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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  so so - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By gt - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 51K on her. Ran great up to 80K. Timing chain broke, dinged the valves and $4,000 later had it back for a week before the timing chain broke again (dealer installed incorrectly) Now at 120,000 mile have had to replaced brakes and rotors three times, replaced alternator twice, transmission is going and the fuel regulator is about to go as well. replaced wiper motor as well. Comfortable/powerful ride, but will cost ~$10K to get another 100,000 miles out of it. Ready to move on to something else.

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  My Love/Hate Relationship with my Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By lovenhateit - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used in 2002 with 27,000 miles. I am so glad I opted for the extended warranty. The first thing to go were the brakes, of which I was warned. My A/C switch drives me insane (have had it replaced once already), my theft light randomly comes on when I start my car, my windshield wipers move at whatever speed they choose, and I now have a mysterious humming sound coming from the front right, which according to other reviews, seems to be the right front speed sensor/hub. I have also replaced the fuel pump. I however, havent had intake manifold or alternator problems..YET..What an insult to take my car in for service only to be told that it is common... shame on GM...

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  SSR Fun - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Z6603 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Interior is a bit stuffy, forget about adjusting the driver seat with the door closed. Cheap center console lid, will redo in walnut. Other than the above this thing is a blast. Normal driving (if you can) gets good results in miles per gallon. Love the exhaust note, I should charge chevrolet for advertising being I have to show people of all ages the vehicle whenever I stop. So for I am pleased with this vehicle. If you buy this vehicle when you are over 40 like me, get ready for the mid life jokes there are coming.

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  Qalking - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By alan - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought my monte ss brand new in 06. Was very disappointed today when transmission went out at only 70,000 miles. Made me think I was driving a dodge. Thats 3000 dollars I wasnt ready to spend.

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  Blazer review - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Paul Wright - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has run great and is very comfortable for an SUV.

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  Annoying But I Love It Anyway - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Andrew O. - October 8 - 1:34 pm

  Weak transmission- slams into first- feels like you have been rear ended. Great engine- sounds good- lots of power- excellent acceleration. Door speakers cheap- tinny- failed and were replaced. Terrible blind spots from drivers seat due to very wide A pillars- dangerous!. Stabilotrac very finicky- frequent messages that is not working but then seems to correct itself. Frequent evap. emissions trouble and expensive to fix. In spite of all this, I get a kick out of driving this car because it has a great engine. Rest of car I would describe as so-so. This is the last year of the Impala V-8s so the car commands a premium price when selling or trading, they still sell for $2000 more than the 6 cyl. models.

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  Go ahead and get it - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JSawyer - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Z24. The horsepower is enough to satisfy many. The style and comfort and great. My only complaint is that it tends to oversteer in a high speed corners so be ready. For Nascar fans thats "loose". The clutch has little feel but once you get used to it, its not a problem. The engine has a great throaty sound. This is not an exhaust sound but rather the intake. The torque is quite impressive for a four banger. While the car is heavy the torque alone prevents needing to downshift. Need to pass someone just stay in fifth and press the gas. If you can find one of these cars take it!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Ariesnj51 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  For a truck, it is a dream to drive, and is so convienent to use. It will do the heaviest jobs, yet it is a great looking truck. I drive it as my main vehicle everywhere without feeling like I am a truck driver - even on dates. I am extremely happy with my Avalanche. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  GOOD CAR ALL AROUND - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By BIGACTION - October 7 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE VEHICLE THAT IS A NICE EVERYDAY SPACIOUS CAR.

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  from oregon - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By N54rob - October 7 - 2:00 am

  so far so good. seems complicated to program all the electronics but i am sure i will figure them out