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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  Love my new car! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Heather Tangard - January 11 - 11:20 pm

  This car is really great for the price. After driving it you would never think we only paid $20,000 for it. It drives very smoothly. It has a lot of room. Also, its very quiet inside, you cant hear all the road noise outside.

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  Just asking - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By The Gent - January 11 - 10:00 am

  cant say enough about the car. when I first bought it I was trying to find something the matter,I couldnt,so I just decided to enjoy it instead!!!

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  Lots of Problems - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chuckwagon - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Already had in for service 6 times. Rear differential seized requiring entire backend to be replaced. Mileage is maliciously overstated topping out at only 14MPG. Vehicle unstable and steering to sensitive for higher speeds. Nearly flipped vehicle on interstate avoiding road debris. Interior cheap quality, seat does not go back far enough. Shifting lags. Wants to stall if vehicle sits to long or takeoff is uphill/not straight line. Tilt steering positions block instruments at all angles. Chevy has bottomed out on this model and their unaccomidating resolutions to my concerns.

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  LOVE MY NEW SPARK!! BEST CAR I HAVE EVRY OWNED!! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Reed - January 11 - 8:01 am

  I live in Los Angeles and wanted a car that could zip thru traffic and get into tight parking spaces. This car delivers big time. This is probably the first car Ive owned where I actually have fun and look forward to driving. Its also great on gas mileage - I average about 33 in LA and 43 on the highway. The Chevy MyLink is the most advanced touchscreen tech systems I have ever experienced. Handling is swift and agile. I also got an amazing deal on the car.

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  Everything I had hoped for and more! - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Eli Herron - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in November of 2001. I love it! I had to replace the tires shortly after I bought it, but they were inexpensive. I drive it all over Arizona for work and I have no problems with it. I change the fluids religiously so I am sure that has alot to do with the performance. I highly recommend the car to anyone! Unless you are very tall. I am 5 11 and it fits me just fine.

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  buy a ford - 1993 Chevrolet Lumina
  By pdiddy1230 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  whew.. this car just never stops. repair bills after repair bills. i have 75000 miles and had to replace alternator 4 times, not to mention fuel pump, brakes...And WOW WHAT TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE! i do everything i can to keep the gas mileage down, yet i still average 15mpg. my best advice for you would be to buy a ford, and get your moneys worth, minus the repair bills.

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  Good, reliable car - 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
  By ads93 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used in 95 with 63K miles. Had a new 3.1L engine put in due to factory recall that same year. Only routine maintenance was needed. The life of the brakes may have been the only negative, however it wasnt too bad. Got me through college and the first 6 years after graduation.

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  Great SUV - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By brod - January 11 - 2:00 am

  My 1994 Blazer is one of the best SUVs around. I have no promblem getting anywhere with the powerful 5.7 liter V8. Definately one to look for if you want a great used SUV!

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  Roys Rating - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Royoftex - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had few problems with my Tahoe and this was unexpected being I bought it used with close to 70000 miles, but I am extremely pleased with the performance.

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  Import Fighter on a budget - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JCO Member - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The Z24 is my third car, and has been the best I have owned yet. The engine is a potent power plant that is a great starting point for upgrades. Brakes are strong and fade resistant. The suspension firm but not, harsh. The Z24 is perfect for the sport compact enthusiest on a budget. I would recommend the car to anyone