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 truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By comeangetit - August 21 - 8:26 am

  My expierience with this truck is outstanding. It is powerful enough to get around in deep snow. It has plenty of room inside and it rides like a dream. I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  Nice first car - 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Jason Bloom - August 20 - 8:35 pm

  I am 17 and I got this car as my first car. I got it with 175,000 miles on it. I drive it around 100 miles a day (M- F), mostly highway. I have had to replace the struts, spark plugs, plug wires. I have also replaced the radio. The car rides well. It is a little loud because of the mileage on the drivetrain, but other than that it rides fine. The seats are really comfortable. The gas mileage could be a little better, only about 25mpg. Reliable. Just now, at 180,000 miles, having a major problem with drivability. My trunk leaks. The car also shifts really rough. Other than that, no real problems. Overall, my Lumina is a good first car.

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  It is what it is. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By defenbaugh - August 19 - 1:32 pm

  The retro design is appealing to this old man with desires formed in the 1960s. The 2400 engine is amazingly responsive. The transmission has a lot to do with the responsiveness. Both are smooth without the power mower sound. The entry and seating are suitable for this arthritic. We use it for short runs and errands. For journies longer than a few hundred miles, the crampedness and the small drivers legroom would become cumbersome. With 20,000 miles we had to have the rotors turned as it shimmied violently at high speed braking. I understand this has been a problem with other owners. We will see how this plays out. Being rural it is nice to have nearby GM service.

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  Fun and Carefree - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Trixi - August 18 - 7:25 pm

  I bought my Cavalier immediately following ABS problems in a previous car (a much larger and less fuel efficient Cadillac). I bought it from a rental car sales lot and since then I have put 1 qt and a half of oil in it (exc oil changes), no coolant, 2 air filters, one set of brakes, and put air in the tires twice. Coming from an extreme nickel and diming situation, this car provided me with an oasis of carefree driving. I love to drive it its agile and quick, makes almost no noise, and never runs hot. This car is definitely my "little buddy". I plan on doing several aftermarket changes to update it a little, but it doesnt need much.

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  So Excited - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Kimberly - August 18 - 8:42 am

  I gave up my Pontiac Montana with some hesitation. But the purchase of this car was a wonderful choice. It rides well, it is comfortable and sporty looking. I am a plus size woman and the comfort for me is wonderful. The only thing is I continue to get confused with the window controls not being on the doors. Otherwise a great car for the money.

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  Old faithful - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By teton - August 17 - 7:53 pm

  While I certainly have many gripes, it has been a very reliable vehicle. I bought it new and it now has 162,xxx miles. Its never quit on me! I drive it in all conditions including plenty of off-road and snow. Outside of the typical repairs for this many miles (fuel pump, ball joints, alternator) and routine maintenance, Ive had only a couple issues, but none major and it always starts. I keep expecting more problems but they havent come yet. I have felt a few hard shifts from the tranny, but considering the too-tall gearing Im amazed it got this far. Gas mileage is ok for a V6 SUV - avg about 20 combined.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By tkaxman - August 16 - 7:04 am

  Very satisfied. Have had the truck for 34,000 mi. with little to no problems. Solid feel while maintaining decent comfort. Gas mileage is a little weak at 19 combined, but the overall driving experience is excellent. Good acceleration and braking, and overall fun to drive. A little jumpy on rough roads, but thats not uncommon with 4 wheel drives. Wish the bed was longer.

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  Great car - 2000 Chevrolet Metro
  By Paul L. - August 16 - 3:44 am

  I purchased this car as my first vehicle slightly after turning 16. We payed close to $5,000 and this car was worth every penny. It was reliable and great on gas. Because of the low price point it was a good learning vehicle. I really did beat the crap out of it, and it kept going like a trooper. I recently wrecked it by rear-ending someone like an idiot and really regret losing the vehicle. (I only had liability) This lead me to write a review about ol Blue as I called it. RIP, you always got me from point A to point B, you will be missed.

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  No frills, but a great van - 2000 Chevrolet Astro
  By GS - August 15 - 12:51 pm

  Bought this van with 30000 miles on it. Had a few minor issues that first year or so -- power lock failure, etc. No problems since then. With 4 kids, a dog, and a camper, we make full use of the incredible amount of space inside this van. Its one of the few vehicles that can comfortably seat our family, plus two others AND tow. Holds way more stuff than a regular minivan. Weve used it to tow our camper (22-ft, 4000 lbs) half way across the country with absolutely no issues - at 100k miles. People are always surprised to see us tow with it. Added a transmission cooler and complete tow pkg. Theres nothing fancy about this van, but its great for a larger, active family.

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  2002 CHEV 2500HD 4wd - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By golden arches - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had continued problems with the drive train, from transmission noise to multiple problems with the front and rear differentials noise and leaking. Vehicle seems reliable in most cases, but leaves that nagging feeling that once the warranty is off Im going to be looking at repairs on a low milage vehicle (only averages 500 per month). Much fun to drive, but the overall fuel mileage is a w f u l, but that goes with the territory of the 6L engine and the rear end selection.