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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  Near perfect for its purpose - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By eikl - March 22 - 9:27 am

  Chevy really hit the ball out of the park with this car. Its really near perfect for what this car is designed for. Its got the looks, the muscle and the comforts. It rides too well for a sports car and yet manages to be firm in cornering. The power is amazing, I have the v6 version and that is ALL you need, it beats most sports cars out there off the line and at rolling speeds. Get used to seeing most people in the rear view mirror. The best part about this car is the look. I have the dark grey with black rims basically it looks like the old bat mobile. I get compliments almost every day, all age groups, sometimes it gets annoying. Excellent value as well.

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  mine seems to be a piece of junk - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By stacyinjax - March 21 - 6:11 pm

  I bought this car for easy commuting for good fuel economy. It was essentially a Corolla. This means I thought I wouldnt have to put a bunch of cash into it for repairs. WRONG! I have only put 38,000 miles on it and have had to put brakes, a starter, new strut on it. Now the power steering is leaking and transmission are gone. And when I had it at the mechanic the door handle went. Im so disappointed because Ive maintained it. Not to mention that every time I put the air or heat on the noise from the blower is an annoying high pitched whistle! Get blown all over the highway,Im an old lady and old lady blow by me. Just a hazard. I should have bought the Corolla.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TLevine - March 21 - 5:11 pm

  This is my second Aveo, the first one got totaled after I hit a deer and totaled it. If you are wanting a sports car then do not even go for the Aveo. If you are wanting a good reliable car then this is it. I drive a 100 miles a day round trip and fill up the gas tank twice a week. The 5- speed manual transmission is the best way to go with these little cars. Good little car for the price could not ask for more.

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  fun eco box - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jimmy - March 21 - 4:04 pm

  I had the SS Cobalt a little over a month now. It is a blast to drive. I handles great and has a bunch of power. It gets great gas mileage. Has little turbo lag. Its got plenty of room in the front. Very comfortable on road trips.

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  Love my 2010 Malibu Great Car - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By willjoegreen - March 21 - 8:04 am

  Ive had my 2010 Malibu LTZ (4 cyl engine) for 3 months now and absolutely love this car. I replaced my 2001 Grand Am SE (6 cyl eng) which I had purchased new in 2000. The new car "wow" feeling of this Malibu is still great after 3 months. Performance of 4 cyl engine is very good. If you are inclined to think you need the 6 cyl (like I was) I recommend you at least test drive a 4 cyl. Car is so quite and ride very smooth. Quality and fit and finish all seem excellent. Interior very spacious. Im getting 27 mpg in mixed driving and got 34 on my one pure highway trip so far. 8 way adjustable seat for driver is great. Cant imagine anyone not finding a good setting.

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  Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Phil - March 20 - 9:28 pm

  We had purchased new in 2004, On the most part I like my Impala. Drives on the highway very well. The interior could be better designed IE:parts used fill cheap, Cup holders are on the arm rest in between driver and front passenger placing a cup of coffee is very awkward, Interior lighting is not placed to help you see, Map lights are built into the mirror and you have to lean forward to see the map. The radio has problems with the reception, I am told it is because of the back window defroster. The suspension could have been better designed We are on our third set of tires, Second set of rotors front and back, Replaced the heater blower, Alignment each time the tires were changed.

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  Dont be bashful! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Charles - March 20 - 8:45 pm

  This car absolutely rocks! A total homerun from GM! I cant even drive to the grocery store without getting at least 2-5 comments on how awesome of a car Im driving and theyre right! Im very grateful and appreciative that I get to drive such a fantastic piece of craftsmanship and design as this.

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  Another Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Norma & Jim - March 20 - 4:39 pm

  Weve owned quite a few Chevy cars over the years and some were better than others. We bought a 2005 Impala in 2006 and it`s been one of the best. Then we bought this 2008 Impala LTZ used. It is stylish, comfortable, quiet and just an all around nice car. It has 40000 mi but still drives and looks like new.

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  Great, if you know what to look for... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Joey - March 20 - 3:49 pm

  I bought my Blazer used with 90K(kms) on it, and its been a blast. This is my 5th Blazer/Jimmy, and theyre great vehicles if you know what to look for. The following problems are a given after about 120k: ball joints, leaky oil lines, heater core, squeaky rear window, recliner handles will break off, door hinge bushings, and if not maintained properly, auto transmissions will probably go around 200k. If your vehicle still has Dex- cool in it (orange anti-freeze), I would highly recommend getting it flushed and replaced with the regular green stuff, and that may save you some headaches. The fuel economy is not great, but like most vehicles, maintain these properly and theyll treat you well.

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  problems - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jebnurse05 - March 20 - 7:38 am

  Not quite 2 years old yet, problems with front door locks, yesterday problem with engine misfire on cylinder #1-- $143 to change a freaking spark plug and plug wire!! water in drivers side floorboard--dont know where that is coming from, havent checked spare tire storage area--I will after reading the reviews--spilled drinks from cupholders onto window controls--now are hard to use--sticky--I traded in a Buick Rendezvous for this---I miss my Buick but not the electrical problems that I was having with it--am beginning to wonder if I went from bad to worse