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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  Good American Car - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By tommy - December 15 - 7:36 pm

  Well guys. I loved my Malibu. Sure the electrical aspects were king of funky, so roll down the window. My engine never failed. The only things I ever had to change was the brakes and the oil. My car had 106000 miles before some lady hit me and totaled my car. I miss it. I wish I still had it. I dont want the money I want my car back.

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  Not what I was expecting from GM - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By joel1235 - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  I purchased the truck used in November 2010 with 17K on it and the fun started about a week later. First my battery needed replacement, but then it spent a few days at the dealer looking for a popping noise they never found and is still happening. Next was a rough idle/check engine light. It was fixed a week later. Around 35K the transfer case needed replaced. At the dealer another week. This week the rough idle/check engine light thing started again(40K). An independent shop told me it was the same trouble code as last time, and that the problem was with the piston rings, and I may need a new motor. I wish I could go on, but Im running out of space.

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  Can be better - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By chevy - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  I got the car in Jan 2007. My wife loved it. A good family car. Had 2 problems, the trunk would not shut, I got that fixed, and both brake lights stop working. But now its fine, kids love it. My wife had a Grand Prix, she loves the impala much more. Now Im happy and my wife and kids are happy. Overall its a good car

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  2007 Colorado verdict pending - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By CAPN KEN - December 13 - 8:11 pm

  I bought a new 2007 Colorado 2.9L Automatic, even after reading negative reviews. Im a consumate Chevy fan but must say that Ive had more problems with this vehicle than others. I am hoping everything that will happen, will occur during the warranty period. Had to drop the transmission, fix a blower motor, and now have a leaky roof brake light. Everything has been fixed first time. Excellent ride. eavy and smooth. Good looks and comfortable. 22mpg around town, 25 Hwy at 74 mph. The verdict is still out whether the bugs will all be worked out within original warranty.

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  Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Matthew - December 13 - 2:39 pm

  I would say this is a good value car. I have owned vehicles with superior performance and better ergonomics, but overall am pleased with the product. The fuel economy is good, performance is unrefined but expected. I have a two year old daughter and it is easy for her to climb in and out herself without my need to worry about falls. The stereo and components are great, roominess is fine, visibility is great, and the overall look has people taking a double. I would change a few things but overall am very happy.

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  Great price for a good car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By wanabevega - December 12 - 4:48 pm

  I have a new apreation for econo cars after buying this exceptional example of Chevrolets restyled import. Well worth the price. While true, i had more than my share of problems from the start. First a cracked windshild three days after I drove it off the lot (replaced), then a headlamp fogged up from holding moisture(replaced), lose brake caliper(repaired),rear view mirror mount fell off(replaced), oil pump started leaking after 15K (replaced),squeeking swaybar bushings after 25K(replaced), clunking front suspension(still an isue). After all this you might think i would be bitter, but I just love driving this car! I like the looks i like the handling and I love the MPG at 32/39.

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  Very Unhappy - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By wapiti - December 12 - 1:32 pm

  This is my 4th Tahoe & I loved all of them until this one. I liked the look of the car, 2nd row captains chairs, the DVD player. Then after I started driving it I noticed a loud noise from the drivers window, sounds like the window is open. What kind of carpet did they use where you can hardly vacuum dog hair off of it? Last winter my rear hatch would not open automatically in cold temps. Found my battery dead twice, took the car into the dealer, was told there is computer problem with this car. Hopefully that is fixed. My coolant level is always low, but dealer says there is no problem. Had door molding fixed, but it keeps separating. Now my wipers dont properly work. My last Tahoe?

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  Good car - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By rolando - December 11 - 1:03 pm

  I bought the car it’s a 2007 Monte Carlo and its got 11,000 mil but one thing I notest is that on the steering column there is a knocking sound, When I turn. That is the same type of sound my old Chevy impala which was a 2003 had. And when I took it in to get it check they told me it was some kind of shaft in the steering column. I hope this car will not have that problem.

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  Great truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By stanley1l - December 10 - 8:33 pm

  Great truck and drivebility. Seat is somewhat comfortable but supportive for 10hour trips. I do recommend the LS package for it more convinient for over all comfort. Great engines 5.3 and 6.0. both deliver about the same fuel efficiency - I get 350 miles on 22 gallons. I would prefer a more efficent truck and it amazes me that all these car maker are dragging their feet on delivering these type of vehicles.

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  Warning Light Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Nick Reichert - December 10 - 4:36 pm

  Different warning lights are coming on. Had to put the newly designed EGR valve on at 5,000 miles. Warning light for the steering keeps coming on. Right front strut bearing was replaced at 300 miles.Speakers in the two front doors vibrate.The dash board had a bad rattling noise.They put foam in to stop the noise. The air duct on the right side front under dash rattled, again fixed with foam.