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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  Needs to be Recalled - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By What a joke - January 26 - 9:44 pm

  I have had several minor problems with my cobalt, over the years, including needing a new windshield wiper motor after two years. However, this new problem takes the cake. The sensor that signals the car is in park doesnt work. Therefore I cannot turn off my car and remove my key, until the battery dies. My friend who also has a 2006 cobalt had the same problem, she got hers fixed for $450. They claim not a common problem, but strange both of us had the issue. Mine is automatic and hers is manual, so that sounds like more than a few people would have this problem.

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  Only OK - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jordantray - January 26 - 9:06 pm

  The truck is just OK. Nothing really sporty about it. It kinda says soccer mom when you are driving it. Cant understand why the "stability trak" indicator keeps coming on but I had to spend over $600.00 to get it fixed and guess what....Eight months later it is back on again. Not really rushing to take it back to the shop. Most likely will trade it in within the next year. Not sure if the 2010 Equinox is improved but I would probably not purchase one again. Overall it is OK.

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  Closing in on 40,000 miles - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tim - January 26 - 8:19 pm

  Bought new in 9-07. LT 5.3 V8 has plenty of power. Gas mileage is OK considering 300 plus hp--may consider a hybrid next time. No mechanical, tranny, or body integrity problems. I love this truck.

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  Runs like a Champ - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mr. Mark - January 26 - 7:56 pm

  Purchased as a towable behind the RV with 60,000 miles on the clock. Now I have 129,000 and use it as a daily driver. Cant beat the ride, utility, reliability and safety. Have two kids at home and it stores everything.Got rid of my daily driver (Had $30K invested ad didnt need the truck anymoe) and love that I dont have a truck payment. Everyone says it will go 25o,000 miles, other than routine maintenance...I think they are right. Mileage is fine, if you are not abusive with the gas pedal, it gets 12 to 15 MPG, with no monthly payment, its ok. Go for one, any year because they keep getting better. MB

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  Good car, depending on your expectations - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Thymeclock - January 26 - 2:27 pm

  The Aveo seemed far more comfortable and easier to drive than competitors. My wife LOVES the car! Its cute and its fun to drive. There appears to be more negative bias toward this car than deserved. Test drive one and compare it to the Yaris, Fit, Rio, etc. for yourself. You may not need or want certain features others may offer. This was the right car for us, considering what we expect from it.

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  I like it except the headrest - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By blendeng - January 26 - 2:14 pm

  Had this CUV for a week and like it. Its bigger than I thought but drives like a car. Acceleration is not bad. Traded in my minivan. Minivan had more trunk room but this CUV back is o.k. Overall, I would give this CUV a 7.8 out of 10. The biggest drawback is the front headrest. It pushes your head forward and can feel uncomfortable after awhile.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner??? - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By safetyman - January 26 - 1:34 pm

  I have always wanted one,"Why did I wait so Long?" this is by far the most exciting investment I have ever made! The wife and I had been discussing the idea of buying one and she kept putting me off, she went out of town for the weekend:) you guessed it! I went out and bought the car of my dreams!still married! she actually really likes to drive it herself. I have absolutely no complaints except not enough pretty days to take the top off and just drive! since my purchase it seems like I have found a new group of friends, they all own Corvettes and like to hang out and cruise.

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  What a great vehicle! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mark - January 26 - 12:26 pm

  Bought this vehicle brand new and saved $8000. I love the space for carrying stuff with the fold flat seats. It allows me to carry my daughters drum kit. Very smooth ride. Swapped in Michelin X-Ice 2 tires. What a difference it made on icy roads...Im passing everyone (legally). Very good on gas. Was starting to get a sore back sliding down into cars to get in...not anymore! This is the easiest vehicle to get into. No more sore back! Fantastic Pioneer sound system with the factory installed sub woofer in the rear. A lot of people have stopped to comment on the great looks and to ask me what I think of the vehicle. Seriously thinking about getting a second one. Great warranty too!

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  Wipers - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By NJ Driver - January 26 - 9:41 am

  Vehicle now has 42,000 miles and having problems with the wipers turning off. Car can be completely off, locked and the wipers keep going. Checking to see if anyone else is experiencing this issue.

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  Fun 2 Drive - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DesiGuy - January 24 - 7:48 pm

  I love my Malibu. After 5 months of driving, I would say its as good as Camry and Accord if not better. Exterior is far better then competitors.