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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  The Repair Kid Said Junk It - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By dave augenstene - November 1 - 1:34 am

  After having a 95 small Tracker that rusted out, I bought this 03 in 2013 with a good car fax and 76000 miles.. It appeared to have surface rust on bottom. The electronics and safety features were far advanced in comparison to the 95. The interior was luxurious compared to the 95. As with all Trackers it was fantastic in the snow with good snow tires on it. After a year it had leaking fuel lines and cracks in the fuel tank (I drove this only on the streets.) The shop and I discovered that Chevrolet had no replacement tanks and little else for the Tracker. No one else made an aftermarket tank either. Even a junkyard that had several of them couldnt find one decent enough to sell me. I ended up fixing the tank myself with Eastwood fuel tank sealer. I had bought the top of the line bumper to bumper warranty from Vehicle One and they have a small disclaimer in the contract that says they wont cover any problem due to rust, even though they specifically indicate that theyll cover gas tanks and fuel lines ("normal wear and tear" whatever else that is). They also made various disparaging remarks when I spoke with them about my claim. Dont buy a warranty from [non-permissible content removed]. The rockers started to rust by that time and I traded it in this month getting about 25% of what I had in it. Apparently rust is a big problem underneath on the Trackers. Buyer beware. Also I had both front door handles on the inside break. They are fun to drive but cant take the salt even when you wash the underside frequently during the winter thaws. The kid at the shop where I took it said I should just take down to the junkyard...

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  Fix or Repair Daily Chevrolet - 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By david augenstene - November 1 - 1:19 am

  I bought this car in 1999 with 55000 miles on it. And I kept it for 10 years. This vehicle had the 3.1 V6 and it was quick. It had constant little nagging repair issues. I replaced the gas tank twice (I did drive it in the snow.) The controls were more suited for females, too compact especially on the left side. The tilt wheel broke, the seats had problems. I had a transmission problem that caused it to stall all the time. The ignition module failed within a couple months of buying it. I got rear-ended in it in a chain reaction crash and that had a delayed reaction of the tilt wheel breaking and the seat mounts failing and probably at the end the seat control failing within the next five years. While I was looking to trade it in sometime drilled it with grocery cart and took out a rear light. If you see an RS V6 for sale like a restored or well kept convertible, it would be a nice ride with good gas mileage. It got as good gas mileage as many four bangers Ive owned ( in the range of 22-24mpg in mixed city/highway driving) plus it was fast, a nice sound to that 3.1 winding out.

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  REALLY tires to fast - 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By surround2man - October 31 - 7:20 pm

  With 24775 miles I have replaced all your tires, REALLY. I have never replaced tires so fast and this.is my 3rd tahoe. I am extremely disappointed. Chevrolet has gone cheap on the new tires. Before the tires were great. I am in the same profession I was 16years ago and the distance I drive.to work is 7.2 miles.

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  Been great so far - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Chuck Hoover - October 31 - 8:11 am

  Bought my 2012 new, it now has 42000 miles on it. It has NEVER been in the shop for anything except oil changes and tire rotation.I have a 4 cyl.FWD will get 33 mpg on highway going 65..about 28 going 78. about 20 in stop and go city driving. It does make a jumpy transmission shift if you hit the gas while it is downshifting on occation not always. Has not been great in snow but didnt have the right tires on it. Just now put better tires for snow on it last week.I drive to Florida 2 times a year from Pa. it is very comfortable.Change oil every 5000 miles.After reading about the poor oil consumption I will start watching it now. Havent had any oil problems yet.

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  American-made, AWD and comfort - 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Robert W. Jones - October 30 - 8:59 pm

  Drove several mid-size SUV and cross-overs as rental car on 300-900 mile trips before buying my Equinox. Almost all rentals were FWD but I bought the AWD for Kansas City weather. Only drove the Escape one time, didnt like it at all the older models were pretty nice but like most Fords, rough riding on a trip. Never rented a CR-V so test drove one. Seemed much smaller than the Equinox/Terrain. With seven rentals of GMs, I failed to get the published MPG only once, and got 37.4 over a 50 mile range coming home out of St. Louis. I have gotten 34.3 over 50 miles on my AWD. As for other reviews, seriously, its a 4 cylinder SUV why even mention performance. It is almost as good as any regular V6 of a few years ago, merges fine and passes fine as well Really like the 8" front-back adjustment on the rear seat, really roomy when back all the way. Didnt know the rear seats reclined until i read other reviews! The 8 way driver seat with power lumbar is great for my 6, 260 frame. My 51" wife uses a small pillow behind her back on the manual seat and even in our late 60s can drive 650 miles a day with no problems. The Sirrius Radio is great, and reception locally is excellent on AM and FM. Radio is higher tech than I am cant figure out how to use my phone charger in the USB port in the console without it searching out and playing some voice recordings off my phone! Just changed to a "lighter" power source. We got the ivory color after having a red Monte Carlo, and a blue Firebird. Seriously, I like the styling of the Terrain better, and most of the rentals we drove were Avis Terrains. But they drive the same and saved a couple thousand dollars. Like I said, you want a Hot Rod, get the V6. But for the mileage, I think the 4 is fine (this from a guy that owned 5 GTOs, 3 Firebirds, and a Dodge with a 440!)

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  Wonderful car so far at 47K Miles!!! Base Manual.. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jeremy - October 29 - 8:59 pm

  I have had fabulous luck thus far with my 2011 Cruze LS, Base Model, 6 speed stick! I would say, if you buy this vehicle, get the 6 speed manual and the base 1.8L engine model. Less to go wrong, and plus the stick shift operates very, very good and has a lot of power(Pick-Up) and is very easy to shift. Way cheaper, too! Is fairly easy on gas. I get 32 miles per gallon with 3 people in the car, mixed driving(Combined). Pretty good! Only problem Ive had is a bad thermostat. It went bad at 43K Miles, and was replaced under warranty. After 4.5 years of ownership, I still have the original brakes. One issue, and I guess maybe Im lucky...is that every once in a while, when I turn the key to start the car up, it fails to start on the 1st turn, but it always fires right up on the 2nd turn! So no issue at all. So far anyway. I get my oil changed every 6K Miles at the dealers Quick Lube place. These new GM vehicles take a part synthetic oil, called Dexos I think, so make sure you know that. If you take care of your Cruze(Routine Maintenance), it will take care of you! That has been my experience so far at 47K Miles. I am very happy I didnt get a Lemon! It can happen to some people on the electrical systems mostly, like my last car, an 04 Impala. But the Cruze, no such issues!! Solidly built car here!

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  Prismazing! - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Charles Miska - October 29 - 1:00 pm

  We bought our Prism as a first car for our 16 year old son. He wanted a manual transmission and learned to drive a stick after we bought the Prism. Our car had 70,000 miles on it when we bought it and I got a terrific price for it. This little car has been sensational! Shifts crisply through all the gears, has exceptional zip for the little engine, brakes well and while its a base model, all the controls and amenities work perfectly. We have not experienced the oil usage issue many other reviewers have, which is interesting, given that we live on a steep mountainside and the car is a manual transmission driven by a teenager. Youd think our unit would be susceptible to the oil problem, but no, it runs better than either of the cars we bought for our other kids.

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  60k miles and still loving it - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chris s - October 28 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my Chevy equinox 2010 brand new with an out the door price of $27,000 with sun/moon window. I had trouble with toms at first which dealer fixed, had recalls on it fixed and there was the issue of lumbar support which broke twice that they fixed but let it be after the third time. Also had issue with steering wheel turning right for some reason but got fixed. Mileage not as advertised but still great compared to competition. Car looks great,drives great and safety is great. Got into a hit n run accident and felt nothing when other car hit me and took off. Had regular service done like oil changes,tire rotation,etc. Just had OEM tires replaced which lasted 60k instead of 65k due to dry rot and had 60k service done for just $159. Speed and power can be achieved by turning off eco mode but all in all great car for me. I see all the negative reviews and feel that maybe I just got lucky, so far so good keeping my fingers crossed that this will last 250k miles without any major repairs.

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  Little SUV tank! - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tytan. DF - October 28 - 2:36 pm

  Gone places that blazer should have never went. Its a little mountain climber, Sand hills, mud, and snow. all around the blazers gas MPG isnt to bad for a SUV. had to fix a water pump but that was my fault. it got clogged and water couldnt move to the pump. Other then the water pump. This vehicle is a tank for having 151000 miles on her. Its perfect for fitting sub-woofers in the back and easy to find places to install the wires. Just off the battery im running 1200 watts for two 12s. and the volts stand strong. Still have stock alternator. Really loud. This SUV is worth it. Love my Blazer.

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  My Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rick - October 27 - 8:12 pm

  First of all this car is no where near luxury so if your looking to buy your first car with an upscale cabin with a button happy dash, your barking up the wrong tree buddy. This car is for the mondern teen. It has help haul people all across the state of arizona & when it needed to it indeed DID haul ass. Well for the 3.1L V6 atleast, idont know about the smaller engine. Anyways , idont know what those other reviews are talking about when they said " problem after problem " , because the only problem i ever encountered was a blown out turn signal, which was a super easy fix. 7 bucks later & i had no issuse. My car has 178,239 miles as of right now & i got the car when it only had 80,000 miles on it. And its still running strong. The only thing i would complain about is the a/c unit. Theres a copper peice inside of it that when you press the air recycler it dosent go. But again , an easy fix.