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:

• 

  Phils Cruze - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Virgil Phildius - June 6 - 9:43 am

• 

  Chevy Equinox for the family - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Pamela Graham - June 6 - 9:33 am

  The Chevrolet Equinox is a great option for someone who wants an SUV that is comfortable, affordable, and doesnt want to feel like they are driving a tank. It is roomy, even adults have plenty of room in the back, it is also versatile for hauling cargo.

• 

  Runs Great - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By sfmreb - June 6 - 12:20 am

  It has a lot of power. I got 20 miles to the gal driving at 55 mph (500 mile break in). It is comfortable to drive. I just wish it was not so HIGH. I just needed something to tow my 5th wheel and I think this work truck will do it. The price was right.

• 

  I must be dreaming - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jim B - June 5 - 6:26 pm

  After many years it was time to downsize from the Grand Caravan. The Caravan was one of my all time favorite vehicles. It had a great ride, an incredible amount of space and terrific power. It was a great road car but alas it was using too much gas. I was a amazed when I first saw the Nox. Its a big car! The comfort level is on a par with the caravan. The leg room is unbelievable (both frond AND rear). I took her for her first trip this weekend and although the ride was busier than the Caravan, it was still nice. My biggest fear, a lack of power with the 4 cyl was unfounded. I got 26.5 MPG with AWD in mixed driving, some of it in heavy NYC traffic. No car is this good. I must be dreaming.

• 

  Disgusted - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By John Kelly - June 5 - 10:26 am

  I bought this new and drive about 35000 miles a year. First 100000 miles fine. Since then, I have replaced one front wheel bearing, one of the 2 fuel pumps, brakes, the exhaust manifold. It has been a constant, very expensive headache this past year. Paint on the console has worn off. Turning radius is awful. Sell yours before you reach 100000 miles. This vehicle wont help the reputation of American car manufacturers.

• 

  poor quality - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Steve - June 5 - 9:56 am

  This is my 2nd car has been a nightmare since the 2nd month. (First car was an 88 chevy pick up still have it) Took delivery, about 2 months later the computer fried, fixed under warranty. I drive it like a grandma for another couple of months, then the brakes go at 9K miles. Bring it to get a punctured tire fixed, they tell me the that the rear tires are bald on the inside; this at under 20K miles. They tell me that the car must have been off alignment from the factory. When you are in a turn and hit a bump, the steering mechanism or a wheel feels like it is going to fall off. Will never buy Chevy or American EVER again. Traded the car in for a Subaru and have not looked back since.

• 

  To the Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Amazine - June 4 - 3:30 am

  Our 1994 family Mini-van had to go. Serve us well for those years taking road trips up and down the east coast. I was in the market for another Mini- van until I saw my Maxx on the lot. Never thought I would buy a hatchback or even look at a wagon type vehicle. I narrowed my choices down to the vibe (too small),the new Mazda 5(first year) and the Ford Freestyle. I just love the Maxx from the very first test drive. It has alot more power and it handles extremely well. I went with the LT over the LS, it was money well spent. The heated leather seats, fog lights,traction control,volume controls on the steering wheel,manumantic,the fold flat rear seats are fantastic.

• 

  Door Rattle - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Mark - June 3 - 2:06 pm

  I bought 2009 silverado ext cab doors rattle real bad as if doors are not closed.I am very disappointed in this truck last chevy for me.

• 

  CHEVY PLEASE CHANGE THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT!! - 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Maria - June 3 - 1:30 pm

  My review is for a very long test drive. I am a Real Estate Agent and spend countless hours in my vehicle. My husband has the 2017 Chevy Equinox - however, for me, it has numerous blind spots & I was reluctant to buy that model. I was excited to hear they fixed these issues with all of the new 360 camera amenities. Unfortunately, as soon as I sat in this truck - I knew I was not going to purchase it. It drives great. The blind spot notification, navigation & front to back camera shots are phenomenal. The wireless charger? Awesome. BUT, the front seats are beyond UNCOMFORTABLE. I had my sister with me and she confirmed the same thing. I came home and googled the front seats --- apparently this is already an issue within the professional reviews. The seats are too firm, too hard and basically crush your hips. The seams are oddly placed and the seat itself cuts at mid-thigh area. The 2nd row is however, very comfortable and "longer" from front to back. No doubt I would have purchased it if not for the front seats. Chevy, why did you fix all of the other issues but take out a very comfortable drivers seat out for the 2018???

• 

  dont buy a gm - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By unclestonecold - June 3 - 2:00 am

  had this 2000 balzer 1 year. replaced oil cooling lines, rear brakes and rotors. noise from front end at 36000 turns out to be ball-joints. dealer noticed oil cooling line leak, again. GM says "sorry, its wear and tear" Northstar chevy will only charge me 384 to fix the oil line, while the guy next to me is getting his covered. same with the ball-joints. s-10s i have found have oil line and ball- joint problems that chevy just doesnt care about. do your self a favor and get a ford. oh yeah, dont think the extended warranty will help you. gm told me they couldnt verify any maintanence on my vehicle. thats because the dealer charges way to much.