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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  Bought new off the lot - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Fred - August 6 - 5:10 pm

  The Maxx is a comfortable and smooth ride. It handles well in-town and quietly on the road. All of the controls are conveniently located. The 60/40 back seats fold down for much needed extra room. However, the markings for the radio buttons, power windows & locks and power side mirrors deteriorated quickly with use. We have had several bouts of electrical problems causing 2-3 week stays at the dealership while they tried to figure them out. Power locks are sluggish. Cloth interiors show stains and wear easily even with dealership treatment and cleaning. The back seat levers broke within 2 years but there were no further problems once replaced. Fuel line needed repair in 2008, too.

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  HHR water leaks - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By BRANDOGGY - August 6 - 5:05 pm

  My 08 panel HHR developed a water leak somewhere in the body of the vehicle. The dealer had it for a week and say they fixed the problem. That is yet to be determined. Problem was found when I took it for an oil change and discovered 3 lights out. I took it to the dealer and there was 2 inches of water in the rear floorboard from where the rain got in. The water shorted out the electrical system. My advise is to keep a close eye on your HHR particularly in the back seat area. If you detect an oder of mildew or notice any lights out, take it to the dealer at once. Other than this problem I love the vehicle

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  Retro-wagon - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By impalaman61 - August 6 - 1:48 pm

  I love my little HHR! Its fun to drive, I get all the looks, and it hasnt given me one problem yet. It gets okay gas mileage and definitely could use more umph in the horsepower but overall Im satisfied with it.

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  Bittersweet GM Purchase - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By BLKBETE - August 6 - 1:57 am

  After having a Toyota for 3 years, I decided to give GM a shot with their sharp new Tahoe. With the 20s, leather and DVD ent. system, shes a head turner. Its very quiet and extremely comfortable. The handling is suprisingly responsive. The drawback for me is the reliability and trips to the service department. Inadvertant rattles being common, Ive had issues with the tranny, the steering geer as well as a recurring problem with the recirculation AC not working thus me getting a fresh dose of deisel fumes in morning rush hour. I like the vehicle, but will probably trade it for a foreign truck before the warranty expires. Such a shame!

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  Happy camper, reliable car! - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Anderson - August 5 - 8:04 pm

  I am very happy overall with my 1998 Cavalier. It is by far better than my 2002 Malibu which is a piece of junk. I have about 180000 miles on this car and to date I have had to make no major repairs. I dont understand it. Only the Japanese cars are supposed to be like this. The only money I have invested in this car is for basic maintenance and a minor repair to the heater fan switch that quit working. My only real complaint on this car is that it is not that great in winter driving. It might be to light. I live in MN and for a front wheel drive it has poor traction on packed snow even with decent tires. Trax light always comes on. Other than that its been a great car.

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  Its as loyal as a good dog - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Happy with mine - August 5 - 11:29 am

  I purchased my S10 4x4 Crew Cab with 25K, and now have over 80K. One repair in that entire time - front ball joints. Now, I did not keep them greased, so I cannot entirely blame Chevy, although I understand these are a weak point. Other than that, no problems at all.

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  I love this car - 1998 Chevrolet Metro
  By sarah - August 5 - 11:00 am

  This car has been wonderful to me. I bought it used in 2003 with no clue how to drive a stick. Its very forgiving and easy to learn on. Havent had any problems other than the usual repairs required.

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  Falling apart - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By 2006 impala - August 5 - 8:47 am

  First year no problems. Now the front end needs work, passenger window squeaks like a banshee, front headlight lens leaks, drivers seat coming apart, side molding peeling like a banana. It only has 26,000 miles. Thankfully I have an extended warranty! No telling what will happen next. I might give GM one more shot.The future looks like a Honda

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  08 Cobalt LT Sedan - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By J - August 4 - 9:50 pm

  I own a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan. I like the car for the most part, one thing that worries me is the brakes stink. When the car had just over 4000 miles on it I began to notice really odd noises when braking, took it in they said it was the hubcap. It did it on the drive home. Took it in again at 4500 miles and got new brake pads put on they said they must be factory defects. Well it started again at 5500 miles then just the other I day I hit the brakes on the highway and they immediately locked up. I like the car but the brake problems worry me a little bit, I had a Chevy Malibu prior to this and never had a problem with the brakes ever.

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  Pretty Happy Guy - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By BigJoeSan - August 4 - 8:11 pm

  Just got my 2008 Equinox Sport. Im liking it more and more. Fun to drive. The map pocket is a little uncomfortible against my right leg. It handles great on the road.