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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  Good Job GM! This is more like it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Frank C. - February 18 - 10:20 pm

  Just plain and simple, I wanted to buy an American car again, and in my opinion, this is one of the best American or Import cars I have seen. Outstanding build quality, in and out. A lot of car for the money, great incentives right now. Anyone considering a mid-size car, or any size for that matter, really needs to take a look at the Malibu. Lets give the guys from Detroit another chance America! Theyre finally trying to get it right. Hope it transcends to the rest of Chevys line up in the future.

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  Best One - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By gman - February 17 - 12:53 pm

  Power of a sports car power to tow 9500lbs up Smokey mountain. Smooth as a car. Great gas mileage with v8,roomy just the best.

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  My 3rd Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By crewzn - February 17 - 9:30 am

  This is my 3rd Chevy Impala. I am normally a truck type of girl, but in 2000 my husband took me to see a red Impala LS at 9pm on my birthday! I fell in love with it, bought it next day. I then up graded to a fully loaded LS in 2002 (also red) with sunroof and all extras. In 2005 he talked me into a GMC crew cab tk, that lasted until I drove a 2006 Impala LTZ (white this time...didnt like red that year) bought it in June 06. Absolutely love it. I have taken it on road trips to Portland, OR, several trips to Branson, MO and at least 3 to Wichita, Ks. Car now has 14500 miles and still rides awsome. Note... K&N airfilter helped with my gas mileage and take off quite a bit.

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  A Winner! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tricky73 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I changed from a Catera Sport to the Malibu to get better access to the rear seat, compared to the new CTS design. I am pleasantly surprised at the satisfaction and performance of the Malibu, and would suggest other geezers look at this vehicle as an alternative to a Caddy for going to the supermarket...love the many new engineering features (e.g. electric steering.)

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  04 Chevy Malibu LS - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dan ford - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Have researched and test-driven cars to purchase for about 5 months. As a former car salesperson, I was able to really ask tough questions to potential dealers both online and in person. I was pleasantly surprised upon learning about the new Malibu and immediately checked your website and others, concentrating on reviews and information in general. Using your website, we were able to get a quote from Woodruff Chevrolet that was interesting. After making personal contact, my wife and I test drove an LS version of the Malibu and were impressed by the features and preformance. We bought and are satisfied!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Homertime - February 16 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Trailblazer has treated me very well. Nearing 20,000 in just over a year I have had some warranty related problems - no more then 3 - with SOME hastle at the dealer. Ride is smooth and comfortable. Handling is also excellent, and I have yet to get stuck in any road hazard. Highly suggested for any mid-sized SUV customer. You will not be disappointed.

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  Not a Bad buy when theres a good rebate - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rebate - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Unrefined. Bought for good price. Backseat comfort poor

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  Gives new meaning to "like a rock" - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By calee - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2002 Z71 Tahoe and last Saturday was involved in an accident where the other driver ran a red light and hit me in the right rear wheel area. The Tahoe skidded to the left sideways and when it hit the curb it rolled over. I walked away without a single scratch. The insurance people totaled my car. I turned right around and purchased a 2004 Z71. This one is identical to the 2002 except more bells and whistles on the interior and a much improved sound system. But there is a big difference in the ride and the quietness of this vehicle from the 2002. I loved my 2002 but the 2004 I can tell is quickly winning me over! Plus the Tahoe saved my life!

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  Great car - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JP53202 - February 16 - 1:26 am

  First off, the auto press nit-picking about the steering, gruff engine and interior simply are not true. The electric steering is just fine, it adjusts to vehicle speed and there is all the feedback of a hydraulic unit. I notice no difference and I have driven a lot of cars in my life. As for the engine, its just as quiet and smooth as the V6 in my moms Lexus RX300. The interior, well, on the LT its cloth, not leather, but its just as swank as my work mates Accord LX - its workaday, no doubt, but for a mid-line interior its got what the others do. This car also handles and brakes very well, too. Dont let the press fool you - this car is every bit the equal of its Japanese competition.

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  Worth a look - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Bob Loblaw - February 15 - 11:19 pm

  This is a surprisingly well-made car. Quiet, smooth ride...with a comfortable drivers position. Rear seats are tight but comfortable. I have been exceeding 50 miles on a charge since taking delivery about 6 weeks ago, and have only used about 3 gallons of gas in my first 1000 miles. Lots of low-end torque ...this car really moves out from a stoplight. All the latest active safety features are available if you get the Premier version. You owe it to yourself to give this one a look if youre in the market for a compact, near-luxury vehicle. Price paid in this review is before the $7500 Federal tax credit.