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:

• 

  Happy Impala Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By John - September 29 - 3:04 pm

  I bought this car new and it is as great to drive as the day I bought it. The reliability is great and other than a catalytic converter covered by warranty car is trouble free. The size and comfort for all passengers is very good. Gas mileage is good. Terrific in snow.

• 

  Silver 2001 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob - September 29 - 1:27 pm

  Bought my Silver Vette last year and have enjoyed it ever since. This is my everyday driving car. 2001 Corvette Coupe. Picked it up in Dallas and drove it back. Overall the car has Power from First through Fourth gears. I dont need any more speed after that. Fun car to drive and it looks Great. Would love to step up in Corvettes; however, I will never let this one go.

• 

  Until GM improves quality: DONT BUY - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By DontBuy08 - September 29 - 7:55 am

  Initially, I was a big fan of this car. At about the 5 month mark it simply started to fall apart. I maintain my car to perfection but this car has been in the shop for warranty repairs 7 different times for 7 different reasons. Everything from steering column to the bumper coming loose to computer ships going bad. This car has been an absolute nightmare from the beginning.

• 

  Greatly Pleased, and Proud - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GreenPurgatory - September 29 - 1:20 am

  This car is incredibly luxurious considering it is close to $20,000. I love the performance, handling, comfort, sound system, fuel economy, shifting, styling, and overall just in love with my new Cobalt. I wish they would continue making the Cobalt!

• 

  Price Repairs, But Fun To Drive - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Daniel - September 28 - 5:57 pm

  5.3 V8 has much power and can haul and tow most anything. The whole family fits comfortably. Fits all my work tools and ladders well. Att 88000 miles I just spent $2600 to have my transmission rebuilt though. Found out they use the 460LE trnas in their other cars and unless you upgrade some internal components it will burn out from light towing or heavily loaded. This year I have replaced a battery (again), new alternator, new water pump, brakes, tires (again), rebuilt trans. I am in it for about $4000 in repairs and it is not that old. Cant afford to replace it as I need a truck for my job. Engine is still stong and hopefully all problems worked out. Did but it used w/44,000 miles tho.

• 

  Love my Avalanche! - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Willard - September 28 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the Avalanche to replace my Silverado. Couldnt be happier except I cant get my wife out of the Avalanche! Got the White Diamond package with 22" wheels. Took it to the car wash last week and when finished the young man asked for the owner and another customer said he wished it was his. Two of the young men wiping it down mentioned what a "sweet ride" I had. Drove from Utah to Texas and back fully loaded and averaged over 20 mpg at over 70 mph. Extremely comfortable ride on the open road! The folding steps are great! Im over 6 tall and my wife is 5 the adjustable pedals and memory seats make the truck a joy for both. Almost a year and a half and no visits to the shop.

• 

  Midgate Leaks - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By lancher4life - September 28 - 11:46 am

  Looked for 3 yrs prior to buying, really wanted an Avalanche. Looked as if the leaks had been fixed. Bought a brand new one but the midgate leaks when I wash it - leaks both into the cab and the bed (on both sides of the midgate). Going back a 3rd time to the dealer. Seems like mine is a lemon, some leaks on prior years but thought the leak issue was addressed. Take a hose & check yours before you buy....HOPEFULLY they can fix it, as really do otherwise love it.

• 

  Unsettling Starts - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By diappointed - September 28 - 8:55 am

  We bought our Equinox, because of all the good reviews we read when they first came out. I have less than 31,000 miles and we have had to replace all 4 tires, front and rear brakes, have had a leak from the back (trunk) and replaced the weather stripping at a cost of $300.00. And today had to have it towed because the car just wont start. I had it in to the dealer because of the car not starting right away when I had turned the key, they told me that they would do a tune up and that should help and guess what did the same thing 2 days ago and now it wont start at all. I love the SUV over all.

• 

  Great Value for the Money - 2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport
  By cathy valentine - September 27 - 9:45 pm

  This is an all around great buy in the turbo 4 cylinder version. Handles responsively and interior trim is nicely appointed. I tested all of the crossovers and this rides better than a Rav 4 for a lot less money.

• 

  My yellow SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By myyellowSSR - September 27 - 8:39 pm

  I love how this truck handles, The power it has, right there when ya need it, Girls do drive trucks. Just love It. What more can I say?