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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  Absolutely Confident - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Thomas - February 22 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased my Red Malibu 2LT two years ago and could not be happier with it. I havent had a single issue with it and I feel 100% confident that it will be a very reliable car. The interior is gorgeous with the two-tone cashmere/cocoa trim and the Red Jewel paint is awesome. I have received so many complements on this car and it never gets old.I am getting great gas mileage in combined driving and my car feels completely solid. The safety features in my Malibu make me feel very secure. I am especially pleased with the small details put into this car, such as accent lights by the inside door handles. I recommend this car to anyone looking for safe, reliable, and stylish transportation.

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  Good Daily Driver - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - February 22 - 12:22 pm

  I have had this car for only a few weeks, but I have to say as a get up and go to work car, it does great. I especially love passing the gas station by.

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  WOW - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By FLADAVE - February 22 - 12:13 pm

  Well I feel like a little kid because after having many different cars over the years I finally found my favorite new toy. Quite simply put, this car is the American Dream in all its glory. Go drive one and you will understand....

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  One great SUT. Nothing better anywhere. - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ReelLove - February 22 - 10:16 am

  2009 is my 3rd Avalanche (LT2-Z71). Ride is stiffer than the 05 Z71. If you do not go off road think 2x @ Z71 pkg. Much quieter than 05. Lots of leg room everywhere. This vehicle feels bigger than the 05. Improved gas mileage & performance from 05. Interior redesign is luxurious but I miss being able to put my hat on the dashboard and it staying put. Handling is very good, with little to no body roll. This is still the greatest, most versatile vehicle on the road today. I have 5 cars, & the Avalanche is always my 1st choice to drive. Quality is first class, cabin is A-#1, durability is never an issue. If you are looking for a large vehicle, put this one on the top of your list.

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  Need help deciding!! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Please Help Decide! - February 22 - 9:50 am

  I have this van.... on loan from the dealership... Its a used 06 Uplander, with 74000 kms. Everything seems to work fine on it... nothing that I have noticed anyways... dont like how the back windows have to be manually opened.. Need some input from you people to help me decide whether to take it or not!!

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  dissatisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By robert minnie - February 22 - 6:25 am

  l purchased this cobalt last august and have not been happy with it, very poor gas mileage, rated for 48 and l get no more than 25/26, back seat leg room is real small, l feel embarrassed to take anyone with me, other than these little annoyances the car is ok, wouldnt buy another one

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  Lovin every mile of it! - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By momof2collegekids - February 21 - 6:30 pm

  Weve got the 4 cylinder, with 6 speed automatic transmission. Owned it 9 months now. Plenty of power, great mpg. Love the interior lighting, the auto headlights, Onstar, the hands-free phone with the option of using our Verizon minutes. Hwy mpg was always over 30 on a 1200 mile trip. Husband says he likes all the info he gets from the Driver Info Center on the dash as well as the traction control here in snowy MN. With all the airbags and the crash test ratings, I feel very safe driving it. The sunroof, 18" chrome wheel package and the optional spoiler really make it a head-turner.

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  AVEO NOT USA MADE LIKE I WAS TOLD - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By LEON - February 21 - 11:49 am

  Wanted to buy American to stimulate economy. Salesman agreed showed me the gas economical Aveo. After esearching and buying found is MADE IN SOUTH KOREA! No where in the reviews or paper workI read did it say Korean made. When hit slight bump or rut in road, hear popping noise at suspecsion area. Also when turn sharp. Gas mileage: 32- 34 best after 6 mos.Interior: design is fair but cheap plastic. Back fold down seats rattle when up normal. Body quality poor at best. All ready bumper peeling by trunk. For the price, buy Toyota. They tell truth.

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  Engine Start up Noise - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Moogy - February 21 - 1:27 am

  We have an 09 XFE with the 2.2 Ecotec. The engine rattles loudly at start up for about three seconds then quiets down nicely. This car only has about 2400 miles on it. Anyone else having this type of problem? Im a little shy of this engine because of the noise.

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  MY 1st NEW CAR - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lemusracing - February 20 - 11:00 pm

  Just traded in my NISSAN sentra se-r 2006. I am glad i got rid of that garbage econobox for this great car. Just got it with the 6year warranty so i am not worried about reliability. this car is nice all the stock features comfy seats big trunk great gas mileage. HUGE REBATES over $5thousand in them plus military discount. The look is beautiful 2.4 inline 4 is so quiet doesnt struggle has enough power for daily driving.great car