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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  service airbag light - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tony - September 20 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this truck tom replace my 97 s10 because I needed a bigger truck for my business. Great truck for hauling, towing, and comfort. But Ive had a problem wiht the service air bag light and its been to 2 different dealers a total of 11 times for the same problem. Its been in for the intermediate shaft, front and the front rotors plus a clip to open the door. To many stupid little things that should not happen and the airbag problem that should have been fixed already.

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  Starts Every Time - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By chrissyc - September 20 - 6:40 pm

  Ive owned my Corsica for 16 months and am very happy with this car. Dont neglect the routine maintenance, (belts, hoses, brakes, tires and battery) and always keep your oil and filter changed at the right intervals and it should provide years of reliablity. Keep all other fluids at proper levels, too. Other than a waterpump and starter (those were a little expensive to replace) failing, no major problems. Things Ive replaced: serpentine belt, battery, 1 heater hose, 1 lower radiator hose, fresh oil and filter changes, of course. I plan on replacing the spark plug wires- slight stumble accelerating. Thatll fix it for sure. This is a great run-around car for shopping and chores.

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  Reliable Chevy Just Keeps On Running... - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Krissy36 - September 20 - 6:21 pm

  Ive owned this great car almost a year and a half now (November this year) and the only major problem was a leaking waterpump and a bad starter. Thats it! Other than routine maintenance such as hoses, belts, brakes, tires, etc., as long as you keep up with things, no problems should occur. Ive been very lucky. This car has been exceptional. The gas mileage is excellent, the plush, comfy seats are wonderful for my low back pain and sciatica! The Goodyear tires will last a very long time, but I do need a tire rotation- fronts to back, backs in front. I highly recommend this great, reputable, strong-running car to anyone looking for inexpensive transportation who is on a budget.

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  Overall, nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By j_coakley - September 19 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a few weeks now and I really love it. The ride is smooth and quiet. I dont have the leather seats and really dont care. I have the Bose sound system which is great. The engine is great as well. I would recommend the Trailblazer to anyone. Its in between sporty and big at the same time.

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  Two Months and Counting - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By halogen - September 18 - 5:20 pm

  The car feels much more expensive than its price would indicate. It has decent acceleration with the automatic transmission, great brakes, and a fine level of fit and finish. The steering is nimble and precise, with good smooth ride quality. During sharp turns, youll notice how skinny and unsupportive the front seats are. The brake and gas pedals are very close together, and if you have big feet or drive wearing boots its easy to hit both pedals at once. This is my first new car. Previously owned newer Toyota Tercels. This car spanks the Tercel like a homeless dog.

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  Wish for Better Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By 2dogs2 - September 18 - 7:35 am

  I wanted a truck that can be used for hauling stuff for the farm, but I did not want a large truck, and the Colorado has great power with the 5cyl. The gas mileage around town is about 20, havent taken any long rides to see what hwy is. Have not had any problems in winter driving, but I have to say that I really dont care for the clunk you get shifting into 4wd at times.

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  My Z24 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pat s - September 18 - 3:58 am

  I bought my Z24 and I must say, it is so much faster and more fun than it looks. My brother drives a 2002 Impala and my Z24 is much faster and more enjoyable to drive. I am also impressed with how easily this car can be modified into a real racer. I wouldnt give it up for the world.

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  Somewhat disappointed! - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By str8dwn - September 17 - 9:37 am

  Just want to say that this vehicle has been a good ride so far. Have a 2008, 97000 miles and BAM!!! get this flashing signal that says service stabil-track control and traction control, and my engine light flashes....Well, take it to the dealer, they call back saying it is a broken valve spring #3...if that doesnt resolve the engine light they say theyll have to change the manifold....Im sorta lost....can anyone help out????

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  You get what you pay for - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By baldylocks1976 - September 16 - 10:30 am

  Owned this car for 5 years. Replaced the alternator twice, replaced the water pump a month after the first alternator. Had to replace the negative battery cable and the only replacement available was from the dealership for $80. When it came time for the 100,000 mile tune up, I had to have the head repaired because it had warped.

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  The test - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By brewer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  It does it all. The Z71 comes with the best roof rack on the market. It has good kick for an suv. The good part is that it has flexible fuel. The tahoe is roomy and comfortable with ultimate leg room. Since it is a chevy it can tow.