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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  Like a Rock........Not a chance - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By leecirocco - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Wow.....I thought this car was a great deal but so far it has only been a great expense. We purchased it with only 50,000 miles and in excellent condition. In one year we have had to replace the muffler, the fuel pump (this repair took two attempts) the fuel sending unit, A/C compressor, Heater core, thermostat, clutch fan, rear window shocks...I think thats all! Currently we have an overheating problem that the shop can not seem to identify.

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  Transmission/electronics problems - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By casskal - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 EXT model. Loved the ride, but did have problems with the electronics. 4WD and washer systems had to be replaced. Still, went back and bought an 04 model. PROBLEMS! Been in 4 times with 4WD electronics problems, plus have had it fail off road. No fun being stuck in the dirt with only 2WD in this large a vehicle. Car being returned under the lemon law.

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  No pizzaz - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dl76st - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Substandard front brakes. Coolant leaks. Eats batteries. Alternator replaced. Rack and pinnion replaced. Tie rods replaced. Suspension creaks and rattles. Environmental control panel failed. Light bulbs in radio burned out. Front window trim whistles when strong cross wind hits just right. "Check" engine light keeps luminating - dealer says its the cat converter that has already been repalced twice out of emission warranty.

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  A true lemon - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jgm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Clearly the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Breaks down every 15,000 miles. I average $1000-$2000 of unscheduled repairs each year. The transmission just gave out completely yesterday. Im kind of glad, now I have a good excuse to buy another vehicle.

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  Think twice - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Glennn - May 26 - 5:56 am

  Lacking in acceleration, only 28mpg on highway. My 2005 Malibu 6cyl gets 34mpg, what is up with that? Dealer say everything is within specs. The Malibu has lots of power and better gas mileage. Im going to trade.

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  hate to love it - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By lbfletch73 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I loved the Impala. Fell in love with the new model when it was released in October of 1999. I was so excited when I purchased my used 2000 model. I have not had anything but problems with it since. If the message center doesnt drive you crazy (which it will) the un- ending repairs will. I have talked with other dealership service areas and they have said theyve seen Impalas with consistent problems. I loved my car, right into bankruptcy. Buyer beware.

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  Its alright. But Im ready to get rid of - 1995 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Benja - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I havent had the car for even a year and it seems like day after day the car get weaker and weaker. Im not saying the car is bad in any way, but I prefer excellent performance and I am not getting that in my Beretta. After I purchased this car from Dinacolas, aka signature in Spencerport, Ny. My only dislike about the car is how easy it rusts, and the fuel economy. I could drive 20 miles and i would lose 3/8s of a tank of gas. Other than that I loved the car, but its time for something new...

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  Wheel cover warning!!! - 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Theron Lyle - May 23 - 8:56 pm

  Keep an eye on your center cap with the Chevrolet emblem ours fell off with less than 15000 miles and I was told this is not under warranty so I guess I will have to purchase a whole wheel cover should have known.

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  The worst car I ever purchased.... - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By A Quinonez - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised to see the fabulous comments that most of the people wrote. The Malibu has been my worst nightmare since I purchased it. It has given me many mechanical problems and breakdowns. It has left me stranded and at 55000 I had to do a major tune- up, while it is advertised as an 100,000+ tune up interval. It gives the worst gas mileage, and it runs as a V4, while it claims to be a V6. It overheats very frequently, and it apparently is falling apart little by little. It is a very regular car, for very regular people. I sincerely regret purchasing this vehicle, and suggest you ponder a few days before purchasing this vehicle.

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  what a crap.... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Thiscarsucks - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is nicely designed and provides you with a quite ride - compared to other SUVs in its class. If it ever rides. I am driving this vehicle now since 12000 miles (bought it with 40k): extended break job, front bearring, front balljoint made noises, but was still tight, oil cooler line, idler and pitman arm, torsion bars are weak, transmission, RUSTY and BROKEN DOOR PINS and a TONN of undefined noises. Even my little french compact car I was driving in europe for 3 years (what was not good at all!!)was better in quality than this crapy car. Do yourself a favour (and your wallet) and just stay away from it. Dfenetly the last chevy in my life!