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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  Solid Engine, Good value vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Brad M. - December 20 - 10:09 am

  My parents bought a 2006 4WD LS Trailblazer from a used car lot in 2007/2008 with about 20K-30K miles on it. We have since owned the vehicle since 2010. This SUV was the first one Ive ever owned. It took a little getting used to the low gas mileage, but living in Pennsylvania with sometimes heavy snow and icy conditions, it was great having a vehicle with 4WD and good ground clearance. This vehicle will hit 200,000 miles within the next month and I hope to keep the vehicle for at least another 20K miles (unless some costly major repair is needed). The vehicle is on its 3rd or 4th set of tires, I replaced the engine belt at 187K miles, Ive replaced the front struts, all 4 rotors recently, and the belt tensioner twice ($15 part). The O2 sensor has been replaced once and I am online now ordering a thermostat for the engine (and a rear tail-light, my wife backed into a car yesterday while out shopping). The Inline 6 engine is highly rated and Ive never had any issue with it. The rear struts need to be replaced, but it still passes state inspection and each time the mechanics mention how great of condition this vehicle is in. My only complaints with this vehicle are that the interior is cheap looking on our LS model. The dash is cheap feeling hard plastic and the rear speakers have been out for over a year. Overall I love this vehicle and would consider buying another even though they are pretty old. There is a fantastic website forum called TrailVoy.com with tons of discussions for any problem you could have with this vehicle and helpful tips on DIY fixes, or advice on paying for repairs.

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  Restored projct - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ice - December 19 - 12:02 am

  Well I bought this car broken... i mean everything needed replaced. 1996 Camaro Base. Restored RS upgrade project. Even with the head gasket blown (and may others out there with the same problem) wheel bearings and brakes shot and stock exhaust old suspension, the car was still handling and driving really well. I always wanted a camaro... spend more time working on it then driving it tho. Ive rebuilt the entire car inside and out. without getting into detail the car is not what was bought.. a full restore and upgrade intoa racing package. This camaro is really nice. the longevity of the interior is horrid. after an abusive first 100k family owned car and a couple dogs it wore out fast.. same issue with a hot roding driver, driving a v6 like its a tuned drift machine destroyed he running gear and blew the motor. V6 is a poor mans version of the v8 buying the car more for the looks then the power. i only bought casue it had 99k on it for 1000 bucks and still ran.... Anyway I always wanted a camaro and although i spend more time working on it then driving it. I cant say much for the gas milage as i have a new motor and its going to be crap and fluctuate for a while until it breaks in i been ranging from 15-40 mpg, also i think its definitely not the best camaro body style out there but i love the drive and feel of the car.

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  Lumina Luxury Sweet Ride - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Gary M Reynolds - December 18 - 10:48 pm

  The car is in great shape, well taken care of. Low mileage, great driving!

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  My first car, my first baby - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Claire B. - December 18 - 9:47 pm

  My dad bought this car back in 2007 brand new when I was 13. He paid it off and when I got my drivers license, he gave it to me. I loved this car. It had all the bells and whistles at the time. Overtime things did go wrong though. The drivers door lock fell (common problem apparently), hinges were creaky and stiff, headlights burnt out constantly, and it did not hold up in accidents. That last one always made me somewhat scared to get in my vehicle. My first accident was in 2011. When I got t-boned in a parking lot. At 10mph my front axel was bent and my drivers door hinge was crumpled. Problems were fixed but never solved. Unfortunately a month ago I was rear-ended and because of the poor quality of this vehicle, it caused more damage than what the vehicle was worth. Being a 2007, it only had 54000 miles on it. I said my goodbyes today and am now beginning my search for a new car. It wasnt great quality but it was never meant to be. It was however a great first car.

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  fast and fun - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By justin_phipps96@yahoo.com - December 15 - 11:56 pm

  I have a question I love my supercharged cobalt but makes a noise in the front when you hit bumps and is annoying what could that be...

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  Awesome little Car - 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Manuel - December 15 - 10:43 pm

  For being a 95 coupe its all expected of a small vehicle. Sure their might be others that perform better but for what you pay for is what you get. I paid $800.00 for mine. 136000 miles. YES it is used. In the short time that I owned it. Never game me any problems except for miner wear n tare. Like tires,brakes,antiflush,oil change, smog. Expect gas mileage to be a plus with this car. You need to keep up with all maintenance on any type of vehicle. Thats how they last. If youre just going to gas n go. Well looks like youll be come a member of the foot patrol. Dont mock this vehicle its very reliable. (I was involved in an accident while I was driving to work in this vehicle. Young girl (17yrs) turned left on a RED light. SMASHED/CRUNCHED/Head on Collision. air bags deployed,I walked away. Like I said RELIABLE. Gonna miss HER

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  2012 Chevy Cruze Eco - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Dan Schnura - December 15 - 10:13 pm

  The point of this vehicle is to get you from point a to b and get great gas milage. To start with the cruze has a very good price, you dont get much but what do you need, its a family sedan. I wanted the chrome rims (not sure if there real chrome, i think its plastic) and the metallic red paint. It does look good, it has some sporty lines and curves but can still be seen as a family sedan. The interior is good, nothing special, has a great bass if your into that. The aux cord is extremely easy to use and the radio cranks. The gas is great, Ive never gotten 43 mpg but 38.5 mpg does me well. Then we move to the things that the cruze really isnt made for, performance. The ride quality is fine, it has nice front shocks and the rear is a multi-link independent rear suspension. The suspension seems like it would have a lot of easy aftermarket support if your into spicing your sedan up. But I have beat the crap out of the cruze, from driving and drifting on gravel roads at speeds around 80mph sometimes, jumped it in a parking lot once and drove on a pretty deep mud/gravel road. I live where the houses are spaced out and the roads are bumpy, curvy and hilly. I went for a fast drive down a road thats narrow and bumpy, a road rally type road, the road is fast and has sudden turns. But the engine heats up after heavy use fast. The radiator and fan were running for a while after this drive. The acceleration is great for a 1.4 liter turbo eco engine, but the engine needs some work, the turbo lag is horrendous, you floor it, wait a few seconds then the engine launches to a high rpm and its screaming. I find the shifter amazing and really useful, i use it for traffic and messing around, i feel as though thats a must for the car because the transmission sucks, only when your actually using the shifter correctly does the performance improve. Another thing is the brakes are amazing, for a few hours, (there useless as hell in heavy rain and snow), then the become trash. They obviously over heat and start to vibrate terribly, but all that is under heavy use. Overall, Ive driven to florida without a problem, beat on some gravel and puddle roads with the kids, and use it to get to chicago on the weekdays. It does seem to wanna get to the 43 mpg easily but I havent reached it. Its a great family car, first starter car and oddly a great platform for some type of racing or preformance vehicle, it has a lot of potential in that aspect.

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  2000 Cavalier Z24 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Bob - December 12 - 7:51 pm

  This is my 4th Cavalier and 2nd Z24 the 2.4 Quad 4 is quite lively and great on gas I have been averaging 31.4 combined driving city and hi way. This car goes 75 to 80 mph on the freeway with no effort and maintains 33.8 mpg,I have been reading the complaints about the interior quality.The car isnt an Impala or a Tahoe as far as the interior noise level I find it better than average for a car in its class. I bought this car with 149000 miles it is now at 166000 I have done nothing to it but normal wear idems and repairs from former owner neglect.Parts are easy to find new or used and dont break the bank I have also owned its counterpart Sunbird/Sunfire .I highly recommend as a great 1st car or second car/ commuter .

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  Got Chevy! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By richard - December 11 - 4:13 pm

  I have a 2003 Chevy Impala which was my company car. I was able to purchase it after the lease ended. It was well maintained per company policy. It had high mileage due to my driving it for business. Because it had no real issues I felt it would be a good buy in 2006 with 72500 miles on it. I have not been disappointed. Its real value is it is paid for. Now that I am retired it is used as a second car. I put on a few thousand miles a year just doing local trips to the store etc. Hope to keep it for many more years. It is the best american car I have owned.

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  Of Some Concern - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By John Pitts - December 8 - 11:00 pm

  I have the 2013 Chevy 2LT Equinox with 301 HP V6. Fwd, Leather,black on black, Tow Package, everything power. I only lack AWD, which I havent needed in our somewhat snowy and icy winters Central Indiana. And Navigation. I also dont have the Economy Button people speak of here. Ive had the car brand new off the lot $31k. Ive had a couple of concerns. 2 days ago my power breaks locked my back wheels while driving. I had to have an expensive tow, but the work was under warranty. I havent hit the basic 3 yrs 38k miles yet, Im at 2 yrs 27100 miles. If I had been out on the interstate I think I may have had a bad crash, idk, dont wanna find out. The dealership fixed the problem promptly. I think perhaps this should be a recall that is fixed for everyone. Also, my license plate light on one side has lost the outer covering somehow in the car wash I beleive. The rear window doesnt clean easily. Seems to smear. No matter how clean I try and make it. Although its garage kept, I cannot make that rear window look brand new again. I baby my car, and I absolutely love it otherwise. I avg 18 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I am average height and weight 5 11 180 lbs and the seating is extremely comfortable. The floor mats look well aged after going through just two winters, should have purchased winter floor mats sooner. I use both the fwd collision alert and the lane departure warning, and I love these options. I have the upgraded 18 inch wheels. I guess Im here to boast about how much I love my car.... But, that being said, Im concerned about this recent parking break issue. I think thats dangerous. The dealer said no worries, and blew off further conversation, but Im a bit I settled on the issue and may contact Chevrolet directly.