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 bang per buck - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mikedubreuil - December 17 - 1:50 am

  This car has to be the best bang per buck for performance and styling. I get nothing but compliments about it and the same people are very surprised its a Chevy

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  Great car but... - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tom Beames - December 16 - 2:04 pm

  Awesome performance but having problems with shifting from 2nd-3rd and 1st-2nd. Seems as though shifting linkage is not lined up. Some body work needed to be done by dealer. Poor alignment of right front fender, headlight, wheel well liner, etc. There also is a very noticable "mold" seam in left rear fender. Dealer wanted to buff it out and repaint. I said no. Lots of minor paint imperfections. Car is black so it shows everything. But, Lord it is fun!

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  Changes - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Wakabu - December 15 - 11:44 am

  Hatch has decent ride and gas mileage seems to be improving although I have only 1200 miles on her.

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  Best Car Ive owned so far - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris William - December 13 - 6:25 pm

  Ive owned several cars, and I try to run them all until they give out. Ive owned Ford, Isuzu, Nissan and others, but this car has been the best. I drive 70 miles a day round trip and love the handling, acceleration and comfort. Even though others have gotten more MPG, I only get 26 on the highway. Also, if youre over 6ft tall like me, you will love the leg room in both the front and back. The only problem I have with the vehicle is the stereo system. I know people today are into a lot of bass, but I like my sound well rounded. This system puts a too much bass for me, and is difficult to adjust to just the right amount. Minor problem for a great car.

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  Engine Trouble At Sixty Thousand Miles - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Switched to Honda - December 12 - 12:22 pm

  For three years the Malibu was a wonderful car to own. I liked the engine power and the extremely comfortable driver seat. However, the car started developing severe coolant- related engine problems at 60,000 miles. I did some research and discovered that this is a common occurance with Malibus. Last week I traded it off and bought a brand new Honda. If you buy a Malibu, you will eventually have coolant-related engine problems. I faithfully maintained mine and it still happened. The Malibu has a serious design flaw in its cooling system. Buy at your own risk.

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  Just a flashy entry-level car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - December 12 - 4:16 am

  For the first 3K miles, this car was great. Then the noises began. Car constantly makes both a squeaking/chirping noise and a loud snapping sound around the b-pillars like the car is breaking in half over bumps and during turns. The sunroof also rattles and its switch repeatedly falls out of the headliner. Mechanically, I havent had any problems in terms of the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. But when your car is a rattle trap, its hard to enjoy it. All my cars have been American and theyve been great and lasted for years. However, once my loan is paid off Im going right out and getting something else.

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  Not a bad car - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kate - December 9 - 6:19 pm

  I think that my car is very reliable. It has had its problems like replacing the tranny. After I bought the vehicle the check engine light came on and has been on ever since. I have had a misfire in the engine and after replacing the spark plug wires and the distributer cap it has run smoothly. The light is still on. I like the drivers seat options. I am a massage therapist and the option for posture is great. I think that it has helped me to be more aware of how I drive. The seats fold down enabling me to move a lot of my junk from place to place. I had to move from Mason City, IA. to Forest City, Ia. and I did it in 3 trips. So the space inside is roomy. I love my car!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sfoster - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV (my first) to replace my familys 1991 GMC Safari GT minivan that was unfortunately totaled in an accident. I must say that I am pleased with the performance and room of the TrailBlazer. The ride is wonderful, at times it doesnt even feel like a truck. The look is very agressive (Envoy was too plain for me) and overall fit and finish is good so far. Ive only had it for 2 months, but Im very happy with my decision.

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  Impala passes test of time - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By joeski2 - December 7 - 1:06 pm

  I waited to write this after owning the Impala for 1 year. I have not been at the dealer since, as I have had not one single problem. It has great power and is fun to drive. Lacking rear room, and front seats are not as comfortable as other cars. All in all a good car.

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  Nice handling, good cargo, but.... - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By S - December 7 - 5:19 am

  Fuel economy not as good at 17 - 21, as I had hoped, but better than a Hemi or Silverado, or larger SUV. With gas at $2,50 a gallon, $45 fills her up. Larger gas tank. The designers made some bad choices in the interior, as ashtray is optional in a choice with cup holder, which is attached to the middle fold down arm glove compartment which all in all is just not a great design. Every car should have standard ashtray. Cup holders on an extended arm just asks for drinks to wiggle, shake and spill. The center tray bottom gets dirty quickly and is hard to clean. And the seats and the covering comfy but better scotch, I have the gray metallic, gets dirty easy. Larger visors, better sound.