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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  just bought - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tauja - May 11 - 1:16 pm

  Well I have only had this vehicle going on a month now, but so far it is okay. The 05 model appealed to me because it was stylish and spacious at the same time. I really like the chrome details, especially on the black and red. My family and I are tall, so for us to fit comfortably is important. The only thing is, without looking at the logo this car can be mistaken for many others out there. Also by purchasing a 4cyl, I saved money, but was surprised by the amount of power the car still has for it only to be a 4cyl. The gas mileage is great.

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  Great Mid Size Vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jolly Wally - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Pebbles and I just love it! Our Malibu was very affordable, gets great gas mileage, and has all the power features you would expect on a more expensive automobile. It has the euro sport look, rides nice, and plenty of head and leg room. Thanks Chevrolet! We sold our foreign car, which by the way, sits very low to the ground; the seats in our Malibu are more comfortable.

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  A great ride - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By rtaber - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 1500 LT for over a year now and have 47,000 miles on it. I dont just let it sit around. The ride comfort is unbelievable! The seat can be adjusted to fit my 61" frame like a glove and my 52" mother in law doesnt want to give it back when she borrows it! Ive hauled loads of gravel, pulled shrubs out with a chain and put my three kids (with one car seat)in the back to go to church. A terrific all around vehicle that does what a truck should do but rides like luxury sedan. No problems at all in the last 14 months.

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  Tahoe is a great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JimL - May 11 - 10:00 am

  It drives small for a big car. My wife didnt want anything as big as a Tahoe because she expected it would be hard to drive. She loves the car! I think the engine and the short turning radius are two of the best features. You can actually beat most sedans of the line when the light turns green. The seats are comfortable and the car fits in the garage. The kids love having enough room to spread out and long car trips are so much more enjoyable for everyone.

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  A good commuter car. - 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV
  By limee - May 11 - 7:44 am

  Have had the car since August. Over 2000 miles on it so far.Acceleration is brisk and satisfying. Quite comfortable over bumps despite its small size and you can certainly appreciate the battery pack being slung low which really improves the handling and it feels solid and not chintzy. Be aware that using the heater really sucks the battery life very quickly, just use the seat heaters. I commute 45 miles a day and there is plenty of battery life in at at the end of the day, just plug into 110 and its ready for work fully charged the next morning. Sound system is just OK. Interior plastics are hard, doors sound flimsy and takes practice in closing them 1st time, everytime.

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  Bad Boy Chevy - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
  By wolfman12 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car in all types of weather. Snow to Rain. Love how it handles. Has great acceration. Nothing wrong with this car except the paint chips. That is it though.

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  2001 cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By jen - May 11 - 2:00 am

  uncomfortable for long drives, but very reliable and good gas mileage

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  roon1 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By roongst - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Super sporty looking, very reliable. Extremely good warranty. Performance is unmatched versus price of vehicle. Recommend to all who have the need for speed. BRING BACK THE CAMARO.

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  I Love This Car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Krysta - May 10 - 8:56 pm

  I love my car. It is the 1st car I have purchased, and I could not have asked for more. It is fun and sporty, but still roomy and spacious on the inside. Its pretty fast for a car its size, and the body shap is inique. It has great curves, and there is not a car on the road that looks anything like it. The car drives like a dream, and in my opinion it handles really well. I love the color on my car, the color is called Berry Red Metalic, and I have not seen one in my area with the same color.

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  2014 Chevy Silverado - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By 14chevy53 - May 10 - 8:45 pm

  Ive had my 2014 Silverado for 9 months now and have had a long list of issues.Numerous recalls. Had an engine misfire at 14500 miles. Had to replace number 8 cylinder coil which had a history of misfires. Driver side door actuator went out and had to be replaced. The day after I got the truck back (less than 24 hours later) the front passenger side door actuator went out (currently at dealership writing review while its being fixed). When punching the gas the 1st to 2nd gear shift is very rough. Transmission guy at dealership said thats normal which I dont believe. Currently ongoing issue. Really hope GM reads this and contacts me. After what I spent on truck I shouldnt be having issues.