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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  TrailBlazer Justifies Return to GM - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dleaoh - October 7 - 10:00 am

  After 20 years of buying only Japanese cars we have finally given GM another chance in the last three years. The 2002 TrailBlazer is as well engineered and built as our six Toyotas and Hondas. The same can be said of our 2000 Chevrolet Venture. The major disappointment with the TrailBlazer is gas mileage--about 17 MPG, most of it freeway.

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  Aveo: a real contender, poorly marketed - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mike - October 6 - 7:46 am

  GM cannot figure out why they cant sell cars. Here is a pleasing, cool, practical contender in the Mini club but whos to know? Great gear box, precise steering feel, amazingly quiet with a compliant, controlled ride. The only weakness I could find: the seat has little support (you sit on it, not in it) and the headrest is somewhat annoying and doesnt support the head comfortably. But, a definite "must drive" when considering Fit, Yaris, etc. A well developed package for all-around use that puts a smile on your face.

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  Reliable. Interior needs redesign - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By downtown - October 4 - 11:04 pm

  My Tahoe has been great, I love the size, but I have a few suggestions. Its been a great, reliable car. But I will not get another until they fix these things. I am looking at an Infinity QX56.

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  Gorman - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Gorman - October 4 - 1:18 pm

  Very satisfied with my Chevy Lumina. It is the easiest car ever to drive. Holds the road well. Have had only to do routine maintenance. Would really consider buying another Chevrolet product in the future.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Carl - October 2 - 8:35 pm

  This is, by far, the best SUV Ive owned. It blows away the competition, if there is any. We bought the vehicle used and have had not one major issue with it. Its reliable and rugged. I would not trade it for anything. Well, maybe a new one after 250,000 miles!

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  Good Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
  By mtbiker06 - October 1 - 9:53 am

  Ive had this car for almost two years now. It is a great quality car with only a few minor problems. The a/c fan has a ticking sound. (but Ive had this problem with every GM car that I have owned). Some of the trim seems to be coming loose around the edges. Also, the hybrid batteries had to be replaced already, but it has an eight year warranty on hybrid parts. I will get anywhere between 25 mpg in the city to 36 mpg on the highway (all highway driving at 60 mph though) The car drives very smoothly and handles great. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired though. I do wish the hybrid system was a full hybrid.

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  Just OK - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Trucking - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  This truck has had its ups and downs. Just when you think its all OK, somthing else is just not working right. I like the truck, and have hauled a lot of stuff in it, but it just cant pass up a dealer. I think it likes to have people looking under its hood.

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  lots of room in a user friendly package - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Tom - September 30 - 3:17 pm

  Amazing volume inside, room for everything. Very comfortable ride, responsive especially considering the size of the vehicle. Good steering, brakes. Found transmission very effective, did not jump gears too much on twisting holy back road lanes. Engine has solid power, moves the vehicle with good authority.Handled bumps large and small with aplomb. Seats comfy, start stop feature presented no difficulties or balkiness. Wife commented that the car drove a lot smaller than its size.

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  2004 Venture LT Luxury Van - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By escambiaguy - September 27 - 9:26 pm

  While I have only owned this van 2 months, it has been in my family since new. It has had hardly any problems. I am very pleased with the leather interior. It has good take off power, but does struggle somewhat on long hills. Earlier models had gasket problems, but that problem was resolved for 2004. The headrest of the 2nd row captains chairs do create a blind spot when backing up, but I have learned to adjust to it. There are also a few rattles from the rear door when going over bumps.

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  Like my 1999 Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By One happy owner - September 27 - 2:13 pm

  I am the original owner of a 2WD LT with approx 130K miles. Its been a terrific vehicle. Were into middle-age repairs. Water pump, alternator, radiator, AC etc. Next job is new shocks and struts. Biggest complaint is the brake system. I plan on driving mine for at least another 100-150K miles. BTW, Im averaging 16MPG in virtually all conditions and loads. My wifes new Pacifica is getting about 18MPG around town.