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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  Bang for your buck - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ben SaintOnge - May 10 - 9:22 am

  Sporty looking, good car for a cheap price. Cheap and easy to maintain. Sound system is nice with Mp3 and XM. Slave cylinder went at 45,000k, but pretty good overall. Tops out at 107, so its pretty fast

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  Special Value Hatchback - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By michael dec - May 8 - 6:53 pm

  Having owned and driven this car for 2 months, I am impressed with its comfort and driveability in city traffic. We have studded tires where I live and the rough pavement on local freeways is a bit harsh to drive on but all other characteristics are fine. This is my 18th vehicle over 39 years and it delivers everything I thought it would! I bought this car as an inexpensive alternative to a used vehicle for good mileage in city work commutes and it fills the bill perfectly!

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  Gas mileage and air conditioning bad - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By MJF - May 7 - 10:44 pm

  Truly enjoy this car, but gas mileage stinks. Only 22 mpg. AC barely takes edge off in hot weather. Took it in to dealership and all checks out. Cant complain about anything else at all. Was in front end collision and the passenger compartment had no damage at all!

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  Is Silverado mileage false advertising? - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David Martin - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really like my 08 Silverado over my 01. The ride is much better and its quieter. I got the 5.3 engine with 3.42 gears for better mileage, but Im getting 12mpg city and 16mpg highway? My 01 got 14mpg city and 18mpg highway. notice mileage on this site is split between folks getting great mileage and folks getting really bad mileage. Something sure seems amiss! The cruise control doesnt seem to work as well as on my 01.

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  Good city car, some disappointments - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By MTodd - May 5 - 5:40 pm

  I have a 97 Prizm that I really like, so I bought an 01 Prizm for my wife. Personally, I think they started to cheap out the newer models. My 97 with 112,000 miles on it feels, looks and drives better than my wifes 01 (with 62,000 miles), not to mention being more reliable. Since I got the 01, Ive had to put in new MAF and O2 sensors and had vibration issues with the tires. Now the charcoal canister has gone out for another $385. Ive been very disappointed after my great experience with the 97. In all fairness to GM/Toyota, it seems like the previous owner really beat up on the car, which may explain some of the repair issues.

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  I like it but ... - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By DCT - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a good reliable utility vehicle. Dumb question for GM ... Why use light primer for a black painted truck? It shows every scratch ! Also, what were you thinking with the dip stick? It is a long cable that does not reliably show oil level.

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  just thought the Maxx would be more... - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By oct 2005 - May 4 - 5:30 pm

  Great acceleration w/the v-6 engine. Left with doubts about brakes and steering and the sub-standard braking. Had to replace rear brake pads @ 58000 miles. What A Pity!!! Then you have the interest with the intermediate steering arm assemblies that have given so much crap to those who have purchased the electric power steering groups.

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  I like my car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LAURIEAF - May 4 - 10:56 am

  Although I have had the Cobalt for a short period of time, I would recommend it. My Cobalt is a five speed and is the third 5 speed that I have owned. It shifts gears smoothly. My sister was riding with me yesterday and she didnt even notice that I was shifting. With the gas prices so high, I appreciate the mileage I get from it. Also, I just found out my best friend purchased a Cobalt last month.

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  Loved this car - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Aaron - May 4 - 9:37 am

  This car drove great. Was my first car, got about 18 to 20 MPG city/highway. Only problem I ever had was the stupid seat recline handle but GM has a metal one for $15 and that one worked great. I was in a crash in October, I had new tires put on and one wasnt secured right by the mechanic and it broke free, the rear tire then blew, I went throght a wall and 2 trees before stopping on the third, this car saved my life. Drives really well, interior is very durable, 5 16 year olds couldnt destroy it so its very good. I would highly recomend this SUV.

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  07 Colorado LT 4dr Crew Cab 3.7L 2wd Red - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By ChevyColoradoRider - May 4 - 4:24 am

  The truck has everything needed for a small family. Im satisfied with this truck, and so far so good. Interior is not that bad, it would be nice if the rear seats are adjustable and more comfortable( maybe more cushioning).