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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  2006 Chevy Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mikey0495 - July 27 - 3:02 am

  Excellent vehicle. I have had it almost 2 years and have only had a couple of problems. The first was an electrical problem when the computer and vehicle would shut down. This occurred when I was around 11,000 miles. The local Chevy dealer couldnt figure the problem out. I took the car to another dealer and they replased the battery. No more electrical problems. I just passed 53,000 miles and all is good. I change the oil every 10,000 miles with Royal Purple oil and a K&N Oil filter. The only other problem is malfunctioning tire pressure sensors. They ave been replaced 3 times thus far. Its no big deal. I drive Chevys at work and they have similar issues. Otherwise, I love it!

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  I love my Cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Charlene - July 26 - 10:10 pm

  I absolutley love my Cavalier. Ive had it for over 5 years now and I have not had a problem yet. It was previously a rental car before I bought it so I thought it would have major problems. I was completely wong. I replaced my brakes at 53,000 miles. Other than regular maintenance, it hasnt had any problems. I couldnt have asked for a better car. I get about 35 MPG on the freeway and about 30 in the city. I dont know why I get such good gas mieage (I live in Southern California for goodness sakes, I am always in traffic!). I plan on driving it until it will not run anymore because it of the gas mileage.

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  Nice big car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By johnny b - July 25 - 8:24 pm

  I bought a base impala with a fake rag top which really sets the car off. I always get 33 mph on long trips and 23 in the city. I have a terrible back problem and this car does not hurt me on long trips. Plenty of room inside and the trunk. I was not even a bit hesitant in the purchase. The light driftwood metalic type paint job shines like day one. Love, love, love this car.

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  no problems - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 1valentine - July 25 - 5:08 pm

  other than routine maintanance, I havent had a single problem throughout the years. When I purchased the car and brought it home, my son asked me WHY did I purchase this particular model car. He said theyre known to have transmission problems. Seeing this car on the lot I didnt pay attention to the make, or model. I was attracted to the body style and the bright red color. That test drive was amazingly comfortable with a smooth ride. She screamed "take me home and make me yours". Eight years, and 140K miles, signs of tranny problems are appearing in the transmission fluid change. Will run it til it drops as they advised. There will be no trading off this ole girl. Shes great

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Barb Harrington - July 25 - 1:31 pm

  I love this car. My first SUV and I never thought I would ever want one. I got it because many times I would buy something and not be able to get it home in my car. My 80lb dog rides nicely in the back area. Plenty of room for him to stretch. People with long legs can sit comfortably in the back seat. I havent found anything I dont like about this car. Lots of great features included that are usually options on other cars. Would recommend this car!

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  Oregon - 06 LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By vperl - July 24 - 6:45 pm

  Got my LTZ a little more than two years ago, no problems. Oil changes at dealer with 15,700 miles on car is all the service it has needed. Great power, ride, and look of the LTZ. Would be nice to have automatic climate control, and rear wheel drive. However, the price I got this LTZ with all the bells and whistles it was and still is a bargain and a great car. GM & Chevy need to keep up the work and show the American car is still king.

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  More bang for the bucks - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By zoomboom - July 24 - 11:28 am

  This is my second Equinox, and I love it more that the first. The AWD is great for winters here. The gas mileage is good for a car this size, and one considered an SUV/crossover. I still cant believe how much stuff and I can cram into it. Back seats are good for riding with my long legged sons. Only drawback is the blindspots in the back corners and front also.

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  Saved my Life - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By sarabellacooks - July 24 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car after falling in love with it at the dealership. It was sporty enough to rationalize the "station wagon" style hatch back. It has a great stock sound system and all the features were great for the price. The thing that impressed me about this car is the fact that, when I blew a tire after running something over on the highway at 60 mph, hit dirt and rolled it over twice, I was able to walk away with nothing but a small bruise on my shoulder. This car saved my life, and I recommend it with the highest regards!

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  Best in show for price - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By phil - July 24 - 1:45 am

  I bought this car three weeks ago and I havent looked back. I bought the Value Special stickered for $10,700. I paid $7700. There is no car anywhere close to this price that performs this well. I dont feel buying this car loaded is a smart deal at $14,500. But at $11K to $8K you cant go wrong. Rides nice. front seats fit me great. Great 5 speed transmission. Shifts smooth. Good fit and well I think it is fun to drive. I drive 300 miles a week for work and spend around $36 to $38 in gas a week. Payments are low, gas bills are low. What is not to like. Sure there are nicer cars out there but at twice the price.

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  Spunky ride! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By orriginal - July 23 - 3:34 pm

  This vehicle is the perfect combination of practicality and sporty fun! Ive only had my new HHR (LT Special Edition) for a couple of days, so Im not able to rate the reliability or fuel economy yet. So far, so good! I love the retro styling - very spunky! Even my style-conscious 20 year old daughter approves! My HHR is very quiet and has a smooth ride. Im impressed with the roomy seating areas, as well as the cargo space! Its an added bonus that there are two height options for the cargo floor. The seating is very comfortable lots of headroom, even with the sunroof! Very enjoyable and fun to drive. I compared a lot of vehicles - the HHR gives the most for the money!