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 - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mstewart95 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Its still new so I like everything about it. I like the way it looks - very cool. I went from a mini van to this car so I am very impressed with the handling and passing ability. It make passing very easy.

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  New Colorado Owner - 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
  By David S - August 15 - 9:54 am

  I was in the market for a truck that offers the following options: fuel efficiency, room for four tall adults/teenagers, and light duty hauling for the occasional new appliance or household item. No towing requirements. It came down to a choice between the Tacoma and Colorado. As long time Toyota 4- Runner owner (216,000 miles), I became a first time Chevy owner based on the extra leg room in the back, a few additional stock features, and overall price savings of about $2k. I usually keep my vehicles for 10-15 years. The 4-cylinder obviously doesnt have the power of a V8, but is peppy enough for my use. Time will tell if my choice was right, but so far Im very pleased.

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  love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By charlie - August 15 - 9:45 am

  I love driving my trailblazer! Remember this is not a luxury SUV and a basic 5 yr old model. After 60k mi this car drives like new. The engine is perfectly balanced and powered for the weight of the vehicle. When pulling heavy trailers feels if there was nothing behind. I still make 17-18 mpg. The level of comfort inside is fantastic, and I drive quite a bit in the city and highway. Chevy did a great job putting it together and really making this car a truly heavy duty car in every aspect from inside the hood to its logo. If kept well with services, and scheduled maintenance, you will find no problems, but the ones expected in a high mileage car. A car to drive for all purposes (literally)!!

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  Covert Onstar Snoop - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ray - August 15 - 9:30 am

  Chevy has done a very good job in the design of this vehicle, but once again the powers that be has has sullied this otherwise fine car. I am mainly referring to Onstar. They claim that the microphone bug in car will not be turned unless the air bag is deployed, and being able to track the cars location within 90 feet (only if a stolen police report is filed, they claim) leaves much to be desired. Is it possible that someone could payoff an Onstar Employee to track or turn on the onboard mike without drivers knowledge. I believe so. Per Chevy dealer I have disconnected the mike and 4 of the 5 plug ins to Onstar box. One needed to start car, but can the vehicle still be tracked?

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  Uplander - Would Never Choose Again - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Unhappy - August 15 - 8:41 am

  I bought a 2005 Uplander new, it has been back 15 times in 4 years. Automatic Door being main problem, 10 times, they cant find anything wrong!!! Airbag problems, seat belt problems. Extremely frustrating and unsafe. Front Rotors replaced twice in 12 mths, common problem. Seats stain with water spillage. Hate this car and would never buy another Chevy again. Now working with GM to find solution for this piece of junk.

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  Really good family car for the price! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Georgia Driver - August 15 - 3:53 am

  Weve had the car for about a 1.5 years now. It has not been taken to the shop even once in all that time. The price was excellent for the quality. The layout and design of the trunk and backseats are really quite good. The seats in the front are very comfortable, but the ones in the back are just a little uncomfortable.

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  Happy Haughty Respectable - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - August 15 - 12:43 am

  From the first time I saw an HHR on the road I wanted one. Now the proud owner of a bright orange eye catcher, I can tool around town in style and hit the open road with pride. After six kids and 22 years of marriage i finally found the car / suv that the kids like and my wife wants to drive more than me. My recomendation; buy one. Heck... buy two.

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  09 Traverse LTZ AWD Thumbs up so far - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By stormin800 - August 14 - 10:20 pm

  Traded in my 07 Yukon Toy hauler and gas guzzler for this surprisingly fuel efficient roomy toy hauler. I have been very happy so far with the performance, handling and towing capacity. It is almost as roomy as the Yukon was inside from a driving and cargo perspective. All this with a 5-6 mile per gallon improvement. I am a big person,so I needed the leg room and seat support and the traverse has met this demand rather easily. So far, big thumbs up.

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  Would not recomend this vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By M Hoffert - August 14 - 9:42 pm

  In 2007 we bought a 2004 Chevy Aveo LS used with around 55000 miles. At 65000 miles the timing belt broke causing major damage to the valves, guides, and pistons. At that time it seemed the only place parts could be obtained or a different engine was thru a GM dealership. A different engine was cost prohibitive. After sitting a year and two months I started working on it this week. In the process of repair I wanted to install a new transmission input shaft seal(automatic). The local parts stores said it was a GM item. Upon contacting my GM dealer they said you have to buy the whole case to get the seal. Cost around $1000. Chevys wonder, owners nightmare.

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  CSS Blast! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By alcss - August 14 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the SS sedan 3 weeks ago. This car is a blast to drive! Have 2500 miles on it already. 3000 pound curb weight and 260hp is a great combo. Turbo-charged ecotec engine is fantastic. Exhaust has a nice rumble on hard acceleration, but its not tiresome on the highway. Tires, wheels, steering, braking and suspension/handling are all top notch, simply outstanding. This car can really perform and it is so much fun to drive. Seats are amazing. I would recommend this ride to anyone who needs a double extra dose of performance in their daily drive.