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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  Great ride - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By great ride - September 24 - 12:04 am

  I get more pleasure driving this car then my 2008 STS Caddy. Still a head turner. Seats are realy comfortable and everything is heavy duty.

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  This is my 3rd one! Keep on buying them - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By This is my 3rd one.. - September 23 - 1:39 pm

  This is the 3rd Prism Ive bought new. I used to buy a new one every 2 -3 yrs with an 84/day commute. Since I done have the drive anymore, I am driving this one til it dies. I have 130k and have never had anything serious to repair. A new battery, tires and just today a new starter. I had to repair 2 of the doors and one of the electric locks doesnt work. I would definitely buy another Prism!

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  Great Machine - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ballistix - September 23 - 1:16 am

  Bought my 09 Cyber Gray coupe three weeks ago. Equipped with 3LT, Z51, NPP, 6 sp, 2 tone ebony/titanium interior and forged polished wheels - this car is very fast and refined compared to my C5 ZO6. Fantastic engine -torque like a train and always just a toe tap away. Clutch is very smooth and shifter is much more refined. Interior is more polished than past generations. Car is very quiet and smooth inside without tire rumble. In fact, I could stand to hear that beautiful exhaust of the NPP all the time rather than just above 3500rpm (where is that fuse?). Absolutely a great ride and a best buy compared to the other vehicles in its class.

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  Love my Malibu! - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Nano49 - September 22 - 3:41 pm

  I bought my car after renting one from Hertz because I loved the way it handled. Im 6 tall and cant get into just any vehicle comfortable. With the seat pushed all the way back I have plenty of room and my head doesnt scrape the ceiling. I have over 170000 miles on my Malibu now and its still going strong. Have an ongoing problem with the A/C compressor cutting off and weve replaced the water pump. The oil is changed regularly and I am careful where I buy gas (also had a problem with bad gasoline). Overall, Id recommend this car to anyone whos interested in good gas mileage and a fun ride.

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  Love My Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By springtulip108 - September 22 - 1:31 pm

  We bought this car used with 32,000 miles and now I have over 122,000. Never had any problems except with rotors. Love this car. We are starting to look for something with less miles but wish I could buy this car over again (dont like the design of the new Impalas).

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  First new car in 20 yrs - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By scott - September 22 - 12:26 pm

  This is the first brand new car Ive purchased in 20 years. I just had to get one. love it! The look, the ride, the gas mileage, all of it. Could not be happier.

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  Sold My C6 Corvette to buy it and I LOVE IT - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By eric - September 22 - 12:43 am

  I had a manual 2008 C6 and was looking for a more comfortable daily driver. I test drove it and fell in love with the ride (mine has magnetic ride control), interior design and quality and performance. I bought a 2SS with Auto because I drive it in traffic. I recommend it.

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  I expected to hate it! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TEaK - September 21 - 10:08 pm

  Based on other reviews Ive read, it seems to me that the people who are most dissatisfied with this car are those who expect to get a Corvette or a Cadillac for the Aveos price. After my test drive, I was really quite impressed. Its obviously no Corvette, but it accelerates better than I expected. The engine is smooth and the 5 speed transmission is easy to drive. I am 6 tall. I have plenty of head & leg room in both the driver and passenger seats. The seats are firm, but comfortable. Ive driven the Aveo for an hour on the highway several times with no comfort problems. The hatchback holds tons of stuff. Taken it to the hardware store and Costco and were able to haul everything we needed.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tomster - September 21 - 9:04 pm

  Given the extremely low sticker price, I dont see how anyone with reasonable expectations could be disappointed with a Cobalt. I bought my LS 4 Dr Sedan with auto tranny on June 3, 2008. The sticker price was only $15,530, with the auto tranny and the spoiler being the only options. There was also a $2000 rebate at the time. I cannot believe what a sweet little car that Cobalt has turned out to be, especially considering the low sticker price. I bought the car purely for fuel economy, but I ended up with a car that is really fun to drive. It has amazing acceleration for a gas sipper, a quiet ride, a huge trunk, good handling, and great looks. I am totally pleased with this car!

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  GM Believer - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Frugal buyer - September 21 - 8:33 pm

  I had a 2001 Toyota RAV4 and was totally convinced that Japanese cars could not be beat. I decided I was going to replace the RAV4 and began research by attending an auto show and test driving and just looking at some vehicles. The in contention were the RAV4, the CR-V and the Subaru Forrester. Well the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox came out of no where. And was so impressed, I bought the LS on the spot. Rides like a cloud, has every amenity you realistically need and more than you can believe, for a base model. I believe you really get a lot for your money. With the 4 cylinder and a mix of city and hwy driving I got 26 miles to the gallon. I never achieved this rating with my RAV4. GM hit a HR