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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  Constant lack of starting - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brett - July 24 - 3:37 pm

  From the get go the car was awesome. Then the lack of starting periodically. Some said the ignition/alarm but I searched the internet and found the problem to everyones trouble was the 1) BCM (body control module) Chevy charge $350 reprogrammed a new one and solved that problem 2) Rotors. Solved that too. Ceramic brake pads. Keeps the rotors cooler on contact. 3) Rack and Pinion. Shot but works like a BMW. Can totally feel the road now. 4) Corners bad-solved with polyurethane bushings to the sway bar. Now the perfect family sedan. Corners like a police car/mileage like a small car. Buy a 2003 on for Onstar 90,000 mile 34 mpg consistently on the hwy. Still a great multi-duty vehicle

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  Best first car EVER - 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Jen - July 24 - 11:47 am

  Its the best car I could imagine for a first car. Its fun, and pretty economical, great for A to B driving, and as reliable as anything. The only damage to my car is my fault, and even after rolling off the road and down a hill there was practically no damage at all! ITS A TANK! But runs like any sporty little coupe you can find. The fuel economy says 20-26 but I actually get around 28, living and driving on back roads mostly, and highway. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. But anyways, it may not be the sexiest beast around, but its just as good if not better than one. I wish they still made them, if you ever find one and someone you know needs a great reliable and durable car-get it.

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  LTZ AWD 6 Cyl Exceeds Expectations - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mad Dog - July 24 - 8:24 am

  took my new nox on road trip, gas mileage is averaging 22 mpg, 23 on highway. Incredible ride, easy to learn driver interface, tight steering, handles great. Wouldnt imagine driving the AWD w/0 a 6 cyl engine. Growls a little on passing, but vehicle is still breaking in. Chevy and GM got this one right, tough enough for mountain roads, sleek enough for the urban scene. Priced right for all the amenities and features. Center stack has it all, European style, and alpha numeric lcd displays make the car seem like its talking to you.

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  Sleeper - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Conway - July 23 - 9:01 pm

  When I bought this car I wanted the most affordable, reliable, comfortable full size sedan I could manage. I found it in this car. I bought the car with 50k on it as the second owner. I still have the car, drive it 100 miles a day. I now have 140K on it and it runs great. I dont take it easy on the car at all. Have driven it to work, on two tracks with a john boat strapped to the roof. anything you can imagine. I wanted a truck, but I might just buy another impala! My configuration: Impala LS, 3.8 liter. No rust, no problems, never kept in a garage, original everything, 26 mpg. If you were thinking about this year of car, buy one. You wont be disappointed.

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  Outstanding value - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By lrg51 - July 23 - 8:46 pm

  My 3rd Tahoe (owned 02 Z71 and 05 Z71). They just keep getting better.

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  Great car - 2000 Chevrolet Metro
  By Robert Huffman - July 23 - 4:37 pm

  For around town perfect car, has new struts, exhaust, paint job, timing belt, AC works great. Car has held up exceptionally well and over 10 years old now. Would not trade it in or sell it for any other car made for what I use it for.

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  Little Demon Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kevin - July 23 - 4:23 pm

  First off, I always get tons of crap from my buddies when I tell them I got a cobalt until I take em for a ride. Amazing power for such a little car and the brakes stop on a dime. Only real problem is everywhere I go, people try to race me lol

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  Early impression - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rick S - July 23 - 2:22 pm

  Its still early but I am very impressed so far. The car handles extremely well - composed, confident and sure-footed. Steering is precise and well balanced. The 6 speed tranny makes some odd shifts but thats in ECO mode and after reading other reviews was expected. The 2.5 liter 4 cylinder has PLENTY of pep and is a really smart choice unless you plan to do some heavy hauling. The seats are brilliant. Firm but with wide and deep bottom cushions that give great support. Best out of the Hyundais and Fords I tested. Dash layout is attractive and functional. Im loving this car more every time I drive it. And its a great looker too. I got the Mocha Steel Metallic with black cloth.

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  Dont want to get rid of it - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kelli - July 22 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle is the best one I have ever owned. Was going to trade it for a Lincoln Navigator until I drove it! Nothing in my opinion handles like my Tahoe, I have 109,000 miles on it and it rides just like the day I bought it. Just purchased a new warranty for 5 yr for it cause I plan on keeping it!

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  Money pit - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By busymom - July 22 - 5:20 pm

  Bought used at a dealership, had low mileage at the time. One thing after another has gone wrong. I cant even remember all I have had to replace. I am now told that there is "something" draining my battery, but it will cost too much to find problem. Now at 100,000 miles, transmission going out, gas gauge does not work, auto door lock/unlock on key ring stopped working, and air conditioning going out. I am looking for another car to replace this one. Major money pit! Will never buy another again, or any other Chevy vehicle. Left bad taste in my mouth and wallet.