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:

• 

  Do People Really Test Drive These Cars - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Fred Hartz - January 8 - 10:24 am

  Since its just the two of us interior is ok. Dash easy to read, front end hard to tell where thats why you notice other cars crunched. Mirrors are limited have to double check. Road noise is like driving with windows down you can hear everything like the Kia Rio they loaned us. The turbulence of mirrors is annoying and in a head wind drowns out radio. GM has known about this since 2014 did not fix till now on all 2016 models. With 7800 miles already have loss in power does not roll over hills as easy. Dealer say everything normal we only notice since we`ve driven from start. I`m glad they got rid in eco system nothing like sitting in 110 degrees and it shuts off takes more power to cool down.

• 

  Lots of Flash - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
  By self - January 7 - 1:50 pm

  Truck is beautiful. We have a very bad shutter when excelerating from low speed. Also have trouble with brakes grabbing. GM says it is normal and there is nothing they can do. We do not feel safe in the vehicle. If you are looking at this GM product, I suggest you look at something else.

• 

  My baby was a lemon - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By M. Crandle - January 7 - 12:34 pm

  My dad bought be a pretty blue one brand new in 2006, loved it, but I recked it in 6 months at 17,000 mi. In 2009 I decided to purchase another at Redman Toll in Langhorne PA. I bought a pretty slate metallic 2lt coupe w/ sunroof, foglights, premium sound system, remote starter, everything but leather. Within the first couple weeks I had an issue with the O2 sensor. They fixed it, no problem. After that it was one thing after another, little creaks and noises that drove me crazy, sunroof rattling, engine breaking, shimmy at high speeds. I ended up filing a lemon law suit against GM. They paid the car off and my dad convinced me to keep it. Ive had the car for almost 7 years and I dont think a year has gone by without me putting it in the shop for minor stuff. The engine and tranny are strong, though. Ive never had problems with the car running but Ive had a bunch of other issues, the biggest one being the steering rack rattling (which was replaced twice). Recently I got the head repaired. I drive the car pretty hard but I do take care of it. I do a lot of driving and shes been on long trips south numerous times. The inside is in mint condition, I make sure the fluids are changed and its inspected by the dealer periodically. I refer to put anymore money in it and will drive it until the wheels fall off lol.....I prefer to buy American cars, but they really need to do much better with their economy cars. If youre looking at a Cobalt, buy an SS model, they were built waaay better....or just get a Honda or Toyota lol.

• 

  My Cladsic - 2005 Chevrolet Classic
  By A Battle - December 31 - 12:43 am

  It used to run good but I have been having so many electrical problems. My back lights do not work. The lights on the inside dash do not work. This car cannot be driven at night. Fuses burn out fast carpet bunches up in front. I will have to spend a fortune if I want to keep it because no one will offer a good price for trade plus I have bought two fuel pumps. Wish I new about car before I bought it.

• 

  Better than some - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By corby weaver - December 27 - 2:30 am

  Clunks under car. Suspension noises at 130k miles. Road noise inside. 33 mpg at 70 mph. Not bad for a basic car. Alarm goes off , heater squeeks,

• 

  Inexpensive pony car - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By eric andersen - December 25 - 2:15 pm

  Great looking and fast ! Interior is great looking as well but horrific for comfort or view.I am 63 when I put seat all the way back and all the way down I was still looking through the sun screen at top of windshield.Interior is cramped and the back seat is only for five year olds.I wanted to buy one but after driving this car five times it was just too cramped to drive . If you are 510 or under the car may work out for you but this car is not for taller people.When convertible top is up view is awful.It is priced right and offers performance but not good as a daily driver.This is a poor mans Corvette.Car is awful in snow and rain,rear wheels spin on a tear drop.

• 

  A very dangerous car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cheri - December 14 - 6:31 pm

  When I bought the car I loved it. The body looked new, the inside was well maintained and it had great sound from the stereo. One day I went to unlock the driver door with my key fob, it unlocked but the door would not open. The next day I drove it and smelled some wires burning. I took it to Auto Zone and a mechanic there told me to park it before it catch on fire. He said it was a relay problem which is very dangerous. I called JDByrider and they told me to have it towed to them, I did just that. They pretty much told me I was lying about the problem and the only thing they wanted was a car payment. Not we will try and fix it or get you something else. I only had the car for seven months and still had warranty. I gave the car back over a month ago and they still have it and still want a car payment. Never again will I buy from these people and after doing a research, this 05 cobalt is a very dangerous car. The dealers know it but trying to cover it up.

• 

  Car needed a new clutch at 4 years and 40,000+ - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jane Silver - December 14 - 2:34 pm

  I have driven standard shifts for over 40 years, several cars, etc. NEVER has the clutch had to be replaced. Ever! Of course a new clutch is not under the warranty, so that is $2000 (yes $2000), and if not under warranty they wont provide you with a rental car. Thank goodness my dealer gave me a loaner. Also why is it taking 2 weeks to get a new clutch? This is very scary to me and I have to warn other owners that this DID happen - and it should not have. I have had good mileage - 30+ in town, 35+ highway.

• 

  Love-Hate Relationship!! - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Carly - December 9 - 11:42 am

  Just got my 07 LTZ its been in the shop 4xs in 6mths!!! Back-end rebuilt 2xs along with misc fixes. Then replaced the air-ride compressor. Back again for axel, bearings, and alternator. NOW it wont start and Im being told it could be an "electrical issue". Im so over this chevy! Thank god I have my lexus to rely on! What sucks is as soon as I get back in the truck, I love it! I feel like Im in an abusive relationship! Do your homework on this truck for sure!! Dont get suckered by looks and comfort - it will let you down time and time again!!

• 

  Not A Family Car - 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Matt - December 9 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 2012 Chevy Malibu LS new in 2012 due to us losing a company car, and we went cheap on the trim. I have 2 children (under 5), and I cant say that Im all that impressed with my Malibu, especially when comparing it to my wifes 2009 Ford Fusion SEL. The Malibus 2.4L engine is very underpowered for a sedan. The transmission has never downshifted smoothly when approaching a light/stop sign (Im assuming GM programmed the transmission this way to improve fuel economy). The fuel economy isnt as advertised (especially around town). Weve had 3 recalls on the car, and for only having 39,500 miles, there are more squeaks and rattles than my wifes Fusion. The brakes and tires have worn very quickly. My friend has complained about the same issue with the same car. The throttle hesitates, and it seems the torque converter has a difficult time applying power to the wheels at lower RPMs. The paint scratches very easy, and the trunk opening is so small. We cannot the same types of items in my Malibu as we can in the Fusion (stroller, infants swing, etc). On the positive side, we havent had any major issues with it so far, and it is a very comfortable car to drive. The cabin is very quiet, and the car is easy on the eyes. The car is good in the snow, and the Bluetooth technology works great. The car warms up quickly in the winter. It is probably a nice vehicle for a single driver, but for a family it doesnt quite get the job done. I wouldnt recommend buying this vehicle.