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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  First Repair is a killer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Scott Stewart - December 10 - 8:55 am

  We bought our Trailblazer used from Carmax with about 14000 miles. Its mostly used for travel, as the gas mileage makes it tough to commute in. Just this week I noticed a hum in the front end.. Its the front hubs, bith need to be replaced, with a front end alignment to the tune of over $1000. I havent even ventured into the faulty speedometer and random flashing dashboard lights.. this will become a trade in sooner than later.

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  Reliably Rapid - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - December 10 - 1:03 am

  My car was a rental for its first 20k miles. After 1 year and 17k more miles, all Ive done is keep the oil changed. The cylinder deactivation gives highway economy of 27mpg with the cruise set on 70. It drops to about 17 in town. A friend with a Bentley Arnage commented on how nice the interior is! All that and outstanding acceleration to boot. The look of despair and surprise on a Honda "tuner" face in the rearview when the light turns green is priceless :) This car is a keeper.

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  Impressed with "The General" - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff49783 - December 9 - 3:46 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised with this fleet vehicle. The efficiency, space, practicality, and good features really work well. An all-day interstate blitz immediately after delivery was a real pleasure. The visibility to the front is great and satisfactory elsewhere. I enjoyed operating the speed control from the steering wheel, and the speedometer is dead accurate according to my GPS. At great velocity, engine and wind noise are nearly non- existent and mileage is respectable. There are door pockets in each door, a glove box, console storage, a map pocket in the passenger seat, and a cargo net in the trunk. This vehicle is a great value.

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  Luv my Chevy Equinox!! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Hoot - December 9 - 3:21 pm

  I ordered it new in 2005 with all the available options and only have replaced tires - I have 67000 miles on it now, and no problems. I am seriously thinking of getting a new 2010 model, but believe my gas mileage is better than the rating mpg on the new 2010. I would highly recommend this vehicle. Proud to drive it~! Sharp looking and easy to drive...dependable too!!

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  Weatherstripping Failure - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By glaasmar - December 9 - 12:57 pm

  We have had zero problems with this vehicle... until now. Wife noticed wet carpets, so I checked and ended up sucking over 8gal of water from spare well and back seat. Still soaked, and will need 3 days at dealer to remedy. As it is out of the base 36m/36k miles (42k) the dealer has us on the hook for almost $600 in repairs for the weatherstripping issue. That this is not being considered a recall for a design flaw (and a health hazard for mold, etc.) is ludicrous. We still love the vehicle, but this has (pardon the pun) put a damper on the enjoyment.

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  Piece Of Junk!!!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By itsme - December 9 - 12:04 pm

  I bought this car to replace my tundra because of the high gas prices and Im a single mom. I have had nothing but trouble with it it had 36000 kms on it when I bought it in June and in november it needed new steering column links for sway bar right side bushing for control arms. March left links and bushings. This november had to take it back for another steering column, I had to fight for them to replace under warranty. Its a steering column should last a lifetime mines on its third. The warranty on the replacement one was up only by 5 days and I had to fight for its replacement

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  Smile per mile - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 96Torpedo - December 9 - 12:00 pm

  Over the years Ive owned a 72 Corvette Convertible, and a 88 Corvette coupe. I purchases my 96 in June of 2009 with 31000 miles on it. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was coming home with me. Im 65 years old and this car makes me feel like Im 25. Im flexible enough to get in and out with no trouble at all. Looks, power, handling, and most of all, pretty good on gas. I love it. If youre a senior citizen, and want a daily thrill (if you know what I mean), get one and fly into the sunset.

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  Great value, performance and utility - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By JB - December 9 - 11:13 am

  My HHR SS has exceeded expectations. The car has excellent power and handling, with plenty of usable cargo space and very good mileage. It also has good visibility and a comfortable ride. A unique and well done vehicle by GM.

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  Nice for the money - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike_in_PVD - December 9 - 7:38 am

  Its quieter than my 07 Honda Civic. So far no problems. I have 8000 miles on it. Gas mileage on the highway is very good. I can maintain 40 mpg on a relative lt flat highway at 60 mph. I do not like the spare tire. There is none. Chevy now provides an air compressor with a bottle of stop leak attached to the compressor. What happens if I get a flat when its 20 degrees outside? What happens if I get a blowout? Im going to start calling junk yards for a real spare tire. It will fit in the spare tire wheel well. So why not just provide a real spare and a jack?

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  My Monte - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Monte Carlo - December 9 - 5:23 am

  I have driven my Monte Carlo in all types of weather conditions and have had no problems. This includes rain, snow, ice and fog. I have driven it over hill and dale. Over passes, it does not lose power, even fully loaded for vacation. I have had no major problems mechincially in the time that we have owned the car.