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 suv weve ever had - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By pands from mo. - February 11 - 5:16 pm

  We love the interior, everything is Handy. The awd has gotten us through several bad snow storms. The leather heated seats are very comfortable and plenty of room for trips. Couldnt be ant happier.

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By donnn - February 11 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had this car since the day I turned 16, and Ive loved every minute with it. I drive over 60 miles a day, and this car has NEVER let me down in the least bit. I have not had to repair a single thing in the 60,000 miles that Ive had it. Starts in the coldest weather, and goes through any kind of weather like a champ. Its great on gas, and Im always getting compliments on how sharp looking it is. Treat this car well, and it will run forever.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Dee - February 11 - 3:17 pm

  I have read some of the reviews and totally disagree with them. I have had my Aveo for almost three years now and has had no problem with it. Everything still works like new and nothing but the windsheild wipers have been replaced so far. The gas millage is great and doesnt cost alot to fill. I drive all over the city daily and a full tank last me almost a full 7 day week. the only problem I have with the car is adjusting to the anti-lock breaks. The car is great for a 1st car or for a college student like me. The car also has alot of room because I have moved several times with it. You can fit a stroller, laundry basket, under bed toat and bags of clothes in the trunk at 1 time. Thats a lot.

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  Decent Car - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By nc3e - February 11 - 3:04 pm

  We purchased this car almost 8 years ago, and it has been very reliable over the years. The engine runs strong, although it isnt the most powerful engine out there. It gets better fuel mileage than I anticipated, and with 189,000 miles on the clock, there are no interior rattles or squeaks and no exterior rust. Recently, we have had problems with the vehicle overheating and the coolant leaks at various places (gaskets are rotting). The steering and suspension can be a little frightening, at highway speeds there is noticeable vibration and grip around turns isnt good, even for a car of this size. Brakes always feel weak, even when replaced, and will begin to pulse on long trips.

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  many,many problems - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By bill norton - February 11 - 1:12 pm

  Couldnt put gas in tank. Rear defogger quit. Remote start quit working, dealer says $800 or more to fix because check engine light is out. Had to replace front and rear pads and rotors at 40,300 miles. Just replaced muffler at 53,000 miles. Had clonk noise in steering and rear end fixed. With Windows down they rattle when you shut the door. I called gm on the remote start problem and this lady was very short and said gm could not help with any problems! Why would I buy another gm product if Im going to have these kind of problems and no help from gm!

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  First Chevy - surprising car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By cawfebug - February 11 - 12:49 pm

  In the past I have bought mostly Ford and Hondas, but was attracted to the Bu by the styling. After driving most of the competition I thought Id try the Chevy out, and was completely surprised. 15 years ago, I never bothered test driving a GM. The interior is a pleasure to be in, seats are supportive (headrest doesnt push your head forward as do many new Fords), dashboard is simple and easy to understand. The quality of materials are excellent. The 2LT is the best value, with nice "leatherette/micro fiber" seats, and the luxurious touch of wood trim, accent interior lights. Gas mileage has been right on, and if you drive 65mph its even better. The backseat and trunk have plenty of room

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  Nice Vehicle for the money - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tdyson - February 10 - 5:37 pm

  my 09 HHR is not bad for the money $17000.00 tax and tags out the door. Auto trans, XM radio, On Star with turn by turn direction. Drive good 500+miles to a tank of gas. My 08 Max pivk up stays park in the drive due the fun driving money saving, on gas, HHR I wont take it places were I will take my truck off road or drive it in snow its has 7000miles and no problems. If i have drove this before I got the truck, the truck would still be sitting at the dealership. the HHR is a nice car/truck for the money.

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  2006 Cobalt powerstering and key ignitio - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ash-816 - February 10 - 4:27 pm

  I purchased my 06 cobalt on feb, 2006. At aprox 36,000 miles, 2,000 miles after my warranty expired, one day my key would not release from the ignition.. So I left my key in the car until my brother found a tiny button inside the steering column that release my key. So I have to press it everytime. Then about 1 week later power steering light came on. No big deal right. Turns out it was electrical and the dealer wanted 1500.00 for power steering and 500 to replace key ignition.. Now that cant be normal on a brand new. Gm need to hurry up with a recall.. I would never buy a gm vehicle ever again

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  Great Car, Simple and Fun! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Shauna - February 10 - 3:55 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Chevy Aveo. I purchased this vehicle right out of college looking to save money on gas and the purchase price. I have not had any problems with the vehicle at all. I keep up on all the maintenance and just got new tires at 46,000 miles. Not a luxury car for sure but the LT is nice with leather, wood and some stainless accents...plus the AUX is nice and the 6 disc changer. Everything I needed and would definitely recommend it! p.s. I live in WI...handles unreal in the snow for the size! My first winter I was REALLY nervous but my pumpkin (burnt orange:) never let me down!

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  Sunk Costs - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Henderson Family - February 10 - 3:22 pm

  We bought this car for our twins birth. They are now turning six. We have had an issue with every system of the car. We bought it with Onstar as a major selling feature. We were notified that due to a change in the analog, Onstar was no longer being offered. The electrical system is especially terrible. It is a gas guzzler.