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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  Amazing car for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By brandon - August 16 - 2:16 am

  I have fallen in love with this car. It has been a blast to drive. Only thing makes it so great is that the 3.9 liter engine is breath taking for the gas mileage. It is amazing, it just smokes all my friends cars in everthing. I could never ask for nothing more from this car. It delivers all a guy going into college could want. muscle car power with the looks and comfront of luxury sedan which IS nothing more that anyone could ask for the price. Best car I have driven in a longtime. just a work of art in every way. A total dream to drive. You will love this car for the money

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  Id Buy One Again in a Second! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By David T. - August 15 - 7:23 pm

  I replaced an old Jeep Cherokee with the Malibu because I needed something with more room and much better gas mileage. I dont regret it for a minute. It drives so much better than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonatas that I test drove. The interior is vault-like quiet, the 2.4 with the 6 speed transmission has plenty of power. The quality feel of the switch gear is first rate! Ive been getting 22 mpg in town and between 31-35 on the highway depending on conditions and speed. So whats not to like? I love the looks of this car (LT1), but when I bought this, there was no aluminum wheel option. I understand there is now.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By p&dflorida - August 15 - 11:22 am

  This is the second Malibu we have purchased and we are as happy with this one as previous. Quiet ride with exceptional interior room. Love all the aspects of the car. Have not had any problems with it.

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  The Monte Is Hot - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Warrendl2002 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The thing that caught my eye was the sleek, and sporty exterior design, but when i got a chance to test drive it, I was blown away. Sporty, comfortable, great on gas, easy to handle, and of course is great eye candy.

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  New Colorado Owner - 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
  By David S - August 15 - 9:54 am

  I was in the market for a truck that offers the following options: fuel efficiency, room for four tall adults/teenagers, and light duty hauling for the occasional new appliance or household item. No towing requirements. It came down to a choice between the Tacoma and Colorado. As long time Toyota 4- Runner owner (216,000 miles), I became a first time Chevy owner based on the extra leg room in the back, a few additional stock features, and overall price savings of about $2k. I usually keep my vehicles for 10-15 years. The 4-cylinder obviously doesnt have the power of a V8, but is peppy enough for my use. Time will tell if my choice was right, but so far Im very pleased.

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  love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By charlie - August 15 - 9:45 am

  I love driving my trailblazer! Remember this is not a luxury SUV and a basic 5 yr old model. After 60k mi this car drives like new. The engine is perfectly balanced and powered for the weight of the vehicle. When pulling heavy trailers feels if there was nothing behind. I still make 17-18 mpg. The level of comfort inside is fantastic, and I drive quite a bit in the city and highway. Chevy did a great job putting it together and really making this car a truly heavy duty car in every aspect from inside the hood to its logo. If kept well with services, and scheduled maintenance, you will find no problems, but the ones expected in a high mileage car. A car to drive for all purposes (literally)!!

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  Happy Haughty Respectable - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - August 15 - 12:43 am

  From the first time I saw an HHR on the road I wanted one. Now the proud owner of a bright orange eye catcher, I can tool around town in style and hit the open road with pride. After six kids and 22 years of marriage i finally found the car / suv that the kids like and my wife wants to drive more than me. My recomendation; buy one. Heck... buy two.

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  09 Traverse LTZ AWD Thumbs up so far - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By stormin800 - August 14 - 10:20 pm

  Traded in my 07 Yukon Toy hauler and gas guzzler for this surprisingly fuel efficient roomy toy hauler. I have been very happy so far with the performance, handling and towing capacity. It is almost as roomy as the Yukon was inside from a driving and cargo perspective. All this with a 5-6 mile per gallon improvement. I am a big person,so I needed the leg room and seat support and the traverse has met this demand rather easily. So far, big thumbs up.

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  CSS Blast! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By alcss - August 14 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the SS sedan 3 weeks ago. This car is a blast to drive! Have 2500 miles on it already. 3000 pound curb weight and 260hp is a great combo. Turbo-charged ecotec engine is fantastic. Exhaust has a nice rumble on hard acceleration, but its not tiresome on the highway. Tires, wheels, steering, braking and suspension/handling are all top notch, simply outstanding. This car can really perform and it is so much fun to drive. Seats are amazing. I would recommend this ride to anyone who needs a double extra dose of performance in their daily drive.

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  Nice car, over hyped milage - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Dean Robertson - August 14 - 4:11 pm

  I cashed in on the Cash for Clunkers deal and got a good deal on the car. I was promised at least 30 mph in town and 35 on the highway. Nada. The first check was 23 mpg, then 20 and today only 21. Im very disappointed in that ... but surprising good ride for a small car. But I bought it for the gas savings. Now the dealership says give it 10 to 15,000 miles before it will perform as promised. Waiting.