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:

• 

  Disappointed Monte Carlo owner - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Russell Roebuck - March 16 - 12:40 pm

  I have never spent so much money on repairs in my life! First intake manifold, then Ttransmission problems, next catlaytic converter, next BCM, next thermostat which cost $290 plus tax also oil change every 3000 miles. Radiator and cooling system flushed, Driver side power window unit needs replaced. Seat belt doesnt retract on drivers side. Only a little over 80,000 miles and mostly highway driving. What a lemon piece of junk car and Ill never buy another one. I hate to say but Ive owned Nissans for about 20 years before this car and never had any repair bills.

• 

  Best Monte Carlo in Years - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Dave - March 15 - 7:13 am

  I bought my 2001 MC SS used w/ a little over 60k miles on it. The only disappointments I have found would be the absence of the V8 and manual shifter. Car styling is excellent, much better than the mid-90s models. This car has impressive pwr coming from the V6 when needed. Steering is a bit stiff in tight corners, but really drives great at speeds exceeding 80mph. The only thing that I have noticed that is out of sort is a slight popping coming from the front wheels when pulling off of an incline. I have had this checked out and it seems to be just a qwirk with the traction control feature. Nothing worth breaking a sweat over.

• 

  My review - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chulai - March 15 - 4:23 am

  My vechicle is very comfortable and fun to drive. It handles great and is easy to get in out of. The appearance is great. Almost looks like the BMW. I have received a lot of compliments on it.

• 

  Fold down rear seats - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank Master - March 14 - 5:56 pm

  Fun to drive. Needs more cup holders! Did not get fold down rear seats option. This could be a problem, seeing that there is no keyhole to access the trunk. If you have dead battery, you wont be able to get jumper cables out of trunk.

• 

  I love my Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jayna - March 14 - 11:30 am

  The only thing that I dont like about the interior design is where they put the cupholders in the front seat. You cant have a drink in the holder with the emergency break up. Everything else is fabulous. Drives awesome, and pretty good gas mileage for an SUV. Theres not another car Id rather have.

• 

  Not a Putt Putt! Awesome Little Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Nancy - March 14 - 7:53 am

  This is a wonderful little car that GM/Chevy has come out with. We have the LT hatchback, with automatic transmission. It drives smooth and is quite peppy - you floor it and it takes off! I have driven 4 cylinders before that just wont MOVE when you put the pedal to the metal. Not this baby, shes not a putt-putt, shes world class for a subcompact! Its comfy and roomy - my 64" nephew fits beautifully in it! We traded a gas guzzling Ford F150 for it and have not regretted it! It SIPS gas, it will cost us ONE THIRD of what the Ford cost us weekly in gas! For the money this is one great little car! If you want a subcompact thats cheap in price but high in quality, buy an Aveo!

• 

  Love my Malibu Maxx! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Ani - March 14 - 3:10 am

  Ive driven my Malibu Maxx for a little over a year now and its been a pleasure. I bought this model because I have elderly parents that I drive around. The car is very roomy and just the right distance from the ground to allow ease in entering and exiting the vehicle.

• 

  Cross Country With Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hmguston - March 13 - 2:06 pm

  My wife and I started from NJ with a drive through Pa., Va., and now into Tennessee, with Arknsas, Oklahoma, Texas, NM and Tucson ahead. Maxx as been fuel efficient, carrying needed luggage for the trip plus a 4 day stay at the Opry Land Hotel and room to spare. Our ride has been comfortable, handling a dream and peppy enough to feel comfortable easing into lanes on Rtes 81 and 40, truckers and all. Visibility is good, braking effective. Surprising seating room inside for what is essentially a small vehicle on the outside. All in all, a serendipity among the brands and models.We are enjoying Maxx on the road!

• 

  Lady Chevy Lover - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Chevy Lady - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Even though I havent had my Berry Monte very long, I am loving it. It is very roomy and comfortable and handles very well. I drive an hour to and from work and it is a very smooth and comfortable ride.

• 

  Nice truck, but! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Usher - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Chevy did a fine job of remaking the tracker! I chose the Eq over the Ford Escape and a few others. It has a great look and a car like ride. Long live the E.Q!