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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  Beautiful Vehicle - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chelerae - March 22 - 9:53 pm

  After much research and test driving the Edge, Equinox & Santa Fe it was a no brainer. The Equinox was the only one that I fell in love with immediately after driving. This car looks like a million bucks. The seats are very comfortable and the entire inside has a very luxurious feel. The car handles well. It feels like a strong solid car if that makes sense. It shifts smoothly. Its an absolute pleasure to drive. There is almost no outside noise in the cabin. I agree that the gas mileage isnt great. The cargo space is adequate for grocery shopping and the like. If you are looking for affordable luxury check this car out. I fall in love every time I turn the key!

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  The Car that Keeps on Going - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By reneg78 - March 22 - 4:05 pm

  First of I have to say I LOVE THIS CAR. I now work in an office, but before I use to drive the heck out this car on avg 800 miles/week delivering permits for the film industry. Ive taken it on a little off road adventure up in the mountains. Ive been in one accident and only had cosmetic damage. Ive never had any problems with the car. I think the only problem Ive had was that the battery on the key ring to unlock the car and trunk had to be replaced twice. But the car no problems. Ive fixed the cosmetics, and recently had to buy new wheels but only because I slammed into a pot hole. But its a great car. I would buy another one and recommend to buy.

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  2008 Chevy Malibu LTZ - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kfuller - March 22 - 3:58 pm

  The infactuation with the Malibu wore off after the first 500 miles, the car developed a squeak and rattle that took three visits to the dealer before it was resolved, the remote keyless entry when pressed/depressed doesnt lock or unlock the doors, I have to roll down the rear windows so my passenger can reach inside to pull the locks up before the doors will open, this also happens on the driver side too. The seat belt alarm is now randomly alarming with no other passenger seated. Whats the most frutrating aspect of owning this car is that I have to take this car to the dealer to change the headlights. The dealer has to remove the entire bumper, labor $200, for a $20.00 bulb.

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  $$$$ BIG TIME LEMON $$$$ - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By angeleyes8523 - March 22 - 12:53 am

  This car has been a nightmare since I bought it. The transmission slipped the first day I had it. I had a to replace the converter, thermostat (5 times), had the entire system flushed over 50 times, and the blower motor resistor 2 times, not including the water pump, and O2 sensor. It is pretty bad that the car is constantly overheating, with no heat in the car. When the blower motor resistor goes you have to disconnect the battery because their is no other way to turn off the fan. It will continue to blow even if the key is out. It will not stop even after hours.

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  2011 Camaro 2LT - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By flyersguy18 - March 21 - 12:43 pm

  First thing you should know is that Ive had this car for a week. I had a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. This is my 4th Camaro and its by far the best!! Compared to the Eclipse the Camaros sightlines arent all that bad at all. The V6 has great acceleration and the gas mileage is better than the 4 cylinder Eclipse. My first impression of the car was that it didnt feel like a Camaro at all, at least not one that Id ever driven. The handling is much more stable! The weight distribution of the car is almost perfect, I think its 52/48. The tires are going to be a little expensive but very worth it! Over all, I couldnt be more pleased or more excited every time I get in the car

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  Really love my Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By dottie6 - March 20 - 5:36 pm

  I have had my Equinox almost a year and really love it. My dealer had the drivers seat customized for me since I am only 51" and had some back issues. Now it is really comfy. My other complaint that I had was that there was no light in the glove compartment and the dealership put one in for me. I asked the seat customizer what it would have cost if I paid for it myself and he said about $200 or so. I love the electronics and the feel of the car. I got 33 mpg going 58 mph with the cruise on. about 28 when on the interstate. I have the 4 cylinder 2 wheel drive. I live in Wisconsin and this winter it handled fine on snow covered and icy roads.

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  Love the extra little features - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By texasmom82 - March 20 - 4:07 pm

  I had researched cars for months and loved the Equinox on paper - then the second I went to test drive one I fell in love. I had no intentions of buying new but didnt want one older than a 2010 but when looking at the 2010s I noticed I couldnt get them much cheaper, if any cheaper, than a new 2011 so I got the new one. I have the 1LT and added the Drivers Convenience package with the bluetooth, backup camera, and power driver seat and LOVE it! The bluetooth has been wonderful when Im driving and a good thing to have in case my state, like many others, go to outlawing using cellphones while driving. The backup camera is also a great feature to have.

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  If You Have 3 or More Children, Read On .... - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By massmanboston - March 20 - 11:45 am

  Very few choices when looking for 3 rows AND reasonable cargo room and you cant/dont want to own an Expedition/Escalade/Armada, etc. The Traverse is your best choice for ride comfort, roominess, good looks, and features that come close to being worth the price. Choose your options carefully and dont be fooled into paying more than 500-600 over invoice max. If you do your homework and want to spend $35K or less, this is the vehicle for you and you have 3+ kids. Great for the car pool, tailgating, long rides (although mileage kind of sucks), and trips to Lowes. Best options are on LT1 are Bluetooth, sunroof, and heated seats if you can find one that has it. Overall, very well-plsd w/T1 trim

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  Buyer beware!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By khaigh - March 18 - 7:48 pm

  Traded in my Subaru Outback with 300,000 miles for a brand new 2004 trailblazer. As soon as it was driven off the lot the truck stalled and the dealership said nothing was wrong. This problem continued. My husband, being a mechanic, found the problem that Chevy would not pay for...a bad air pump. We sunk over 8,000 into this truck and were stuck with it until 2010, when my husband traded it in for a 2010 Subaru. The truck is a mechanical nightmare. Chevy stopped producing the truck due to the excessive complaints. Also, not a good ride for people with back problems. I am so glad I no longer own this SUV and am so happy I got a Subaru Outback back...which I will never part with again!

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  1000 Mile Review - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By brooklyn123 - March 18 - 4:04 pm

  Do you know that girl at work? You know her...the really hot one you talk about with the guys all the time. Shes kind of quirky...maybe doesnt do some things as well as others...but she is sooooo HOT that you are willing to forgive her for any short comings. That is the Camaro. Two weeks later and I still look back at my Silver Ice Metallic 2SS when I leave. Feel eyes on you as you are stopped at a light? You are not paranoid. Everyone is looking at your Camaro. Get ready to answer the question, "how do you like it? You are going to hear it every time you get out of the car. If you are unsure about the 6 or 8, just test drive them both and step on the gas...the choice gets easy.