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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  Love at FIRST Site... - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jsab99 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased my Equinox,I was looking at the Blazer and Tracker. I found myself outside the Showroom getting a breath of fresh air when I noticed this row of Equinoxes. The look and design made me think it had to be in the 25 to 30K range. I was very surprised at the list price. The colors offered were numerous. I choose the Dark Silver Metalic. The first thing I noticed was the amount of pep from the V6. The handling is more like is excelllent,it sticks to the pavement on tight corners due to the wheelbase. The Tracker made me feel like it would tip over on a tight turn.

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  2016 Pre-owned Impala Review - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By David Ahler - December 25 - 8:13 am

  Good basic sedan. I liked the creature comforts with extra power the 6 cyl gives. All paperwork gives much lower mileage than what I experience in real life.

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  Red rocket - 2014 Chevrolet SS
  By Terry - December 24 - 6:30 am

  Bought our 2014 in April 2015 saw it at auto show in February went into Berger to buy LTZ Impala, couldnt get red hot red, wife not happy then we spotted the SS! Wife happy again. For the money, one of best sleeper buys out there. I think the gas mileage is pretty good for this car, average 22-24 on highway at 70 plus, 16-17 around town, unless foot accidentally slips on gas peddle fun car get looks and comments everywhere, custom tune, air raid cold air, dynoed at 360 hp. Chevy is crazy for not pushing this car or continuing to make it here in USA. Ran low 13s at 106mph at Martin 131. First time racing since 1969 what a blast. Working on getting into the 12s. Stored in winter never seen salt. Its almost 2018 now car is still fun to drive, and still gets the looks, might see headers this fall. When were cruising on highway still getting 20s. This car is a true sleeper. Might even put electronic exhaust cut outs on too.

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  great truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By kevin - December 24 - 5:03 am

  This is my first big truck of my own. I worked for a company and drove their trucks like this but they were poorly taken care of. I moved up from a S-10. This truck is great; lots of power, rides ok, very dependable, comfortable, quiet inside the cab -- not much road noise or wind noise.

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  Silverado - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By John J - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  This truck rides better than most sedans I have owned. Very quiet inside, handles like a dream w/ the four wheel steering. Excellent manuvering through parking lots and tight spaces. I would put this truck against any import.

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  Head turner Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By cdm - December 23 - 7:10 am

  I love the 2007 Tahoe! The exterior is a head turner, got lots of compliment from people at the parking lots. The interior is much better than the previous Tahoes, refined and sophisticated. The brakes are excellent, plus its a lot quieter inside than the old ones. I am so pleased with my new purchase.

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  Chevy making cars that appeal to people - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Andrew - December 23 - 5:33 am

  One time in my teens I has to drive my Grandpas old 1997 Lumina for a year. I hated everything about it. It sucked gas, it turned like a bus, it had a giant V-6 with no power, it was ugly it, it was dated, the bench seats were terrible. The interior was from a bygone decade where you essentially had a couch in front of a slab of gray plastic with other black plastic bits stuck in haphazardly with no What I havent told you is this was Grandpas brand new 1997 Lumina in 1997. I was a German car fanatic and I used to make jokes well at least a VW is not an American car. Anyway we went to Vegas and we were given a rental car 2012 chevy malibu, I fought tooth and nail to not get a Chevy. Give me a Toyota, Nissan, anything but a Chevy. But the lady said it was spring break and the Malibu was a mid-size and I was waiting in line at 12:30 AM so I reluctantly took it. I went out to go get it and when I first saw it I though not too bad looking of a car. And then I opened it up and the interior design was so thoughtful it shocked me. There was an actual flowing design that was multicolored with accents and nice lighting. I was very surprised by every aspect of the car. My wife liked it and how it drove. in 2013 my wifes X5 finally became too expensive to repair. So we looked at Malibus and I found a 2009 LS with 80k miles and they only wanted $9k. Fast forward 3 years the car goes in for maintenance 3 times a year and we generally do whatever Chevy recommends. Last year was about $800 dollars in repairs. Leaking transmission pan/transmission service tie rods and a tune up. The car has never failed us and has never needed a major repair. $1500 dollars in year in total maintenance is awesome. I used to pay $1500-$2000 year to service our 2 BMWs. I have actually thought of getting rid of my M3 and buying a Camaro SS or Vette just because of how reliable our Malibu has been. Were looking at getting my wife a 2016 Mailibu when our Malibu hits 200k miles roughly 2 years from now. Cons: Visibility is hard at 45* looking diagonal out the front because the A pillar and mirror are so large, the visibility out the back is also poor. The trunk opening is small, and most large things need to go in the back seat. The whole front end has to come apart to change the light bulb but its nothing a harbor freight socket set, some cold beer and a lazy Saturday cant fix. Chevy fixed these issues in later Malibus

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  Junk - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala Hater - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Impala for 41,000 miles and I wish I had seen this site and others earlier. Our Impala already has had the AC Pump replaced and just recently the damn ignition cylinder locked on us!!!! There is no way that an ignition cylinder should go bad... ever... unless someone tried to break inot the car. GM needs to have a better warranty plan to cover parts and labor on items that really shouldnt break down. If something else happens to us, I think Ill take the advise of one of the angry people here and look up the Ohio Lemon Laws. Bottom line...if you get a Chevy, GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!!! Or better yet, get a Toyota or Honda!

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  New Owner - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Larry S. Hawkins - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The secound chevy buy in 31 years. Went to buy the F150 ford and test drove the Avalanche and fell in love. this 2003 is the best pickup in its class.

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  Very nice truck! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By TruckinLady - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The avalanch is a very versitle and enjoyable truck. For me as a homeowner and family person its perfect for hauling, truckin my stuff around or my kids. VERY smooth ride, easy to drive, and easy to modify from truck to SUV. Interior is nice, but not lexus style... so a few knocks there. But durable. Also, fuel economy isnt great but what did you expect?