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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  Junk from the Get-Go - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Honest Abe - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck broke down day one. Within the first three months all of the fuel injectors were replaces, with multiple visits. The power assisted steerting took three visits to repair. A bunch of minor problems, but a trip to the dealership is still a problem. The front disc brakes are gone every 6 months. At 100,000 the real costs started to add up, new transimission, radiator, engine and the list goes on. Its fair to say that $15K in repairs have been done to this truck inside 150,000 miles.

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  Great Van... a True Life-Saver!! - 1998 Chevrolet Express
  By Stevemko - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Our 98 Chevy Express Van came with the luxurious Stealth conversion package. This vehicle was a true joy to drive --- responsive, comfortable seating, excellent view, ergonomic cabin layout and other super-duper features. Whether driving to Disney World or shopping for groceries, we traveled in splendid comfort. Four years and 110,000 miles later, it still ran in tip-top condition. Recently, we accidentally rolled over this van in an accident on an icy stretch of I-81. Thanks to God, and to the Chevy Express design, no one was injured. It was indeed a miracle and a tribute to this wonderful van!

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  I am getting chevy cars anymore - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By LAdude - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is not that reliable. It broke down in four months. Six month later, I found the cars temperature gauge went all the up. My mechanic found that the coolant system was OK, yet the temperature gauge showed overheating (until now). Last year, the engine started to "cough" and the car shake. Also last year, I started my car, and the engine was racing like when the gas pedal is hit hard, the engine idle control went out. I have only 35,000 miles on that minivan, and three months ago, I had to replace the transmission. Last month, my car started leaking a lot of oil, and I already have it fixed. Next year I’m getting Honda Odyssey.

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  cool runner - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bagaljack - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great little car, fast, great handling, chicks dig it. Drove the 60s cars, 427 and L88s. The C5 is just as much fun. This one is on the block to be replaced with another. Wish I could keep both. 03 Z06 to be here in February.

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By csforster - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchsed the 02 LS Sport in May 02 as my daily driver. My previous cars have always been Hondas or Toyotas. The Cav is by far the best value for the price. So far the cars had zero defect/problems. I am very impressed with handling and perfromance the 2.2 ECOTECH Engine is quick and the 5spd transmission shifts flawlessly.

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  wow, what can I say. - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rotwiler - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I had 2 Mustang GTs before this 02 Z28 and the Camaro blows them away in every way. I am like a kid with a new toy, the car is fast and fun and price was excellent. The seats leather is great quality and superior to my 00 Monte Carlo SS or the previous Mustangs I owned. I may have to keep this car forever. The Monsoon sound system is great and the T tops are a great addition for the summer. And for the fully loaded Z28 with every option but traction control, 19,000 was a steal (had 2,000 miles on it).

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  Run or pull out your wallet!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By N. Peterson - January 23 - 4:43 am

  Bought this truck with less than 100k on it. Started this loud chirping almost immediately. Two mechanics that I trust looked at it and both recommended new engines. Apparently Chevy had major design flaws on this engine and did nothing more than issue a service bulletin. Ive heard people anywhere from 20,000 miles and up having to swap these engines! Totally unacceptable. After a life with Chevy, were finally going to make the switch to another company...

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  Good overall car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dsuave - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the cavalier with a little under 60,000 miles from the dealer. I didnt have any major problems aside from the normal wear and tear of any car. I replaced the alternator once, which required a lot of force to re- attached the fan belt. The notoriously ineffective coolant system gave way about 85,000 miles and I had to spend over $1,000 to replace the head gasket due to a warped piston head from all the times the car overheated. It is very noisy at high speeds. Overall, it is a reliable car that you can depend on for everyday driving. It handles great and has sufficient leg room. This is a great first car for anyone who is young and learning

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  Fine for the money, but could use work - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MDE - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Decent enough gas mileage for an SUV. Good power, but not great. The main problems with this SUV are its extremely narrow stance, when compared to its height and length. When passed by a large truck, this vehicle will shimmy and sway on the road - something the newer Explorer doesnt do. Very scary. Also, if you have to brake suddenly, this vehicle tends to veer. Definitely a very high center of gravity, even for an SUV. No sudden movement feels safe. Its a decent low-end SUV but careful how you drive it!

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  2 1/2 Years and Still Pleased - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JnGalt52 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We waited for the 2000 model change and the "changes" were as promised. Jus had the brakes checked at 24,000 miles and they are still good to go! The only problems we had were with the back door electric window motors. Told the problem was a design flaw and the replacement motors have worked perfectly. I have driven off road, in heavy rain and snow and in heavy downtown traffic. I have towed several times as well. The Tahoe handled all tasks like a champ. I highly recommend the 2000 model and above.