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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  So far, so good - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By randyvn - January 23 - 5:44 pm

  Had a few GM glitches in the first 30K. Odometer went out, major repair: A/C went out, and typical steering knuckle needed repair. After warranty fixed these items all has been well.

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  2004 Chevolet Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ddzncle - January 22 - 10:29 am

  I bought my 2004 Suburban to transport mygrand children. It has become the car pool vehicle for my friends going to events around town. We can get 8 people in it plus luggage. The third seat comfort is not the best but good for short trips.

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  Good Transportation - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Paul H. McLaughlin - January 22 - 8:43 am

  I have found it to be very reliabile and responsive. I am always surprised at the fast response with the six.

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  Love my little blue rollerskate! - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Monstertrouble - January 21 - 8:11 pm

  At least thats what my husband calls it. My little rollerskate. Ive had it almost a year now and its still as fun to drive as it was the day I bought it. My little AWD goes through the deep snow like a dream. Theres tons of room in the back for the kids to stretch out and we can still take the dog along with us on road trips and it gets decent gas mileage. The only complaint I have for my Equinox is that it is a little lightweight, if the wind is really blowing I have to keep both hands at 10 and 2 to keep it steady. But up here in Michigan we dont get too many windy days so its only been a stressful ride once or twice. All in all its a great little family car. Cute and fun to drive.

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  Back Ache - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By JL - January 21 - 1:00 pm

  Althrough Ive had this car for only a short time, less than three weeks, I did drive a 2008 Impala for a year (company car). Because of the pleasant experience with the 08 I decided to buy an 09 when I had to return the company car. However I find the 2009 to be extremely uncomfortable as compared with the 2008, specifically the lumbar. It doesnt deflate all the way as it should, and it really really hurts my back (and others who have driven my car). This seems to be the way it is on all 2009s. (No problem with the 2008s.) Ive been told "this is the way it is" and nothing can be done. This flaw should be corrected but I suspect it will not be because its not a safety issue.

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  Great fun car - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Robby D - January 20 - 10:40 pm

  Bought this car in June of 2006. Has the base 3.8 features including no power windows or locks but has the ttops and the awesome monsoon stereo. Such a fun car to drive tho and always get compliments on it. Rear wheel drive is a ton of fun too but its a bit difficult to drive in the snow. Love the styling of this gen Camaro. Fuel economy isnt great but not terrible. Very reliable for me as I have yet to have something major breakdown. This car loves to hug the road at high speeds and on big curves. Driving with the windows down and ttops off, its just an amazing car to cruise in. With the rear seats folded down you can fit quite a fair amount of cargo in the car if needed. Awesome car!

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  I still love this minivan - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Kerri J - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  We bought this minivan because of the 8 passenger capability. It has some minor issues like the cup holders are awful, and clearing snow from the windsheild is a nightmare due to design. We had a sensor light fuse that cost $400 to replace because of access. But despite all of this I had an accident and rolled this minivan with my 4 children and we all walked away with out a scratch. We are getting another one.

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  Not Reliable - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anne - January 20 - 12:21 pm

  Fun car to drive, but not very reliable. At 46,000 miles the water pump went out, at 71,000 miles the tranmission started leaking, at 110,000 the power steering pump went out. I have ongoing problems with the tire pressure monitors. The remote fob doesnt work unless you are within approximately 5 feet of the car, which makes the remote start virtually worthless. I also own a 2002 Impala LS with 250,000+ miles on it, that I have had no problems with so at least I have something reliable to drive I will never again purchase a GM automobile due to these issues, I will be purchasing a Toyota Camry soon.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By wv-chevy - January 20 - 11:07 am

  First of all it is great on gas mileage (I have the 2.2 ECO-TEC), I got 500+ miles out of a tank once on a straight interstate trip, usually get 350-375 miles or so with mixed driving. It is fun to drive, very responsive and handles very well. I live in an area where there is some snow in the winter and I have yet to have a problem getting around when the roads are snow/slush covered. Outside the car really isnt much to look at but it isnt an eye sore either. The interior is about the same, fairly plain, not great looking but its not terrible either. The seats are comfortable enough and there is ample room in the back for passengers.

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  Trustworthy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - January 20 - 6:23 am

  This has been one my better vehicles ever. Except for a factory replacement of the fuel level sending unit a few days after purchase, (it wasnt gauging correctly), Ive had no problems. My wife uses it for a 50 mile daily commute and it keeps on going. It still runs like brand new and drives as straight as new, hasnt needed an alignment as of yet.