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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  Trailblazer a great value - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jeff - September 5 - 7:53 pm

  The Trailblazer has more HP than any SUV in its class. The ride is extremly smooth. I think the interior is very user freindly.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By libra26 - September 5 - 7:12 pm

  This was the most reliable car I ever had in my life. I never had to put anything major into this car in the 6 yrs I owned it. Absolutely the best and I loved it. I wish they still made the cavalier. I owned 2. I tried to get another used one but they were hard to find. Im sorry I didnt keep it until it had major problems. I only got rid of it because I was scared of the mileage 110,000 and it needed a new coolant system put in it. I missed having air conditioning too. I didnt want to put any money into it. I was afraid having an 11 yrs old car was risky. I got great mileage. I never not once had it not start for me in 6 yrs. Thats pretty amazing.

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  Smart car 2010 = Geo 89 - 2000 Chevrolet Metro
  By fatcatmat - September 5 - 6:10 pm

  Great little cars. I have owned 5 (five). I drive them an average of 180- 200 miles a day (sw washington to Seattle). A bit noisy but for the 500+ miles I get on a 10 gal tank of gas Ill live with it. I have saved thousands on gas. Easily enough to buy my wife the new Escape hybrid.

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  Not perfect, but awfully close - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By LS260395 - September 5 - 4:15 pm

  The Chevy SS (Holden Commodore down under) is an amazing car. It can go to the track for some hot laps then stop by the grocery store on the way home. Its a very well integrated package of performance, luxury and utility/usefulness. The controls are firm, but they feel just right for this big car and it drives smaller than it actually is. The 415hp LS3 V8 is a gem, but its thirsty as a daily driver, so far about 17 mpg. This car has less than year of production remaining as 2017 is the "last call". If you want a new one, better act quickly! Update! 10,115 miles now and the Chevy SS continues to impress. Problems have been limited to 2 screws in the tires, one of which was not repairable. Fuel economy continues to improve, a few tanks have been 19.0-19.5 mpg. The radio reception for non-satellite stations is not the best, had the dealer re-set the system, which did seem to help a little. The MRC drive settings (Tour-Sport-Perf) and the dual mode exhaust give this car multiple personalities. Each is unique and well sorted. Very few people know this car and its nearly "invisible" in the daily commute, which is exactly the way I prefer. One time you will get some attention is at the gas station after a fill-up. When re-starting the car, the next guy next to you looks over and thinks......."that sure doesnt sound like a Malibu?" Update- 18,900 mi. One year in and still pleased with the SS. It drives as well now as it did when new and the fuel economy has been steady between 18.5-19.5mpg (70% hwy). The OE Bridgestone RE050A tires have been better than expected. They have great grip and have lasted longer than I figured? They only have a 140 tread wear so to make it to 20K is not bad. I plan on keeping this car for the long term, but will likely get a small 35-40 mpg. daily driver to try and keep some of the commuter miles off this car.

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  Hard Driving - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 04Tahoe - September 5 - 11:28 am

  I now have 85k miles on this tahoe. Mechanically, it is in perfect condition! Only repair was the 4wd system sensor: $700. Cosmetically, I keep it washed and waxed and am amazing how it still turns heads. I drive Pacific Coast Highway every day, and to the mountains or river every weekend. I have absolutely not concern that this vehicle will make it to 250k miles if cared for properly. This is the best SUV for the money.

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  Very Happy With Our Purchase - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By stephen zeinner - September 5 - 3:20 am

  Since I have purchased foreign made cars over the past few years I was hesitant of getting back into the market for a domestic made automobile. We have been very happy with this vehicle. Gas mileage was a little disappointing at first but with mileage on car the mpg has improved to at least what the advertisement claims and at times a little better. I will gladly take a bit of inconvenience with the transmission shifting or not shifting especially for the mpgs.

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  Improved - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By kurb - September 4 - 11:46 pm

  I am very pleased with the smooth ride in the 06 crew cab. I had a 2000 Silverado and it wasnt nearly as smooth of a ride. Very strong engine. Sound system is great. Very comfortable seating.

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  Good car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RNA - September 4 - 10:30 pm

  The Cavalier Coupe with the 2.2 OHV is not fast. With the 3 speed auto it is lacking in acceleration, but it is not unbearably slow, and it has good pickup in 2nd gear. Recently replaced Struts, front steering components, and Goodyear Tripletred tires result in an excellent ride, and handling is excellent. It handles curves at speed with a composed, solid feel. The interior is typical of old GM. Some cheap plastic bits, but a simple, easy layout. Brakes have solid pedal feel, along with rapid stops when needed. Lots of backseat room. Right now the A/C compressor needs replaced, but with 127,000 miles, it has lasted a long time. I run Valvoline Maxlife 5W-30 Synthetic Blend motor oil.

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  My dream comes true! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sr. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It is affordable, stylish and fast. An American built dependable car. For over 40 years the Vette has always been the "American Classic Dream Car". I prefer the Coupe, that way you have the best of both worlds, wind in your hair and still the quiteness and comfort of a semi-convertible. Drive one, youll want it!

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  great - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By andre - September 4 - 10:00 am

  real fast nice ride a got huge exhaust so it sounds cool if u get this car u need tight rims