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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  Wondering what to do.... - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By carrisa_lumina - March 7 - 10:49 am

  I have had this car for about 5 years now, it has about 75,000 miles on it (the odometer stopped working at 35,000) I am trying to decide whether or not to fix this car up to keep it or buy a newer car. I havent had any major problems with this car, fuel pump(twice), the ignition stopped working so I had to have a push button start installed, and a starter, also the AC doesnt work. I was just looking to see what I should do with the car... it needs to have the transmission serviced, oil changed, new tires, and when I try to start it sometimes it skips and doesnt catch right away. Also the AC doesnt wor

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  Good Car For Teen - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By 631rob1991 - March 6 - 11:51 pm

  I had the Z24 model which had good power. For its price it was great. Interior os too small with very little space in the back seat and trunk. If youre over 62" no way to drive as the roof is very low. Stylish.

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  Sweet, Sweet Ride - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jc_cruze - March 5 - 11:22 pm

  With gas prices on the rise and my 02 Cadillac STS still struggling to get 20 MPG on the daily 70 mile round trip work commute it was time to change vehicles. Although I purchased the one owner Caddy with 50K on the odometer three years ago it felt and looked like a new car. Replacing this $55K car was going to be a tough task. Then I read all the great things the experts were saying about the Cruze and decided to check it out. My wife was thrilled that I was willing to look at a new Cruze since I had been talking about used BMWs and Caddys or a new Honda Accord that would have been $10K more than she wanted to spend (she handles the household finances).

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  Truly the perfect sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By casper21 - March 4 - 8:59 pm

  My 2005 Chevy Malibu has 56,500 miles and has never given me any problems, barring the occasional Malibu moment. The 2.2L 4-cylinder engine is surprsingly robust and highway passing is not as difficult as it generally is with these type of engines. The interior, while considered boring by many, is to me just practical enough without being completely ugly. The cargo space, both in the passenger cabin and the trunk is very surprising. Several employees at department stores have doubted that large objects could indeed fit in my spacious trunk, but they were also surprised that a full-size outdoor grill slid in with ease. Overall, my only complaint about the car is the lack of reading lamps.

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  Worst car I have owned! - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By eckabe - March 4 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2007. Had to replace the battery within the first 2 months. Replaced both tires and brakes less than 40,000 miles.Taken in for oxygen sensors 3 times. Windows & moon roof leak water and air. Passenger visor broke off. Rear cup holder broken.Seats impossible to clean, stained by water even. There is a back-firing noise. Dealership told me it was normal. Difficult to start at times.Factory Pioneer speakers went out yesterday.Streering wheel locks up.Rubber seal coming off doors. I have less than 70,000 miles on it. What a hunk of junk!!!

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By farmerb8 - March 3 - 3:43 pm

  I bought the Equinox because of its reviews here at Edmunds. I bought the 4 cylinder version with just front wheel drive so that I could get the best fuel economy that the Equinox offers. I just took it on its first long trip, from Ohio to Florida. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. The advertised 32 mpg in reality was 23 mpg. How can the car companies advertise 32 and in reality it is 23? I can see 2-3 mpg differences due to driving habits but how can it be 9 mpg different? My 2005 Impala got 32mpg on the same trip. My 2007 Impala got 26mpg. Now my Equinox gets 23mpg. The Equinox is great in all other aspects.

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  Love my Equinox But...... - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By diana408 - March 3 - 10:02 am

  I have had my 2005 Equinox since 2008. I love driving it but I do have one complaint..the electrical system is poor..I have had all kinds of trouble with lights..dash board lights do not work and the driving lights will not come on automatically when turned to auto..I am putting over $2000.00 into it to have the air bag light fixed and I still wont have dash lights as it would cost another $500. and I will still have to turn lights on manually...I think you really need to work on this problenm and give some type of refund for these repairs..

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  great machine - ive owned this car longer than any - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chevyonlyfon - March 2 - 1:24 am

  This has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. i usually et rid of cars around 5 years - because they are uncomfortable or just not pleasureable any longer. This car i have never tired of is so comfortable and ergonomic - i have yet to find a car that makes me feel at such ease driving - minus the poor breaking. The reliability has been nothing short of astounding . though i have put some into repairs.. 400 for an ignition switch - 700 for a fuel pump. i spent 55 bucks for a wiper motor - which later was reimbursed for under recall. and i did have the dex cool problem- cost me 141 bucks to replace the radiator - 1300 $ in 14 years.. amazing..

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  Expectations Exceeded - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jgenestra1 - March 1 - 7:02 pm

  I picked up my Cruze about 2 weeks ago and the car now has over 500 miles. My previous cars have been V8 rear-wheel cars (Camaro SS, GTO, G8), but with the longer distance I have to drive to work and the increase in gas prices, it was time for a fuel-efficient daily driver. The Cruze has impressed me in almost every category. This car handles very well for a car in this price range exhibiting little to no body roll and the suspension is nicely tuned. I opted for the 17-wheels and tire package which includes the sport-tuned suspension. In addition, the Cruze drives quietly and smoothly on the highway and is very solid. On the inside the Cruze continues to impress with its interior. I am about 6ft tall and have plenty of headroom (even with a Sunroof). The seats are very comfortable and offer great support. In my opinion Chevy did an awesome job on the overall styling of the interior and it is nicely laid out and the fit and finish is exceptional for this price point. This car feels much more expensive than it is. In terms of fuel-economy the Cruze is averaging 28MPG combined city and highway driving. I expect the average to continue to improve as the miles continue to rack-up. My one minor complaint is with the 6-speed auto. I have noticed the transmission tends to “hunt’ for the right gear particularly when driving slowly. Perhaps the transmission is still “learning” my driving style. However, this is not a huge deal and the positives significantly outweigh this one minor flaw.

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  Really impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By vegasjohnson - February 28 - 10:51 pm

  So this is our second Chevrolet. Our first was the umpteenth generation of the Suburban (a 2007). It was an awesome vehicle. Amazingly reliable. So, after our lease was up we decided to try another. With a focus on fuel economy we decided to go with the Malibu. We love this car so far it is very nice and comfortable. Extremely Quiet and the ride is very strong. We love the power of the 4 cylinder and are very impressed with the styling. Love this CAR! GM, you have won us over.