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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  Better than expected - 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
  By GJB - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Chevy using GM MC credits and rebate. $12K out the door. Car is very quiet and comfortable for class. Engine is surprisingly peppy. I got new tires (performance) and the handling improved markedly (still leans in turns, but tracks well). Fuel economy in my work commute is ~34mgp! Fun and quiet car.

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  Ill drive this car til it falls apart! - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By jjones - December 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new and have never questioned our decision once. We love it in every way possible. The integrated car seats have been wonderful with our four kids. I want this to be the car my 8 year old learns to drive in! And the grill doesnt bother me at all!

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  Will never buy another Chevy. - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CheyHater - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Dont ever buy one of these unless you have a lot of money and time to waste. A whole lot better to pay a couple grand more and buy and Accord or a Campry or an Altima.. or anything else.

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  IF ONLY THEY BUILT AN INTERIOR - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RC TOYOTA - December 4 - 2:00 am

  THE 98 VETTE CONV IS WITHOUT A DOUGHT THE BEST EVER THE CAR IS DAMN NEAR PERFECT AS A TOYOTA EMPLOYEE I CAN SPEAK OF SUCH THINGS AS WE ALL WELL KNOW IF GM FORD OR THAT OTHER WANA-BE CAR BUILDER EVER MAKE A CAR WITH QUALITY INT. INSTEAD OF THE HARD SWEEKY NOISY JUNK PLASTIC THEY USE WERE IN TROUBLE AT TOYOTA BUT BY THEN WILL ALL BE DRIVING JET CARS..............SEEE YA SOON

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  Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Patrick - December 3 - 2:20 am

  From the first moment I saw this car at the dealer, I knew I had to have it. Paying an extraordinary $59,000 dollars, I still think it is worth it. In fact, with the nice performance and reliability you get in this Corvette, I would have paid 108,000 dollars. Its just a car you dont get anywhere else. I think this car was not only a great car performance wise, but also quality and exterior design. I gave it a 10 because of spotless paint, superb frame, and nice little lights. I think that it was a change for many people to see the old lights go, but they new ones are awesome too. I would strongly reccomend this car if you are a street racer (just kidding!). I found this car very nice..

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  Whats Not-So-Good About this Car - 1999 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Dawnie - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Had no problems for 3 years, in the 4th year its almost coming apart. Ive had to replace the brakes, the computer, the ignition switch, the cruise-control/windshield wiper lever, and an internal ignition function - all after warranty, except for the computer. Ive had to get a front-end alignment twice. I might contribute all the problems with not keeping up with maintenance, but as I rely on my car so much, Im careful in that area. I am at 60,000 miles now, and my transmission is starting to get sluggish - every so often the car seems to struggle with shifting gears. At this point Im looking for a new car, because Im getting tired of all the problems.

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  sucks to buy used - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By leigh - December 3 - 2:00 am

  the salesperson told me that a complete tune up was done, tires had recently been put on, and that the truck was cleaned inside and out except the glove compartment which at the time the handle was broken. WRONG!!!!! i paid $3ooo from the dealer, in the three months i had to put new tires (recently done-right) $250, new battery $75, new starter $110, new u- joints $150, and basic tune upandthat the work i did, the dealer had to put a new timing chain, which cost me $650 all in all for a new (to me) truck that was supposed to cost $3000, it has cost me another $1300.tough lesson to learn

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  Chev malibu is trash - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Syed - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought an optimum vehicle since then I have nothing but troubles with this car, GM service sucks. My advise : buy a Japanese car that brings reliability, economy and good service with it. I am buying Japanese cars for the rest of my life.

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  Transmission Blow out 42,000 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By gkehler - December 2 - 2:53 pm

  Great looking car for the money. However, I have had a many problems. Keyless entry never work correct and tire sensor. Was in shop a couple of time until fix right. Body work poor has as sections came unalined. Note: all items were fixed at dealers cost. However, my transmission went at 42,000 (all highway). Chevy would not stand behind the transmission even with me only be 6k over in miles. I will tell you not to buy without the extend warranty or you will get screwed by Chevy(3800 fix). PS put in a transmission cooler. I would upgrade brakes as stock has had many recalls (Cheap fix for add performance $700)

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  Lots of bang for the money! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By patches - December 2 - 2:10 pm

  Very great car, dependable and convenient. A sure keeper. Smooth, quiet drive, lots of room, especially with two youngsters. Cargo is great. Got rid of my Blazer LT for this one, and I do not regret it. Lots of space like an SUV, but handling is far smoother. I will definitely keep this car.