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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  Time for a new car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By 04 Imp - July 24 - 8:29 pm

  Bought this car from my father-in law so the price was right. At 40000 miles I had to replace the water pump. The transmission slams hard between 2nd and third. Steering makes an awful sound (poor lubrication of the intermediate shaft). Trunk freezes shut in the winter and with no handle is almost impossible to open. The security system (passlock) has malfunctioned a few times meaning the car wouldnt start. Brakes warp prematurely. On the up side, the car is comfy and rides well, but steering is vague. Decent power and fuel economy. This was one of Chevys better cars, and shows why GM is struggling. I have owned a few cheaper imports which have been bullet proof. Time to sell!

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  Reliability on Suburban LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Prof Slim - July 24 - 2:41 pm

  Nice looking truck but way too many serious issues in two years. SW issue that causes battery to drain, when the battery drains with this particular issue then call a flat-bed. Front right axle seal leak (cant be truly fixed as this is a design issue...just keep replacing the same gasket every time it starts leaking!) 4-wheel driver failure. Front transfer case bearing failure...special order for parts required. Rear plastic bumper loses shape on the bottom within one year...looks very cheap. Very frustrating.

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  A Little Work For An Older Gem - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rambo - July 23 - 7:09 pm

  Bought this Sub with 60K on it. Now at 105K. Many mods made to it. K&N Air Filter, Slotted front rotors, HypertechIII programmer, True dual exhaust with glass packs/headers, 2" front suspension drop, wider tires, 18" wheels, larger front brakes. All this enables 18+MPG on the hi-way. Makes heads turn even at 9 years old. Will flat out fly for a heavy SUV. Wont beat a Mustang but eats "Sport" trucks up for lunch. Cruises like its on glass after the 2" drop in the nose. All together, I cant complain. Driving a 4 ton truck like a Corvette more than makes up for the $100+ gas station stops. But so does room for 8 and 700 miles between fill-ups! A little time/money goes a long way with her.

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  Montes worth the look - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dtmsox - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a standard 3.8l SS last year, and the car has been everything I would have expected out of a $28,000 car. Acceptable performance, good handling, great sound system, and trouble free driving. Fuel economy regularly exceeds the rated 29 highway. Body style is regularly commented on in a positive light. This car has the ground effects package, everything is black on black.

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  Cobalt great - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sam - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  I have the 2.2 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. I never get below 34 mpg even in the city. The car has plenty of power and the only maintenance needed is oil changes.

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  Good Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Deb - July 22 - 8:17 am

  I love my HHR! However, been to the dealer several times with rattle. Had steering column replaced two times, dash lights flicker, hub is bad, and radio issues. Dealer sent me home with bad hub, hope safe, he says is safe to drive. Replacing steering column did not help, as it began rattling again after a few weeks. Yes, I agree need better cup holders and window controls on door. Spruce up the interior, other manufacturers know how to do an interior right. We baby boomers love comfort and luxury.

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  Awewsome Ride! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 15 - July 21 - 8:29 pm

  Bought my V-6 Camaro used with 78000 miles on it and now have almost 100000 on it, and it still looks and drives immaculatte for as much use as it gets. I have not had a problem with this car since I bought it, and this is by far one of the funnest cars to drive. 5 speed manual is a plus, and the clutch and tranny are very well made. The engine also puts out a decent amount of power for a 6 cyl. I love this car inside and out. The handling, braking, power, and looks of this car give it a 10 out of 10 in my eyes. I just wish gas prices and insurance wearnt so expensive so I could afford the SS!

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  05 Colorado - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Jim - July 21 - 7:13 pm

  Basically I like the truck. I havent had any problems and the truck seems to be a reliable vehicle. It seems tight with no rattles or noises. The seat material is prone to soiling for the workman and a different material is needed. It has enough pick up for me, however the gas mileage is a disappointment for a 2005 vehicle. (14/15 city 20 on the road)It does have the 410 rear

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  Love My Blazer - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Kara - July 21 - 1:48 pm

  I bought my Blazer as a 1st car, and I love it. I dont like the gas mileage, but everything else is amazing. Ive been in a few ditches, and it gets right out. Its good with me being rough on a vehicle. Now I have 75000 mls on it, and it keeps going! Id recommend a Blazer to any new driver, aka teenagers. Its safe and reliable in the winter, and fun to drive. Its also fun for camping. Just pile it full of things and off we go! Last, for those of you interested in subwoofers, the sound is amazing in it. Buy the cheapest and they will still sound amazing. This SUV is built for quality.

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  Quit your whinning...this is a good car! - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 8 Handicap - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I am surprised to see all of the negative comments about this car. The car handles great, has terrific acceleration, and is very comfortable on long trips. We have only had one service issue with the car and the dealership repaired it because we bought an extended warranty. Just a little advise to buyers of American cars...BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY...you are going to have problems. The only service I have had to pay for is new front disk break rotors and pads at 60,000 miles (which is excellent). Overall this has been a great car for my family. Malibus dont hold their value,but they will give you good service if you take good care of them.