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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  So far so good - 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bsl64 - June 19 - 8:18 pm

  I have the 6 speed tranny and have 3000 miles so far with no problems and no noise. I love the truck and received a killer deal on a dealer promo. My only complaint was with the onstar remote access app. I can unlock and lock the doors. But every time I try the remote start it tells me the keys cant be in the truck. The problem is every time ive tried it the keys were NOT in the truck 3 calls to onstar has not solved the problem. Other then that one thing I have never owned a nicer vehicle. Love the all star package and the blue tooth calls are far better then the ones I had before with a 1200 dollar after market head unit. I would like to see spray in bed liners standard. But great truck!!

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  most gut less vehicle i have ever owned - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By jim my real name! - June 19 - 2:00 am

  motor has NO power,downshifts on every incline no matter how minor,at 60 u r forcing it,and a " go- cart" like this thing should get much more than 25 to 27 mph,i have a 91 dodge spirit with a 4 banger in it that will eat this things lunch any day of the week n gets 32 to 35 mph. most gutless vehicle i have ever owned,definately regret buying it,will never repeat this mistake!

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  Towing Capability - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Diver - June 19 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Tahoe seems to be an very good SUV. Bought used two years ago with only 54000 miles on it. I used the SUV for recreational purposes about 5k miles per year. Had a manifold leak, defective master cylinder, front end suspension and alternator replaced. Seems like a lot of replacement for a fairly unused vehicle. Fortunately extended warranty covered costs. Concern regarding durability of vehicle. Typically expect a truck to last 150k to 200k miles. The old ones did anyway. Had less problems with my Ford truck. It did not encounter any major problems til after 120k and then it was only an altenator.

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  One awesome SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Clinton Rardon - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 2001 Chevy Tahoe and I couldnt be happier. I use it to pull my 19 ft boat and I cant even tell that its behind me. There is no better looking SUV out on the road right now than the Tahoe. Chevy has done an excellent job building this machine. It is rugged like a truck, yet comfortable like a luxury car. I love this vehicle!

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  Nice vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By score300 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Tahoe for about 2 years now. I still like it as much today as the day I bought it. This will be the first vehicle I have ever kept for more than 2 years.

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  "LEMON" - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hoosier - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased used, 23K miles...had factory warranty remaining. Complete brake job (w/rotors)...steering clunking noise..."gremlins" in the car. Drove 124 miles saw temperature reading at Cold. Replaced thermostat, sender, rad. cap. Left front turn signal pigtail replaced, still having problems and right signal. Replaced remote start...still having problems. Replaced starter, still having problems trying to start. I have seen and spoke to others about car having similar or premature failures or not. I believe its main computer board failure...like brain failure. Some times it works and others!! These are not consumer problems...they are manufacturing problems (LEMONS). Fuel mileage ???

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  2007 Tahoe by Jeff - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jeff - June 18 - 7:23 am

  After owning 3 Expeditions and a loyal Ford owner finally decided to go GM. I sure wish I had ditched the Fords earlier. This vehicles build quality is far superior and fit and finish is excellent. The ride is more car like than SUV and handling is much better than the Ford. I am also glad not to have the rattles and shakes that the Ford had after just a few thousand miles. The only complaint is the third row seat does not fold flat, but a small price to pay for a far superior vehicle. Good job Chevrolet!

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  Great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Colorado Springs - June 18 - 3:56 am

  My family just completed a 900 mile round trip from Colorado Springs to New Mexico. The V6 Maxx averaged 70 mph and achieved 35.6 mpg going and 33.6 coming back. This trip included mountain driving. XM satellite worked great out in the mountains. I love this car. I would buy another.

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  2016 Chevy Malibu practical but with some defects - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Peter Jeffrey Adams - June 18 - 3:15 am

  I obtained a 2016 Chevy Malibu hybrid in May 2016 because the hybrid model had enough total horse power to drive up hills without slowing and still get more than 40 miles per gallon. Also, the hybrid model had the advanced safety features unavailable on lower end models (e.g., forward collusion alert, rear cross traffic alert, front automatic braking and land change alert). This car is very functional, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. The safety features are generally effective and useful. However, the car when delivered obviously had loose front seat fasteners. Later, I learned that there was a Technical Service Bulletin (# 4529773) that applied to my cars front seats because of a known manufacturing process defect. Nevertheless it took a while to get service for these fasteners and the "fix" left the drivers seat a bit loose and squeaky. After complaining. Chevrolet did provide me an extended warranty on the front seats but would not do anything about the remaining looseness or squeaking. Also, the cooling system for the hybrid unit failed after 18,000 miles, which required having the car towed to the dealer and four days without the car. Communicating with my dealer and directly to Chevrolet about the defects was not very successful or satisfying. Therefore, assure, as best you can, that the car you are purchasing has no obvious problems before you accept the car. Dont rely upon assurances that problems will be fixed promptly when the car is serviced.

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  Best Body Style EVER - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Iroclady91 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My 91 Custom Made IROC Z-28, (I know its not possible) all of this was done in Ca.by the original owner. She only has 53,300 original miles. The interior still looks brand new. I get asked to sell her all the time, they leave notes in my gas tank door. It has power everything, never been wrecked and shes still beautiful. I dont want to sell her. Hubby made me buy a new Impala 4dr LS Sport. But I miss driving my IROC. She is my 9th Camaro in 32 years. Everyone wants to take her to the drag strip. NO WAY! wouldnt want to damage her.