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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  Fun to drive, its a gas - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Linda - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt be happier with our HHR. Great fun to drive and it looks wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone. Its the perfect "dog" car. One of our friends told us that and he was right. We have 2 rescued greyhounds and it is perfect for them. They have plenty of room with the back seats down. We did not have to give up the fuel economy for the extra room we needed. It is a perfect fit for us!

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  Paint Chips everywhere! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By bad paint job! - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my midnight blue camaro for almost a year. I drive 4 miles to work then 4 miles home. I have 10,000 miles on it now. My paint where the gills are look horrific. I have a smattering of nicks that look like I have driven through a paintball war. Im taking it to the dealer next week to have them look at it, but am not expecting them to do anything. Im OCD about my vehicles looking perfect and this one has certainly let me down.

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  Great Vehicle for the money. - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Lunar - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought a LT1 and added the rear view camera feature because the visibility through the rear window is minimal. The ride is firm and quiet and the 6 speed transmit ion makes it smooth and very peppy. Used to drive a minivan, we found that the cargo space is limited but adequate for our needs, when we test drove them, we found that the 4 wheel drive version felt a little heavy on takeoff, so we choose the FWD with traction control. We love the looks and body stile and the interior is quite luxurious for the price.

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  Love it - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By chkrhntr - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4WD burban new and finally gave it to the kids at 142,000 miles. Only thing that ever failed was the fuel pump ($600). Very reliable and got over 17mpg on freeway! Extremely comfortable to drive and handled like a luxury car. My other 4WD owning friends referred to it as "the pillow barge". I wish i still had it.

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  I Love My Suburban (Big Black) - 2010 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dr. of Goop - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had everything from Corvettes to Jeeps (my family owned 3 new car franchises) and for a "Grown Up" the Suburban is the perfect vehicle for me at this stage (50 years old). My black LTZ gets looks everywhere because it evokes the Secret Service / Government impression. The LTZ package offers all of the amenities that I need. My actual mileage is a very respectable 15 MPG and would be substantially better if I didnt use the remote starter so much (to warm/cool the interior). Also, mileage would be better if I didnt have such a heavy foot. For me this is the right vehicle at the right time.

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  Last Chevy I Will Buy - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lostjedi71 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought 1 year old with 27 K. Have had nothing but problems. 4 recalls. $1800 spent replacing computer modules at 90K. Very uncomfortable ride. Fit and finish are poor with huge,uneven gaps. Heavy body sway. Feels like a boat but less safe. The large space has come in handy a few times. I wish I could afford another vehicle.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mariebl - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really cant find anything about my Impala that I dont like. It is comfortable driving, I have good visibility, use my cruise control on highway and have only had the usual maintenance done and the history the maintenance was done when specified. I would recommend buying this car to anyone wanting a comfortable, safe car especially those who travel a lot. Had back problems with other cars, not with my Impala, has a Lumbar adjustment in drivers seat. Love driving my car.

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  2005 Chevy Impala SS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rome - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2005 Chevy Impala SS. Ive only had it a short time and really love it. Im an enthusiast and this car meets most of my high standards. It has plenty of room for my 2 kids, huge truck, and its a great car for a 45 year old dad. I bought it with 31,000 miles and have to say this Impala is of few that are truly worthy of the legendary SS badge dating back 50 years. if you find one of these with low miles, grab it, they are now hard to find and will be future collections. Bravo GM you did this one right.

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  Good Car but has some problems. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By FFDice - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This was my 1st new car ever. I always liked the look of classic cars and this car caught my eye. I bought this car during the gas price boom and it didnt disappoint me. Average MPG 24- 26. The car does have some squeaks and problems, but still a good car. Dealership has taken care of all my concerns. Back seats lower and can haul a lot of stuff as long as its not filthy dirty.

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  Love the car minus fueling issues. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gas Cap Sad - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bough this car used (with very little mileage) for its afford-ability and safety reviews. It is important to note Cobalts are smaller cars, but for your average sized woman it fits my just fine. Love the car, the only issue Ive had has to do with fueling. The check in code suggest I replace my gas cap. Then it worked for about a month and its back on. So now anytime I fuel up the car stalls. I have a mechanic friend looking into it but apparently it could be the pressure gauge. This car also was recalled but the power steering issue is only if your going under 15 miles an hour. Its easily corrected by speeding up a little.