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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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve - April 13 - 12:27 pm

  This 2008 LTZ is our second Tahoe. Our first was a great all around truck and this is even better. We need a versatile 4wd that can be used to haul our boat and take our kids sports teams all over Northern California. The ride is excellent, quiet, smooth and the transition to 4WD is seamless. We also own two Toyota SUVs (kids cars) and a Honda Accord. Over the years weve owned Porsches, Volvos, Mazdas and Nissans, but the Tahoe is the best overall period. On our first Tahoe we had over 100K miles and the people that now own it have 126K on it. it still looks and drives like new. Weve never had any maintenance issues with either Tahoe. On a recent trip to Salt Lake we averaged 22 mpg.

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  Good Power, Reliability Questionable - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MJWACK - April 13 - 11:48 am

  Drove the Blazer for one-year and sold it thinking to upgrade, but probably let it go too cheap. The 4.3 V6 was a powerful engine, the LT trim was awesome, but I ran into drivetrain problems and it began to leak out of the rear main seal at around 115k, then it started leaking anti-freeze from the head gaskets. Also had to replace a leaky CV axle, then just started leaking again from the front differential. Also a vacuum line disconnected and the electronic 4x4 wouldnt engage. The AC had some problems too. Overall this was a good car, but with over 100k I wasnt ready to accept the maintenance costs and got sick of leaking fluids.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 1993 Chevrolet Astro
  By Calanthe42 - April 13 - 9:25 am

  This little truck has 165,000 now and the only major money ever spent was when the A/C went out (while towing a U-haul). All I have ever had to do is regular oil changes and maintenance. Dependable to a fault. This truck made 10 trips hauling trailers between Atlanta and New Orleans after Katrina. My house was a total loss but the Astro was something I could depend on. Unless you have ever been in that position, you have no idea how important such dependability is. I would strike out across country in this without a worry. I will keep this until the wheels fall off...and then buy new wheels.

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  2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr 4cyl - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 2008 Malibu LT - April 13 - 9:17 am

  I bought my Malibu pre-owned with 53k,this car caught my eye with the black metallic color and tinted windows along with chrome wheels, very sleek, sharp look, this is a 4cyl, runs great! great ride so smooth, love the interior great i average around 33mpg highway design and so spacious, gas mileage is and 24-26 in town, the bright lights are amazing so bright and covers a broad area for a car, love the small details such as the accent lights, cup holders, compartments, I am 28 yrs old and was skeptical at first if i should get a smaller sportier type car but after driving this i loved it and the exterior look is so sleek and sharp,I am so pleased absolutely love it, this is a keeper.

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  very pleased - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ashley - April 13 - 5:41 am

  I see everyones reviews and they just blow my mind. I must have got lucky. My Blazer I bought at 95,000 miles on it. Now it has almost 200,000. I have had to replace the fuel pump twice but that is my fault. I hate pumping gas and push every car I have owned to its limits on an empty tank. Every car I have owned has had to have that replaced other than that just BASIC ware and. Tear the transmission started slipping at 190,000 put some stop slip in and its pushing 200,000. No problem. Im sure the end to this cars life will come sooner than later but I have been satisfied with this car. I do agree with gas mileage needing improvement though it is a gas hog but it is a SUV so expected.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chris - April 12 - 11:36 pm

  Bought used with 70,000 miles havent found most of the complaints that others have to be an issue. Had heard that the engine was underpowered and the cabin was noisy but driving on the highway the first couple times I was surprised to look at the speed and find myself doing 80. For the noise the only thing that intrudes is the tires when going over large bumps. Engines quiet unless you mash the pedal. Wind pushes it around easily something I never felt in my last car. Accelerations not great but has plenty of power for highway driving. Love that I can carry five people over six feet and have them be comfortable. Fuel economy is about 21 mpg. Seats and floor were stained cleaned up easy

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  Good car, but a pain - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By malibultx06 - April 12 - 5:51 pm

  Well it does get 33 mpg, it is safe, runs great. Everyone fights to drive it the radio is good. The price was right, bought as a demo. Had a steering clunk had it fixed under warranty at 20k now at 48k having the same issue. The service notice is 06-02-32-007f. And if it hasnt happened to you just wait every Malibu owner has had the same issue and it cost $400.00 to fix and the service manger at my dealership said it last about 5k to 20k miles depending on driving habits.

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  Crap - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By 2004 aveo owner - April 12 - 5:16 pm

  I have had this car right from the beginning it has been nothing but trouble. I have had problems with the radio and heater I turn car off it stays on, they supposedly fixed it several times, also had timing belt problem, temperature casing split, I replaced, back wheel all had to be replaced, oil or something spraying out, transmission sticks, brake switch had to be replaced, twice this car is a nightmare, called Chevy main plant and they didnt want anything to do with my complaints. Let me tell you, I will never buy a Chevy again no wonder everyone is turning to ford or jeep and I have around 78k on my car so reading all this I guess the engine is due to go. GREAT

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  Was great until new engine at 136k miles - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By tom - April 12 - 4:04 pm

  My S10 has 160k miles and counting. The truck has been very good to me with the exception of replacing the engine at 136k miles. Turns out the GM 2.2 L has a weakness in the valve guide design or fabrication. I lost compression in #3 cyl. I decided to spend the big $$ on replacing the engine rather than buy a $4500 used car. (The devil you know is better than the devil you dont.) Overall the truck is good. It can take 3 passengers, gets 25 mpg, and can haul and tow decent payloads. Unfortunately, it doesnt do any one of these thing exceptionally well, but is is a "do- all" vehicle. My biggest complaint is that I should get better mpg, cause that 4cyl is pretty wimpy!

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  Old Style Muscle Car/Modern Version - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ron - April 12 - 11:58 am

  This car rocks! Has the best overall application of modern technology packaged like the muscle cars of old. Great horsepower with the L99 engine and 6 speed auto is wonderful and smooth. Applies power as needed. Paddle shift just like the Corvette. Interior is well put together in terms of quality. Some blind spots and rear view mirror is only good straight back. Side mirrors take care of any issues and visually just like the old bubble Corvette rear fenders as you look back. Handling is great, but the Pirelli tires not good in wet conditions. Wear factor is poor. Best modern muscle car for the money over the Mustang and Dodge. Like the RS package with Black on Black ext/int.