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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  An Awesome Car - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kelldawg87 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Corvettes should be a model for all other sports cars. Its handling and power is virtually unparalelled. Im extremely satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Total Rear End Collision - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By crash dummy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  We loved our Chevy Venture EXT. van..that is until we were hit in a rear end collision!!! What should have been minor damage, totaled our van and caused injury to our family. The body shop man expressed to me, knowing we would be in the market for a new vehicle, DONT BUY A VENTURE!!! He has more Ventures in for minor repairs that turn out to be major headaches for the owners. I have spoke to some other Body shops and have been told the same thing. Our van died of its injuries, that is ok..I just dont want anyone to die of their injuries from a collision in the Venture.

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  MY BLUE BLAZER - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By KITTNPUR - January 11 - 2:00 am

  IM QUITE HAPPY WITH HOW MY WHEELS DRIVES AND RIDES. I PLAN TO KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME.

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  Solid Car for the price - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tim - January 11 - 12:30 am

  Very happy with the car. I did a lot of research and test drove many makes and models. Was able to get this for 7k under MSRP. Best value for the price. No problems as of yet

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  Expect High Maint. - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By rickluminajunk - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Lumina new and have been the only owner. My wife uses it to do small commutes. My car has 49,945 miles. I have replaced the engine once, defective design GM knows about but could care less about customers to admit or repair. My cost $2,000. Brakes 4 sets in 7 years, again poor design GM knows about but doesnt care. 3 sets of tires and 2 exhaust systems. If you can avoid the Lumina DO IT.

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  Luxury Sport - 1994 Chevrolet Lumina
  By bjspoet73 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I had my Lumina Euro for 4 years. I put 75K miles on & didnt have to put much into it. Gas mileage was 30 mpg. The ride was smooth & dependable. I felt very comfortable & safe. The instrument panel for the A/C and radio was far away. I found the parts to be expensive. Expect to replace the breaks every year. If one caliper hangs up replace all calipers at the same time & dont forget to disconnect the battery after the calipers have been replaced or the computer will think you still have the old calipers on. Be aware that on my particular car the ABS never worked right. I would recommend this car for a first car. I loved it.

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  Love It But Will It Start? - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rlematta - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 90 Vette to the V6 coupe with t-tops, power everything. I didnt choose the dual exhaust option with tighter steering for only a couple hundred, I recommed that. The car has not started 5 times in 3 years, 2 new batteries, new neg terminal(s), still has problems. But when it works it is nice.

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  I love this car!!!! - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By TattoodFool - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so much fun driving a vehicle! And its very affordable.

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  built to last - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By leaper - January 10 - 2:00 am

  with the 4.3 motor it realy gets up and moves, low noise and great ride. have not used 4/4 yet but cant wait. the motor and transmition has a great pulling power, I have driven Jeep liberty and there is no conparison all I can say like a rock.

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  Love My Chevy! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jingle - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Our chevy was a lease which we are buying out. Thats how good we like it. The ride is smooth and little exterior noise. Its really a full- size car and can seat a 6 ft 260 lb man comfortably. We purchased the upgraded sound system and its like having surround in the car. Gas mileage is above average for a full-size car, and our sun roof is heaven in summer time. Only problems were a few loose screws in the beginning - and the dealership was great at service. Theres been no knocking like in your other reviews of this car.