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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  2006 Chevy Cobalt LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 2006 Chevy Cobalt - May 27 - 6:25 pm

  Fun to drive. Car has a lot of get up and go for a 4 cyl and good handling. Gets about 26-28 mpg aroudn town according to the dash mpg calculator. I have 48K plus miles and have had no problems.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JAGXJRPORTFOLIO - May 27 - 4:17 pm

  Traded in a Jeep Liberty that was getting 13mpg, just couldnt handle it. Was also shopping Saturn Astra, but dealer and factory incentives were too good. Sticker price was 23k paid just over 19k out the door. Manual transmission is a joy to drive with short throws and positive engagement. Engine has good power and torque, although not the quickest revving or smoothest sounding one out there. Fuel economy is outstanding! 28.8 mpg first tank, in a 60% city 40% hwy mix. Very quiet on the inside even with sunroof, also the ride is very comfortable even with sport suspension. Handling is sporty and fun. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Good trunk space.

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  Smooth - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Sam - May 27 - 3:56 pm

  Smooth SUV! Got the LT2 package with 20" wheels. The Granite blue paint turns heads on the road. Plenty of power and you cant beat the price. Gas mileage is on average 15-16mpg. Drove the Yukon and you can get the same package in a Chevy for a few thousand less.

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  Gas Mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By luvmyequinox - May 26 - 8:26 pm

  I love my Equinox so far. Except for the gas mileage. Its far from the rated 25 mpg. Although it only has 600 miles on it, I am only getting 17 - 18 mgp after 3 tanks. I drive highway 93% of the time usually between 70 - 75 mph.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By bb - May 26 - 9:50 am

  Just bought my HHR a couple days ago and so far Im really enjoying it. I went with a pretty stripped-down model, but the difference in features wasnt worth the extra money. I would recommend the 5-speed over the automatic, the ride is a lot better and its really a lot more fun. If you can afford a little more the SS model is awesome, but I didnt feel it was worth 8k more then the basic LS model that I purchased. Its a very smooth ride for a smaller car, handles nicely on the freeway and driving through town, plus they unique style gets a lot of looks and compliments.

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  I love my Suburban! - 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Tex - May 26 - 2:34 am

  I bought my Suburban with 97,000 miles for $7,000 cash and have driven it for 30,000 miles over the last five years mostly on the weekends. I use it for hunting, camping and long trips and has worked out extremely well. It is blast to drive. I have spent $1,100 for new a/c compressor, brakes and a water pump but beyond that it runs like a top. At 16 mpg it sucks down the gas but at this point the depreciation is almost nothing, no financing cost, insurance runs $50 per month and I have little in repairs so it is still reasonably economical to operate. This is daddys toy and I have lots of fun on the road and off road with it. I expect to still be driving this vehicle for many years

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  2006 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By OLD GUY - May 25 - 8:50 pm

  Bought the little Cobalt in 06. Didnt know for sure then that gas prices would rampage out of control. The Cobalt was a good pick. There are other cars I would prefer but for the money and what you get the Cobalt is hard to beat. Zero problems. Never been back to the dealer. The engine and auto transmission rate high for GM. More than once I have dusted a BMW 3 for a fair distance. I can only imagine what an 09 with turbo would run like. It would have to be an asphalt scorcher. Im 6 foot, 200 lbs. I fit fine. I would prefer the the seating a little higher. Easier for old guys like me with bad backs. I wouldnt use it for a long cross country trip. But many do.

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  A perfect domestic car for $4 a gallon - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Cutty - May 24 - 2:14 am

  I read all the reviews on here prior to buying, and the biggest thing I agree with is the suspension. The day I got it the coil springs snapped. I took care of that and since then had no problems. the car is great on gas 29/30 mpg. Mine has the 5 speed so it does move a lot better than the auto. I currently have 96k with no cracks on the dash either. The biggest thing that I can think of is that all the pedals have a noise to them but Im sure a little wd40 will cure that. Overall Im happy with it and would definitely recommend to others.

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  Tahoe is the alpha dog of SUVs - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bob - May 23 - 4:21 pm

  I have to say my Tahoe LT (fully loaded) has been a great, great, vehicle. Drivetrain and 5.7 Vortec engine delivers. Plenty of room for people and my Siberian Husky in the back too (who loves the rear A/C) Aggressive BF Goodrich All Terrain T/As (functionally large but not monster truck silly) make Tahoe the big dog in the yard. A balanced truck with Bilstein gas charged shocks that rides like a dream on or off the road. Love the 4WD, towing capabilities, and the heated leather seats. I may not get the best gas mileage at $4.35/gal for Premium, but the power is there when I need it, and will safely win the physics game in the unfortunate event there is a collision.

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  02 Chevrolet Trail Blazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Danno - May 23 - 2:37 pm

  From the beginning until present, this vehicle has been super. I have had no problems with it to this date. Outside of regular service, the only expense has been new tires at 45,000 miles and a new battery at 35,000. Ride has been like sitting in a comfortable chair in my living room. Excellent on trips over 50 miles. Acceleration when you need it is there. Today with gas near $4 I wish it had better mileage but it more than makes up for it with its spacious interior, ride, and visibility.