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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  Not Bad - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Curt - September 3 - 10:12 pm

  I heard a lot of complaints about brakes, but Ive only replaced my pads once in the last 40,000 miles. Gas mileage is okay--we get about 22 around town, but it is a V6. On the freeway we get about 30. The car has had some electrical problems. The blinker sound would continually go on, and we had to replace the entire blinker module in the steering column that cost $300 and happened around 75,000 miles. Besides that, it is the only repair we have done. A couple of times the car has disabled it self due to a faulty theft system. It takes 10 minutes to let you back in. I still dont regret buying the vehicle. Bang for the buck it has served us pretty well.

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  93 Cavalier Convertible - 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Dona - September 3 - 6:27 pm

  Boutght this vehicle new in a very cold January 1994. My old car heater just stopped working along with all its other problems. Saw this beauty on the floor and couldnt resist. Price was $14,500 and have loved driving this car. Its a very pretty little car, looks fantastic with the top down and pretty sharp with the top up too. Its that blue green color they had that year with grey velour interior and black top, no red in the body design, I hate that look. Just the black moldings, black bumpers. Early on had to replace front shocks. Believe Ive had two sets of tires and replaced the top once. Still getting compliments on my nice looking car!

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  The Camaro SS is a modern classic!! - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hunter - September 3 - 12:49 am

  I have had my Camaro SS for almsot 8 years and it still puts a smile on my face! The SS makes a statement whereever it goes. I have spent a small fortune modifying my car but that has always been the beauity of GM performance cars, ample aftermarket parts available. The SS gives the exotic car looks without carrying the exotic car price tag or hefty repair bills!

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  Bye Bye Diesel - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David - September 2 - 7:33 am

  I had an F-350 when the fuel went over 4.68 a gal I had to get rid of it. Ive always known Chevy was a good ride. This truck is great so far, I do find I drop power once in a while going around corners like a fuel hiccup. Its only second or two but it feels strange. The fuel mileage was great while I was watching it but it drove my girlfriend nuts so I stopped (took it off instant miles per gallon) since then my avg fuel mileage went from 16.5 to 15.8 so watching what youre doing while driving helps slow stops and gradual speed take offs does a lot. I also am a bit frustrated with the seats I cant keep the lint off.

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  i had numerous problems with this car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By angry and unhappy ca - September 2 - 12:20 am

  i have had engine and suspension problems.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Chris - September 1 - 9:09 pm

  I bought my truck new and have driven it for 20k miles. Fuel economy could be better but its as good or better than any other small 4x4 pickup (24 highway and 21 in town). The truck has a cushy ride, functional interior and the engine performance is adequate. I haul lumber, firewood, dirt, stone etc. and its holding up quite well. There was a cylinder head problem with the I4 and I5 in model years 04-06 which I understand has since been resolved. GM replaced the cylinder head on my truck at 7k miles. Ive had no trouble with it since and GM agreed to extend the warranty on the head work after I complained. So far Im satisfied with my Colorado and would certainly consider GM again.

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  Good and reliable - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Matt - September 1 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had this car for about three years now. Its at about 70 thousand miles and still running great. I have the base model, so there isnt a lot of power, but the gas mileage is great and its got a decent amount of pep for a four cylinder. The ride is smooth and the transmission is fluid. It has plenty of leg room and the interior, while not made of top grade materials, has held up nicely to a 4 and 1 year old.

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  Spacious Car - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sharrona Jones - September 1 - 1:35 pm

  The car is very spacious. Im not sure how reliable it is as of yet. I do have some concerns. However, it is a very stylish vehicle that has many features.

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  Update on Equi - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tar Heel Born - August 31 - 10:27 am

  Weve made a couple of trips to the VA mountains from the central NC area after installing a reciever hitch and hauling a ROLA cargo box. Weve been through a couple of oil changes (3000mi) and we like our Equi more than when we first got it. Gas mileage on our trips, which includes a lot of mountain roads and town driving has averaged almost 22 MPG on both trips! We confirmed the computer reading by figuring it the old fashioned way, just to make sure. Have had a couple of small warranty items repaired with no problem. This is a fun vehicle to drive and my wife (primary user) loves it. Sun roof and leather makes it nice. Entry front and back is great (Im 62" and 255lbs)!

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  Nice small truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By bart - August 31 - 9:07 am

  Gas mileage was at 18.5 mpg until i installed the k&n air filter, then mileage went to 21.5. Have used it to tow 6x12 U-haul trailers with amazing results, plenty of power and gas mileage stayed good. Its not like my old F-150 but more economocal to drive. Only had two warranty issues so far. Front sensor on ABS and squeaky rear brakes, which the dealer took care of both.