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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  I want my 2001 Back - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By jdgreen402 - February 3 - 6:43 am

  To say that I am very dissatisifed with my 2005 is an understatement. The Duramax is 1/3 more thirsty than my 2001. The Allison transmission has now started to intermittantly refuse to allow the engine to rev past 2000 RPM or it cuts itself out. The drivers side window is continuing to leak air. The air leak on the passenger side has us traveling with a blanket if the outside temps drop below 20 degrees. When I get the Allison to shift properly ... Im heading to my local Ford dealership!

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  They are hiding problems - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bill Ricigliano - February 2 - 8:13 pm

  The truck is okay but when it comes to giving it gas to fast there is a 7/10 second delay. Chevy knows about it but doing nothing about it. Do not buy a chevy right now due to this problem wait for the fix.

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  2001 Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By ricfos - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of this car on Octber 31, 2000. It was an ordered vehicle with all options but the sunroof (I need the headroom). Over 20,313 miles, over 5,000 of which were on a road trip from the Chicago area to Los Angeles and back, this car has been perfect. I have had NO (zero) problems with this car. It has averaged nearly 30 mpg at mostly interstate speeds, is as comfortable as any Cadillac or Lincoln Ive driven, and is a just very enjoyable to drive. It has most of the creature conveniences youd expect from a car costing $10,000 more. I love it!

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  Did Edmunds test the same car I bought? - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By David Rogers - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand Edmunds beration of this vehicle. My Impala has been an absolute pleasure to own. We owned a 1990 Linc. Town Car prior to our 2002 Impala and had nothing but trouble with it. NO domestic can rival the Lincs air-ride, but the Impala comes very close. A more sporty ride, the Impala has better handling & does not "float" at speed as the Linc. does. Weve had only one problem, the sealed headlamp module on the drivers side failed & moisture got into the unit. Other than that the car has performed flawlessly. If you are looking for a solid, 6 passenger vehicle, with luxury car ride and feel, at a reasonable price, buy the Impala.

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  2005 Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Michael Cox - February 2 - 7:03 am

  Nothing but praise for my Equinox, it looks good, is fun to drive, and have had no problems in the first 10,000 miles!!!! The only little dissapointment is gas mileage, Avg. around 19MPG combined so far.

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  Bermuda Blue 4X4 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 4X4 - January 31 - 7:46 pm

  I love this Bermuda Blue Tahoe. I took it on a 400 mile road trip and it drove like a luxury car. On the return trip I averaged 20 mpg staying under 65 mph. I have no complaints and only praise for GM. This is a fantastic, well-designed, go anywhere vehicle. Its a pleasure to drive.

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  My New Wheels - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Z71 - January 31 - 6:46 pm

  I really do enjoy driving this new Chevy. I have been a Chevy man since my first at 16 years old, a 1956 black 2 door sedan. Wish I still had it!! I like its smooth handling, its tough, rugged, raw power. I take it out on the beach with my lady, who is a surfer, and with its 17 inch wheels, it is an effortless task. It also handles all my fishing gear with plenty of room to spare. With two sons and three grandsons, everyone rides in comfort! I also do a bit of yard work here and there, and towing my tractor is a breeze! Power, comfort, dependability, and its a Chevy. What more could a guy ask for!

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  Dont do it. - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Nicole - January 31 - 11:53 am

  Right... Check out the spark forum. Own a 2015 spark bought brand spanking new with 30 miles on it, tranny has gone out, been in the shop 8 times after I take it back in for tranny issues, no AC, electrical gremlins... Really loved it when the traction control came on, on a clear day on perfect road conditions causing almost a wreck. Really loved it that Chevy tried to charge me to have someone pick up my mom when my tranny went out 4 months into owning this car, because apparently having a passenger in the car and driving more than 12 miles away from home isnt normal. I have a stack of papers of repairs and yet Chevy has done nothing but caused me stress. This last breakdown, dealership had car for 2 weeks, providing no loaner and left me stranded in another state. I cant pay my bills this month because I had a 2 week expense for being stranded and Chevy didnt want to hear about it at all. Ive had caseworkers on my case who make appointments but dont keep them, dont call back. Last time I called when I was stranded the lady laughed at me on the phone, and when I demanded for a manager she took her time hoping I would hang up, I didnt hang up and I heard everything she said to the manager and I said ummmm.... Still here

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  Very Few Problems - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JeffB - January 30 - 10:00 am

  One of the best trucks I have ever owned. not nearly the probs others have reported. I have 60K and still get 20hwy and 17 city, 10mpg while towing 24 travel trailer with the 5.3L. change oil every 3k, still have 50% brakes +. Its paid for and with the price of anything new why get one? GM support has always been less than stellar. Maybe its the fact it was built in Canada, All the problem trucks were built in the us

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  We Like it - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By grmtroberts - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Once I drove this SUV I told my wife this is the "cats meow". Its ride was very smooth and comfortable. The interior is very roomy and very stylish.