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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  99 Chevy Malibu - 2 kids & still going. - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maitwo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Other than major dealership problems, the car itself has been reliable.

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  Is it American quality or just bad luck? - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By PE - June 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a Chevy Venture less than two years ago and have already had to put nearly $2000 in repair costs into it. At 38000 miles the ignition switch failed while I was trying to leave the grocery store in a snow storm. After waiting three hours for the promised emergency road side assistance, I ended up walking 3 miles back to my house. At 48000 miles the AC condenser developed a leak. Currently in the shop and only costing us $1000. We had a Ford before this and had same bad luck. My honda is the only thing we have never needed repair work on (this with 140,000 miles). Should I try Dodge next?

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By nagyflys - June 4 - 8:23 pm

  This is my first Chevy truck. Im very pleased with it. I havent had it very long so I dont know how the build quality is or the reliability. Hopefully good.

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  Mew Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By js - June 4 - 2:36 pm

  The great gas mileage with such a powerful V6 is what sold me as well as the front and rear legroom. Test drove many cars, imports as well, and couldnt find many with enough front leg room for a tall guy like me, but its in this Maxx. Value with rebates and features remote start and side air bags.

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  performance vehicle ...late 90 - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill...chevySS - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This Sporty looking family car has the muscle and style..Its been a pleasure owning, I have drove 60k miles..Never a problem...The only part that i have changed is a water pump in all these miles..Except for period maintanence..Ex.oil,plugs,filters.This is one good Chevy!!!!

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  huge, fast car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jasonholiday - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was the overhaul best sedan Ive been in. Leg room up front is huge, Im a big guy and can still stretch out. Car is fast, and still gets 23mpg on average for me (chevy says they get 29hwy, but mine gets less). Tires are expensive to replace and my steering makes a crunching sound- also have had small antifreeze leak that they couldnt fix and problems with the car starting. Only have 37k on it, too.

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  Lumina LS - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Berdock - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Nothing fancy about this vehicle, But its reliable roomy and very sound transportation.

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  My Treasure,2000 CorvetteConvertable! - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By My Treasure - June 4 - 2:00 am

  0ne year later the dream became a nightmare to this date. First it started with 5/6 trips for the fuel gauge sensor, locked sterring, 2 alternators, 4 batteries,3xs headlight motor, cd player, 4xs body control module,3xs foglights, 2xs trunk would not open,dealorship lost my keys, Leaving a few others out Im sure. And the hits keep coming!I guess I have been blessed until now. Im not alone, which does not provide me any comfort. GM offered me a 10 yr. warranty to rebuild my confidence. I want a car I can drive! Not continue to be at service.PLEASE. What an ordeal. Guess Ive had enough.

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  Best in Class for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By gregwilliams - June 3 - 1:46 pm

  This truck is hands down the best on the market for the money. Compared to the rest Toyota is the only one that comes close but the price difference holds me back. Now with the 100k powertrain warranty Ill have it paid off before the warranty is gone!

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  Perfect for Me - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By RevRacer - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Avalanche for a little over a year and have found it an excellent vehicle to meet my needs. I wanted a vehicle that could comfortably haul 5, tow a car trailer, and be used to carry clients to lunch. Ford SuperCrew was light on tow ability. I liked the looks of the Ram, but ride was harsh and the new Hemi was not out. With 15K miles, averages 14 around town and 17 highway. Very quiet confortable ride. Makes 5 hours on PA Turnpike an easy trip.