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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  retrorod - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By biff - September 19 - 4:26 am

  A fun car to drive at city and highway speeds. Corners much better than I imagined. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Cadillac, but you cant get a caddy for 22,000 dollars. The upgraded wheels make it a real head Turner. The red paint job is the reddist red I have ever seen on a car. I know I will enjoy this car for years to come. This is a retro done right.

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  Buy American - 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By B - September 18 - 1:51 pm

  My first American vehicle in about 15 years. I bought Toyota in the past and was hard pressed to pass one up this time. Buying the Avalanche was the best move I could have made. In my opinion the quality is better than the Toyota and the interior design is far better than the Tundra. You are making a mistake if you do not look at Chevy. They have won me over.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Owned - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By mama - September 18 - 12:38 pm

  We purchased this van when it was almost 1 year old. We have had nothing but problems with it. It has had electrical problems, fuel pump, power steering pump, and now we dont even know what is wrong with it. It is not safe to drive, it is to the point I dont want to drive our children in it. Please beware of this model.

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  Best Monte Carlo - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Robertlang - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I dont know why Edmunds is dishing this car so badly. I love it and have owned 2 previous Monte Carlos (1980 and 1986)and this one is the best that Chevy has put out. I think it is a great deal for the price of the car and handles wonderfully for me. I also unlike Edmunds really like the appearance as it is a bit retro to the 80s models which I liked and think it is great looking; even the back end!

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  I LOVE MY VETTE - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Scottland - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Corevette has the greatest feeling! Its so great being only 22 and owning a vette! It doesnt give you that feeling of insecuirity... you know... that people are gonna think im just tryin to stay young. ordeal! CORVETTE IS GREAT!!! HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!!!

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  I love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Snarechick - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive been waiting to buy a new Chevrolet SUV to replace my 1988 Chevy Blazer, and this is perfect. My 88 is still running strong and in great condition, this vehicle will be the same. Great quality, great performance, and great price with my GMS employee discount.

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  Happy owner - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dhooper - September 18 - 10:00 am

  It really leaves nothing more to ask for

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  Great for work or play - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ms - September 17 - 7:10 pm

  Bought used with 14k, now have over 192,000 miles on it and I still get 28 MPG on the highway! Have the 3.8 V-6; wonder what kind of mileage Id get with a 5 or 6 speed auto? Put down the back seats and Ive carried ladders, lumber, 8-10 ft pieces of molding, vinyl flooring, you name it. Wish they hadnt stopped making it. I guess if I need to replace it Ill look for a 07.

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  Well worth the cost of maintenance - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By thegeneral2 - September 17 - 5:06 pm

  This car is fun to drive, handles well in all kinds of weather, with the right tires you can drive to hell and back. Rock solid car. I bought the car with 16,800 miles on it. It had sat for 10 months, first thing hap was the antifreeze line broke, had that fixed by dealer, than drove on a broken spring I didnt know about for 1 month then had it fixed no problem, then tranny was shot 1200. After that no other problems the tranyy whent at 19,800 miles the engine runs like the day it was born. Cant kill it. Now have 24,800 miles on the car. Looks new small scratch on left door my fault had Chevys before mc in 85 always the small things with these cars. Like window switch fuses. Doors creaking

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  great car - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rkt - September 17 - 3:55 pm

  This is an update. 26,000 miles and no problems. wonderful car. As good or better, than any import can be. Wife drives it 40 miles each way every day to work, and it is a great car. Could ask for none better.