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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  dependable, but leaves you wanting more - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Roy Christian III - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one mechanical problem out of this car, It has very good handling but I have always wished that it had more get up & go..... The power is just not there, But for the price & monthly payments & dependability... I really cant complain at all about the Malibu...

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  2003 Silverado Ext Cab 4.3L - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JBaxter - February 8 - 2:00 am

  4000 miles and minor problems. Both rear windows and seals have been replaced due to poor design with wind noise. Vibration/buzz in the gas pedal is being worked. I know there is a TSB from GM on this. Fun truck that is smooth and plenty of power from the reliable 4.3L. Wife likes the room and the feel of a truck in the city.

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  Runs good....for a couple of years - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By elmonto - February 6 - 2:12 pm

  I had my Impala worry free for about 3 years. Then I had to replace the head gaskets at 56K miles, which were about $800. Then the tie rods went, which were about $200 a piece. Now its the security system, for a second time. I replaced the ignition switch in August and it was fine until January. Then I replaced the switch and the cylinder but it still wont start, and waiting 10 minutes for the sec. system to reset does not work. Now its just sitting in my driveway looking dumb while my 88 Oldsmobile with 255k on the odometer starts fine every day. I loved my car when I first got it, but now i just want to get rid of it, and I am still making payments on a driveway fixture.

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  Problems - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By None - February 4 - 1:13 pm

  I bought the 2006 Trailblazer EXT with 20,000 miles. A week after I bought it the emissions light came on. I have had it to the garage 6 times and every time I get it the light is off. After driving it about a week the emissions light comes back on. They have replaced sensors and fuel valves. The vehicle has been to a General Motors dealer but they have not fixed the problem. The fuel gauge drops to empty when there is a quarter tank of gas. When I start the engine the gas gauge goes to where it is suppose to be and then after driving a little distance it again drops to empty and the low full light gauge comes on. Any idea how to fix the problem.

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  This car has a lot going for it - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By JasonC - February 4 - 8:46 am

  My SS has all the options. Ive only owned this car for a month and have about 1000 miles on it. So far, Im very pleased with it. Car appears very well put together, best of any GM product Ive had experience with. I havent experienced any rattles or squeaks. Its hard to argue with the performance of this car. Suspension is a nice compromise between ride comfort and reasonable handling. A good driving car. Im averaging about 23mpg in mixed driving, but 30mpg looks doable on the highway. The fairly loose torque converter hurts the mpg in stop-and-go situations, and Im not sure exactly why they made that choice. Minor point, though, IMO. Seats are a bit flat, radio is ridiculous.

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  Great lowcost Money - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ulf187 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a couple of weeks ago and I can say that Im impressed. Great design, good fuel economy and even quality build. Far more then I expected for this price. Even its 95 percent made by Daewoo.

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  My Impala Is The Best - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala - February 1 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Impala. Its comfortable, roomy and with four doors, Its easy to travel in. Offers a quiet, smooth ride. You feel as if youre sitting still even at 70 MPH.

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  Fun gas guzzler - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ivan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Up to this point the Avalanche has been a unique fun experience. I traded in a Ford Expedition and dont regret it. The extra acceleration and smoother than expected ride of my new chevy is the highlight of my switch. I added 22 inch wheels and the truck really looks sharp and aggressive with a menacing look and stance. The Avalanche makes you feel secure and in control on the busy highways of the big congested city.

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  Its ok - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ForeignbutAmerican - January 30 - 4:13 pm

  This car was much better than my 96 Chevy Blazer but the fuel economy is probably the same compared to it. It is a sports car but as soon as I start the car, its the the fuel gauge goes down! It drives pretty well and I like the extra umph it gives. But I had so many problems with it its not even funny. Surprisingly, it wasnt with the engine. I had window issues, a.c issues, radio issues, tire issues, axle issues, compressor issues, etc. This is a fun car to drive for the time being but over all, I love my baby and is grateful for it. This is a 2001 vehicle and it is now 2009 and I still get compliments! That says a lot!

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  Love my SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Shep - January 29 - 2:29 am

  I was looking for something practical, then I test drove the TrailBlazer SS. I forgot all about gas mileage when I put my foot on the gas, come 395 hp in a SUV, Corvette base block engine, Chevy you went to far. The interior a little sporty for a 51 year old, I think not. This vehicle still turns head a 21/2 years old. The Bose sound system is awesome, it handles like a sports car, but with enough comfort to make a trip through the mountains fun. Who knew radio (XM) could sound so good, I just purchased 3 years so I would always have it. Overall my TrailBlazer SS is a bunch of fun, although an ave. of 13 mpg in the city is tough.