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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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Dave30327 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Please spare yourself the headache by not buying this piece of junk. Mine was in the shop six times in six months and the last couple of times was because they had to replace the gas tank because it was cracked. The dealer and Chevrolet could not have been more disinterested in my problems. I asked both what if this happened and the car blew up, they said did not deal in What ifs! It was so bad that I traded and lost a bundle just six months after I purchased it because I was so scared of it.

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  Never Again - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jay88 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My Blazer has been nothing but a nightmare, with items wearing prematurly from the start. Electrical problems that can never get fixed, and generally unreliable. Im dumping it soon and getting out of GM for some time.

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  Best Vette I have owned - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vettesight - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchaced this car new in October 2000 after waiting 5 months for the order to arrive. I have driven it a total of 17,000 miles which included 2 2,500 mile trips the first year of ownership. I have had no warrantee issues. It has been the most reliable car of any type I have owned. I cant wait until spring when I take it out of winter storage.

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  So Far So Good - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
  By TooYoungToBeOld - February 1 - 1:22 am

  Have only less than 300 miles so far but I have been very happy. I really wanted a V6 AWD but there werent any available at this dealership and frankly I was tired of car shopping so I went ahead with the 4 cyl without AWD on a 2 yr lease. Figured if I wasnt happy Id only have to deal with it for 2 yrs. For the price, this is a great SUV. The Equinox is roomy, handles very nicely, seats are very comfortable, especially with the 8 way power driver seat. Its quiet, has a nice interior and is spacious. The 2018 redesign is smaller which is why I went with the 17 - roomier seating and more cargo space. I also like the reclining rear seats, which I dont believe the 2018 had. Another favorite thing is that the sun visors, when moved to the side window have a sliding capability so that they can actually block out the sun. Would I recommend this vehicle? Yes definitely. I am already thinking that at the end of the lease I will keep this vehicle.

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  Happy to the Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By warygent - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Got the loaded LT Maxx. I feel the car gives much more value for the money than anything alse in the class both in features and performance. The styling wont turn any heads but the interior is top notch and the flexibility great. The car came with no defects and the dealership was great in getting the Onstar and XM radio set up.

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  Great First Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By knight2k3 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in June 03, and I love it! It has an automatic transmission, along with the Sport Appearance Package (aluminum wheels, spoiler and sport susension [think LS Sport]), also has a sunroof. I love how this car is faster than almost all other 4 cylinder cars out there! I love it, great first car for a financially strapped college student.

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  Cool and Quick - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By nursemikern - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I went from a f250 to the colorado. Power was a bit lower but it more than made up for it in performance and gas milage. Only problem I had was something loose above the adjoining doors on the drivers side. Dealership fixed it without a fuss. So far the truck has been awesome. The exterior is fantastic. The interior is great, just wish it had the sunglass holder thing on the inside roof. Im 6 ft 3 and I fit in it just fine which is a big plus. Was concerned about the lower power (compared to the 250) but so far the truck has come through without a problem.

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  GOOD - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DANNY MEYERS - January 31 - 10:00 am

  A VERY NICE TRUCK

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  Go Buy it. - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Darth - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have over 40,000 miles on my 4WD Avalanch and never had problem. They did this model right. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and rotate the tires every 14000, Still have orginal tires in good shape. I get 17.5 miles per gal on the highway, which is not bad for the size of the truck. The ride is great and it is fun to drive. I also love the conversion to carry extra long lumber. I would by another one if I could afford it.

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  I have the car of my dreams! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By hotcd31 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I owned the Chev Malibu prior to purchasing the Impala. Im almost 6 feet and my daughter is 61 and we needed more room for comfort. The Impala is roomy and so much fun to drive. I look forward to taking many road trips this summer. I do not regret purchasing this car.