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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  I probably will trade it in - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Peggy - May 21 - 8:56 pm

  My sharp LT has many upgrades and I was thrilled when I bought it. Unfortunately, I have had several problems with it; it probably would have been wise for Chevrolet to buy it back from me after the first or second problem to maintain brand loyalty. It has been back to the shop for electrical problems, a mystery problem with the catalytic converter and, most recently, it could not maintain power to get out of the parking lot at work (a 5% grade on dry pavement). It recovered spontaneously the next morning, but that did not help me get home! I have not yet taken it to the shop for an investigation of this latest problem, but it struck out as far as Im concerned. I cannot recommend it.

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  Would buy again - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Black on Black - May 21 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car used at 43K miles and did not know the previous owner. There are some issues on this car that have been unusual failures. The AC pulley bearing went bad, the serpentine belt tensioner went bad. The wheel bearings on the front went bad and the heater core went out all before 60K. Buying used, I cannot tell how the previous owner treated it so I chalk it up to previous use. It gets great gas mileage and rides very nice.

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  My 2010 Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dawg - May 20 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in 05 Dodge Magnum. Needed something with room but that got better mileage. Equinox was my choice. I love my crossover. Fremont Chevrolet was the best experience I have had with a Dealership.

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  Only one problem so far - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By murf - May 20 - 9:20 pm

  Have owned this car for two years.2nd owner. Had to replace rotors and right front hub assembly, may have to do left also. Have to buy whole assembly to replace which is more expensive. Had to replace catalytic converter, but was still under 80000 miles warranty. Love car, flashy, would have probably bought the SS for more power but is still one nice vehicle. I have not had some of the problems others have reported( knock on wood), but we do drive it conservatively. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

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  Silverado - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Zimbobozo - May 20 - 6:46 pm

  Truck has never been in for repair 35000 miles and exceptional

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  A great car - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chopsticks - May 19 - 3:13 pm

  When purchased it had many features found only on moe expensive cars. It is comfortable and roomy inside. I will buy another.

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  My First Vette - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MIke - May 19 - 12:31 pm

  I bought an 06 Coupe, blue/tan, 3LT, nav, magnetic suspension, dual roof, paddle shift. Ive put about 500 miles on it, and it is a fantastic car. A few minor faults - small rattle here & there, cowl shakes a little with the roof off, etc. No major problems at all. Nav system is terrific. Mag shocks are great. Paddle shift is a little tough - the Italians do a much better job at it. For the money, it is the best "super" car out there. Dont buy a Z06 - adds $20k, way too bouncy, noisy, & hot. Porsche? Ive owned them - a lot more money & only marginally better on build quality. Italians? Same thing. Save your money & get a Vette.

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  Pretty Satisfied - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Central VA - May 19 - 11:45 am

  Bought my S10 used 6 years ago, have driven it about 50K miles. Had to replace an alternator, battery and mirror, but otherwise nothing but tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage isnt very good, but truck is good looking, fun to drive and comfortable. 5 speed and V6 are a good combination. Paid $9000 for it used, according to Edmunds, its still worth over $4300. Pretty darn good buy as far as I can tell.

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  My baby - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Laura - May 19 - 9:46 am

  I have had my Malibu for about 6 years now. I purchased it used basically good as new as it had only been driven for one year prior. It drives nice, is quite reliable and the factory speakers sound good. Although I have had to replace the brakes three times in the past two years. Other reviews mention the AC a lot, I have noticed my AC turning on and off on one occasion, and it has not acted up since. I wrecked the Malibu about a month ago going 45 mph, without a seatbelt on. I slammed on the brakes and the car skidded about 10 feet into the back of the car in front of me. Not sure what speed I was at when I hit the car, but airbags werent deployed.

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  Who says driving to the office is a bore - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tyro - May 19 - 2:00 am

  After careful review of the 03 M3 and CLK55.....on a fluke I looked closely at the 03 Corvette...initially the ZO6....and then the coupe....I looked closely at both models but left the dealer without driving either....only to return a few days later to drive both...and much as I loved the raw power in the ZO6...I chose a coupe with the transparent roof.....and saved $20k from not buying the CLK or the M3...and thus far.....I have no regrets and look forward to taking the longer route to the office.