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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  3 deer later... - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mean Salmon - January 15 - 6:44 pm

  This was my 4th car, and I had a SUV before hand. I wanted something better on gas and found my Aveo. Its been a great car, although my friends give me a hard time about it, I can always remind them that I pay a fraction in gas and car payments that they do. Ive had it almost 3 years and have hit 3 deer (ahh life in the country). Glad to report most damage ever done was a dented hood and a cracked head light. By far the best car I have ever owned, its good on mileage and handles great.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Shortiemetoo - January 15 - 6:37 pm

  This car is just plain fun! Love how it looks, great feature with the DIC, mileage is better than advertised and it looks good. I got it in black, having never owned a Chevy or a black car and do NOT regret the purchase. I am only 51" and my daughter is 411" and we can see well, gives the feel of being up high!

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  No regrets whatsoever. - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeremy - January 15 - 2:14 pm

  I have owned my 2007 ltz (3.9 ltr) for about 3 months, and I still look forward to getting in it to go anywhere. Although the gas pedal is a little firm and takes some getting used to, it has plenty of pep and always does what I ask. This car strikes the right balance between sport and luxury - its tight around corners and comfortable on long trips. Interior controls are well-thought out. I live in WI and it handles very good in the snow for a sedan. Had a minor issue with fuel cap sensor but it was promptly corrected by dealer with no recurrence. Back seats not huge, but fine for our two kids. I previously owned two Luminas and 1 Impala, and this vehicle has not disappointed me at all.

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  Unfortunate Misconception - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By undone - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Decent car with good engine. Unfortunately the theft system is a definite problem. I have had to replace the intake timing gaskets and am looking to replace the head gaskets. The cooling system has problems operating with the Dex-cool additive that is recommended under warranty. Decent gas mileage 22-27mpg mixed. I cannot say that I will buy this model again.

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  Still Fine after 2 Years - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By satisfiedowner - January 15 - 6:21 am

  Its been just over 2 years, 23k miles and the "newness" has worn off. Other than that nothing has changed (See my previous review "ok after 1 year"). Still very satisfied with this car. No problems. Peppy, tight and dependable. Looking forward to the next generation. Hope GM builds sensibly on this foundation.

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  Still Love It - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By VGB - January 14 - 5:38 pm

  I have owned my car for 2 years now and still love it as much as the day I drove it home. This is the first car I have bought that I havent been able to find something that I didnt like about it. I was looking at purchasing a Mercedes two years ago, but fell in love with the new design, inside and out, of the Malibu. I have had no regrets and have a lot more money left in my pocket than I would have had if I had bought a Mercedes. They really should have called it a Mali-Benz.

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  Transmission/Shaft Problem - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kee-Ki - January 14 - 3:59 pm

  Beware! I bought my car back in October 2004 brand new. I have replace steering shaft, all radiator components, brakes, and now my transmission is bad. This car was well kept up, when I fix one thing something else breaks down

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  Very Happy - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tyler - January 14 - 1:27 pm

  I didnt think I was going to get as many compliments on the car as I have, but, WOW! I have owned Mazda, and Nissan vehicles in the past and always thought that the "finish work" on the interior and exterior were better than the other Ford and GM vehicles Ive owned. This is not the case with the Malibu. By far the best vehicle Ive owned for fit and finish! The car also handles great in the Northern Wisconsin Snow and Ice. However, I enjoy the V6 power on the summer roads. There is a delay in downshifting but you learn to time the pedal. And when it goes to the floor the car moves! The gas mileage has been about right for the city driving and above average on the Highway.

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  More than Basic - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Burban Mom - January 14 - 1:11 pm

  "We have a 2wd 2500 5.7 liter engine. Wanted a base model, but you cant find them unless you buy a fleet vehicle. Found a lightly used contractors vehicle. Vinyl floors & cloth seats, but power windows & locks. The engine & trans have been very reliable. Its a nice, strong tow vehicle. The only real complaint I have is that the power equipment (which I didnt really want anyway) has given us trouble since it was 5 years old. The power locks dont work on 2 of the doors & have had to repair 3 of the windows (1 has stuck twice). This is a great utility truck & has tons of kid, cargo and dog room. We do love it, just wish the no frills trim levels were easier to find."

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  98 lumina - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Terry - January 13 - 11:40 pm

  Great car, most trouble free, great gas mileage(21-24 town,32-34highway), most comfortable car for traveling coast to coast we have ever owned. Jan. 2010 timing chain cover gasket gave out,will fix and drive. This car now has 203,000 miles on it. Other than the gasket we have only had to fix the battery, starter and alternator.