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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  BEST IN CLASS - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TONY76 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICAL IT GIVES ME GREAT DRIVING PLEASURE EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. ANOTHER GREAT SUV FROM CHEVY

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  bought my dream car - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By cape fear wildcats - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my corvette almost as much as my black lab. I have driven it on the myrtle beach stand and the blue ridge parkway and it felt GREATTTTT! I often drive by some kids or they see my car at a stoplight and the jaws just drop, and out comes a shreik from the kids that scares their mommy to death, they think my car is so cool.II used it in the high school homecoming parade and next thing ya know me and my car are on the high school web site escorting the freshman princess. I also love the corvette wave you give/get from others who know what I know about driving such a supreme auto.

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  I hate my blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tlid - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Blazer in december 2001. Its a4 Dr LS and it had 28,000 miles on it when i bought it. It appeared to be in great condition and relatively low mileage. Within 7 months of having the vehicle, I had to replace the engine coolant lines, rear drive train, front wheel bearings, front brakes, and the serpentine belt. The transmission may go anytime. Any car will start to have problems but the amount of major repairs it has needed is rediculous. Its a V-6 but drives like a V-4, and has problems climbing hills. It doesnt seem to handle bumps/off-roading all that well which is rediculous considering that is what it was designed for.

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  2006 Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By SVB - August 20 - 5:26 pm

  Just got my Impala SS 5days ago and have been driving it constantly...Im on vacation. I find the power unbelievable, love the exterior and interior, and am loving driving it. It has been fun learning how to work and program all the toys that are standard as well as all the optional equipment I got with the car. I love the car and would recommend it to anyone interrested in purchasing a full size performance sedan.

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  Way too many problems - 1996 Chevrolet Astro
  By Hemst - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996, first major problems began after 40K (after weak warranty) and put well over $2k in it by 54k miles. Over the years, it faired OK but broke down at the worst times, and cost plenty each time. Thank God for AAA. From 100k -111K miles, I just put over $6,300 bucks into it, you name it, engine work galore, trans, etc. Too bad for the poor quality in the mechanical aspect, it has great functionality.

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  Just give them a real suspension - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By thestevester - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Have put 22,000 miles on my 2001 Z24 since buying it new last year.I Have had no problems at all.Great looks and a good price.The car handles very well and is only lacking a better suspension.The build quality on mine is very good,much tighter and no rattles compared to my 91 z24(also bought new).2.4 is a little loud at idle but quiets down on the road.Great on the highway but it can get tiresome driving the manual around town,especially on bad roads when the car feels like it falls right in to potholes.

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  Last GM Muscle - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By up2parr - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a bargain, even when new. The only reason they didnt sell is because GM didnt put any marketing effort into them for the last 4 years. However, what they lacked in marketing was made up by engineering- the LS-1 engine is sweet and efficient, a real sleeper. Handling and braking are awesome. This car is 95% Vette at 1/2 the price. Ive had no problems with the car. Even the t-tops dont leak like in older GM models. The only complaint I have is minor- the plastic interior panels scratch easily. All car reviews show no performance improvement with the SS- save your $

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  One Great Camaro - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By corvette128 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new in 1994. It now has 87,000 miles on it and the only repairs have been to replace both power window motors. It has had the oil changed every 3000 miles and is only on its 2nd set of tires. Great car. Still looks like new. The guy that posted the problems he has had with his 95 must not be doing something right.

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  Fuel economy and driving fun - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Randy Pilgrim - August 19 - 2:43 pm

  I needed a vehicle for a 120 mile daily commute and I wanted to start with a new vehicle for the warranty and safety and peace of mind. I have had the Aveo for over 3 months now and I am very happy with it. I just turned over ten thousand miles now, and the fuel mileage is now at 35 mpg, as advertised. The ride is excellent, handling is very good, and the interior room and quietness is good. I drive the interstate daily; it’s a light car, so big trucks tend to blow it around a little when passing or following them. It’s also a car that demands a little more attention in rainy weather or very wet roads, I guess due to its light weight. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Drives like a dream - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By medinamalibu - August 19 - 6:13 am

  After owning the Maxx for 2 days, I concluded that its driving manners were perfect. Three years later, the perfection has been restored by new tires/brakes/steering column. Love the extended warranty! Had a major water leak due to some missing sealant. Instruments freaked out one day and died for my commute, but came back perfect (with updated mileage, even!) the same night. Sunshades, ugh. Nice idea, but not durable enough for any use. A few design miscues havent spoiled how wonderful the car is. Its never left me stranded. Wish I could see 30+ MPG more often. Love the power, though. Rear visibility suffers -- should have been a more square-ish wagon.