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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  Very Reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Albert - February 27 - 10:06 pm

  Only my 3rd vehicle(all Chevy) to never have a problem. Put 62000 miles in 54 weeks on this car. changed tires at 45000 miles. Been a surprise as to driving. Due to my financial problems sold 3 Mercedes ,sl55,s55,cl55 and a 2007 corvette. Very surprised the performance and seats did not bother me after coming out of my prior vehicles. Was very bad and only changed oil 1 time and never went in for normal service. oil level never went down even after long quick trips. Gad millage at 85 was 27-29.5. Wind can push this car very easy and had occasionally caused the steering wheel to be knocked out of my hand. Breaks squeaked a lot in the morning

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  You better have that warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cody - February 27 - 6:22 pm

  steering gear went out, windows vision warped, rotors warped, car interior RATTLES, glove box rattles, exhaust heat shield makes vibrating sounds, steering clunks over dips. Look people this is common for cobalts. Ill be honest, dont buy this car. Great power, and handling but things will break. Its not a maybe. This car isnt a lemon either... this is very common issues. Without the warranty your looking at a big issue. This is a cheaply made car. GM is failing and I dont care because this is what they sell. Go buy a Nissan, dont waste your money for god sake dont make the mistake I did.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN.....needs a tiny tweak. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mdillman - February 27 - 5:03 pm

  Overall I love this car - I won the car in a contest and decided before I took delivery the sport coupe was not for me. I test drove 10 cars at least and still could not find anything I liked better than this sporty coupe. Fast, quiet and smooth. Mileage averages 28-30 and the dashboard readout is a nice option. This would be a great car for my teenager, but I dont want to turn it loose!

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  best suv - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By nbcar - February 27 - 7:04 am

  This is the best full size suv for your money. It is the best vehicle for long rides and can fit 8 people and all their bags and still have space to run around. Bose radio system is great.

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  Nice Looking Auto - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob - February 27 - 6:53 am

  Car is fun to drive, great sound system. Traded 2001 Impala for this model. The 2001 model ride was more comfortable and gas mileage was also better, almost always got 30 or better. The best mileage with 2006 3.9 engine 25 to 28 on freeway. Leather seats are nice but uncomfortable for me. Had to take it to the dealer three times to get keyless entry programmed. One FOB was missing on delivery. After ordering 2 FOBs and a receiver, dealer finally got it working, took FOB from another new Impala off lot to fix it. Only 1 gas strut for hood, no key lock for trunk, no dome lights in rear seat area, cost reduction I guess. Driver Information Center is nice.

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  A very cute car! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ladygreeneyes - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Love the cars interior, comfortable, easy handling, visual ability...unfortunately the stats on fuel mileage by the manufacturer are not accurate...they state 22 city/30 hwy...Im getting 17+ to 19 Hwy. The dealer service is telling me I "have to break the car in...give it at least 1200 miles". I didnt have to "break" my Impala in...it was right on the money!

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  Monte needs an 8 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Gary7568 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Love this car but it needs a V-8 with rear wheel drive!

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  sweet interior - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By gusamer - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Love the interior, nice power for being awd.

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  Love my Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By DENNIS - February 27 - 1:02 am

  Love this truck, very reliable, only had 2 warranty issues and I have 96k miles on it. Need to stay away from Delco batteries, had to finally get an interstate as Delco kept dying in less than a year. Now teaching daughter to drive it. She loves it also. Still drives like new, even with high miles. Good seating, kids like DVD player, great AC, really keeps inside cool on over 100 degree days.

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  I love my car - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By mandy - February 26 - 6:31 pm

  I love this car! Purchased for $800 from a family member who needed $$, who can beat that?! Was wrecked before,dont know anything about the prior history, but its been my baby. 28-33 mpg still! Replaced alternator & fixed break fluid leak shortly after purchase. Replaced motor at a little over 170K, 2 yrs ago, $900, cheaper than a new car. At 217K now & still rolling. Oil send unit went out a few months ago,replaced. Having a bit of off-and-on trouble w/the low beam lights(a wiring prob.) Having trouble locating the problem bc of course it doesnt happen when my mechanic has it! LOL No big since I dont drive at night much & if I do I just drive my other vehicle.