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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  Problem, but the no problems - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patrick - December 11 - 7:10 am

  The problem was that at 15hrs. after taking delivery of the car? It had to take a week off in the shop waiting for a transmission part to come from Detroit before I got it back. Since then though, its been a great car. I average about 28 real-world mpg. The 4 banger is more than adequate to get me down the road. The 6 speed was a really ..REALLY needed addition to the 09Â’ line-up. And it does work well, though a little meandering at times with gear selection. The car is quiet and comfortable. All in all? IÂ’m happy with the purchase.

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  cavaliers rock!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pt13gt - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Im sorry edmunds thinks this is an outdated platform but its a lot better car than my sons focus and my sisters lancer! for the money I love my cavalier and an sorry to see it be the last year for them.

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  Fuel economy versus fuel cost - 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
  By MWK - December 9 - 9:06 pm

  In general, we like the car. I hope we like the front seats on a long trip as they seem a little hard and the bottom seat cushions are short. My biggest issue is the recommendation to use 93 octane fuel in our 2.0 Turbo, which came as a surprise to me after the purchase. In our area, we cant get 93 octane fuel, which is a common issue in much of the U.S. We can get 91 octane, but is costs $.50 more a gallon than regular 87 octane fuel. Thus, the fuel savings of the 4 cylinder engine are offset by the higher cost of the fuel. UPDATE: Drove 500+ miles today, and seats were very comfortable. Mileage by computer was 29.7, but manual calculation was a little less. Today in Wisconsin, we saw 91 octane fuel priced $.90 higher than 87 octane fuel.

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Moose1959 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I only have had the car for about 2 months but I love it. It has been labeled my mid life crisis. Its a great looker and what a ride! For all ownwers looking for a few more ponies, try Borla Cat-back kit. It will set you back about 850.00s, but between the Borla kit and a K & N charged air filter you will gain about 15 or 20hp.And it wont void your warranty!

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  Way better then expected - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Grizzly1 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I first had a 1995 Ford Escort LX, then went to the 02 Z24. Ive had the car for about 7 months now. I love this car! Im getting the same fuel economy or better then the escort. This is WAAAY more reliable than the Ford. I had to take the my Ford to the shop way too many times to count. I have had no problems with the car. My only complaint are the interior is not as big as expected, but still plenty for me and 3 other people.

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  Great vehicle except - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By smokieber - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only put on about 5k miles so far. Coming out of a Blazer, its a big improvement. Roomier and more comfortable with a fairly impressive turning radius. The gas mileage is less than desirable but somewhat expected with the SUV. The stereo speaker quality is "uhhh" okay.... Nice design too ! So far, no problems to speak of..

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  Just bought it used - 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tirebiter - December 7 - 5:15 pm

  The bumper-to-bumper warranty is over, but the drive-train warranty still has some time. Its got two mystery sounds that may need servicing. There is a very quiet, high-pitched, whine at particular times, almost robotic, like during parking: I would compare it to a 4th of July firework coming down, and a bass, quiet pounding under the rear sometimes as I backup, or other times, like someone dropping furniture. The design is the most pet-friendly Ive had. Its great for me who is uncomfortable in small cars and insecure driving trucks. UPDATE Nearest Chevy dealer got rid of noise by changing transmission and brake fluid. The OnStar Navigation is more expensive than cell phone but more convenient. My dashboard warned me about black ice this morning. You can push a button on your mirror and ask OnStar to dial a phone number. The newest concern is smoke out the back in cold. Hopefully it wont be major. I like how it is quieter from outside noises than previous cars of mine. Update: July 27, 2017. Driving 60 mile round trip commute many times. The front bumper hangs low and catches on curbs: $300 to fix. I hear new intermittent noises around the rear wheels like a voom air pocket of weight coming down, and a high pitched screech down under the center while going very slowly. (That stopped with regular maintenance). No major problems. My hips and legs get cramped on long trips, but it may not be the cars fault. The car feels otherwise roomy. The side mirrors have close up lenses on them. I am past 50,000 miles: planning 3rd set of tires, battery, brakes according to commercial mechanic’s recommendations.

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  luvmymaxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By mymaxx - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS with 1SB package. Im 62" have more leg room than in my Venture van. This car is quiet and comfortable. I love the way it handles and performs. I drive narrow winding single lane country roads where the need to pass is important. The Maxx has no problem going from 55 to 80 within the short passing zones. Its made driving back and forth to work fun again. For under $20,000, I believe this car has an excellent price/performance ratio.

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  Love My 2004 Competition Yellow LS !! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Oblio3 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 Monte Carlo LS Yellow Competition Sport model and I love this car, It is very sporty, a real head turner, comfortable and lots of fun to drive. Love the Stereo with the 200 watt amp and the way the interior is personalized to the driver. I love my hot rod !!!!

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  Randys Monte Carlo SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Randy Heath - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The car rides like a Caddie on the highway. The throtle is very responsive at all speeds. The A/C works very well but is noisy on acceleration, I plan to have it checked out at the dealer when I have time. As for handling, this is better than any other car I have owned, I was impressed that a large front wheel drive could corner so well. I give the car a 9 for overall satisfaction.