehicle is that, and I say HHR and they say, boy I would love to have one. I will definitely buy another one in 2008 with even more whistles and bells on it. They should put a 6 cylinder in it and dual exhaust.

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  Exceptional Mid-Size Sedan - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Alan - October 9 - 7:26 pm

  I was an import owner for 20+ years before purchasing a Malibu. I was skeptical, even after a lot of research. But after 1500 miles, Im really amazed. GM has done a great job. The interior is incredibly quiet. The interior styling is wonderful, especially in beige with suede seats. Theres wonderful attention to detail everywhere inside. I especially like the ambient lighting. Controls and switches feel great, better than most imports Ive driven. Performance is surprisingly good given the fuel economy. The suspension is a bit soft but ride is great. The engine is as refined as any 4 cylinder Ive driven. The Malibu feels more like a luxury car than a family sedan.

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  Like it! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rob - October 9 - 12:33 pm

  Really enjoy driving this vehicle. Feels like it sticks to the road with the AWD. Has been driven 2,000 miles in two months and it has pep and rides great. Bought it after the employee pricing incentives and paid less. Under $21,000. I still own a Pathfinder but the Equinox drives better.

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  Disappointment - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maryt - October 9 - 2:00 am

  When first purchased, the Malibu seemed to be an okay car. After 20,000 miles, the brakes went and had to be replaced. The cassette player never worked properly even after being replaced. Then for a while everything was normal, but now with 77,000 miles on the car, the ABS and brake lights have come on. I am told that the problem is in the "modulator" and will take approximately $1,000 to repair -- time to trade but never for another malibu!

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  Very Good Truck Value - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WAYNE HAMMOND - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Very nice truck. For a truck this size, it is actually fun to drive. Very comfortable and I havealways know Chevy to be reliable and affordalbe to keep on the road.

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  First time Tahoe owner - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By L. Sherry - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Moving up from a Blazer to the Tahoe was definitely worth it. Seriously considered the TrailBlazer, but, opted for more room with the Tahoe. Living in deep snow country the 4WD is a needed feature. My only wish is that the mileage was better.. but,it goes with the territory.

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  Great Commuter Auto - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By slogger - October 8 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned the Aveo for several months. My city gasoline consumption is 29.3mpg. No mechanical problems so far. I paid a bit over $11K. The radio/CD is OK, but not great. Handling is quick at less than 45mph but a touch vague at freeway speeds. I purchased this auto because it was inexpensive. I also looked at the VW Golf Diesel and Honda Civic Hybrid. The Aveo provides many of the same features for $10K less...and that, in my mind, makes up for the lower fuel economy.

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  Enjoying the ride! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By bangforbuck - October 8 - 1:00 pm

  I looked at the CRV, Forester, Venza, Rogue. I couldnt get excited about any of them. Waiting has its rewards though as the 2010 Equinox became available. I like the looks and comfort this car has to offer. The large leather seats fit me well, I guess Im just GM-sized! Im enjoying the OnStar, Bluetooth connection and XM radio communication features. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The 6 cylinder engine moves the car smartly down the road. The 6 speed tranny seems to work well. Letting off on the accelerator is like applying the brakes since it seems to adjust to the change instantly and starts slowing down. I appreciate the backup camera and backup sensors when I put the car in reverse

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  berryhappy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By berryhappy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I am really impressed with the style, performance and fuel economy of this vehicle. I looked all over for the berry red color and found one equipped just like I wanted. The price was outstanding for a full size vehicle, I am very happy with my purchase.

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  great truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By fosel - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought it last week and have loved it ever since