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:

• 

  A very reliable Chevy--98 Cavalier - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By matjag - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had moderate to heavy usage since its purchase in December, 1997. It seems virtually indestructible in that it has required only oil changes, brake work, and new tires in the past 6.5 years. Very quick (2.4 litre engine) for a compact vehicle making it a joy to drive. The only drawback is its very low profile. At times it appears that kids on tricycles can reach down and touch the roof of the vehicle. The motor is still very quiet and smooth despite the 85,000 miles of Houston city driving. With minor supportive vehicle repairs, I see no reason why it cannot attain 150,000 -- 200,000 miles. This is the best automotive bargain Ive received.

• 

  Great SMALL SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Kaylees Mommy - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SMALL SUV. If you dont need a lot of room then this is for you. The gas mileage is great, I have a 4cyl automatic and get around 23-25 city and even better highway.

• 

  Strange Pricing - Love Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By maxriderdoon - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Like many other reviewers I love this car compared to everthing else in its price range. Car seems more refined. Drive out price was 23K after buying new tag. Dealer gave us a 3K Rebate instead of 2K with proof of ownership of non GM car - Strange I find that nowhere on the internet.

• 

  Trailblazer has Blind Spots - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By karenfromde - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Trailblazer. It is very comfortable. However, it has a definite blind spot at the rear. If you turn off the radio, the noise level from the outside is noticeable. I have had to replace rear brake/taillights repeatedly and now the a/c fan isnt working unless I put it on #4. Little things, but annoying nonetheless. Gas guzzler at times. Thinking about selling it at this point.

• 

  Steady as she goes... - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By ValrieAnnie - June 15 - 2:00 am

  this car was a rental before I bought it with 29,000 miles. it now has 133,000+ miles. I have the 4 liter and agree that it is a "dog". i have had some repairs, but the car keeps going. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. It sits outside all winter and only has a small area of rust by the front passenger door. And it starts every time. Hopefully I will get a couple more years out of it. I like it and would buy another if they still made Corsicas.

• 

  OK With Me - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Zebe - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking vehicle - the interior trim could/should be better. I enjoy the sound system and the kids enjoy the DVD system. I have two teenage sons - both over 62" - and the have planty of room in the back seat. As they say, the devil is in the details: electric mirrors malfunctioned - brake lights went out - and rear wiper has already been replaced. Still fighting relatively bad gas mileage. Have owned several different SUVs, vans, etc. (including Mercedes M class) and dont believe this vehicle provides quite the value a nearly $40,000 vehicle should.

• 

  One Smooth Ride - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Scottski - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Z71 Tahoe. Love the features and cant pass up the XM radio, worth the money. Had the rear brake pads replaced at 11000 miles, technician said GM has been having problems with the pads on the tahoes. Other than that great vehicle, except for gas mileage.

• 

  CAUTION: Major Air Conditioning Problem! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By azspartan - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 03 TrailBlazer for 10 days and A/C started blowing H O T air today. The service writer knew right away what the problem was and she informed me of the GM design flaw. She assured me that Chevy would pay for a rental car. At the Enterprise counter, the clerk diagnosed my problem just by telling him I had a TrailBlazer. The woman next to me was there for the same reason, but this was her 3rd trip to the shop! The Enterprise guy chimed in and said they have 2 TBs at the location, and both of them have had multiple trips to the shop for A/C problems. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO!

• 

  My Black Beauty - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By cel2854 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I own a solid black 2004 Blazer,I traded in a 1987 blazer. You just cant kill them!! i have owned it since Jan. and have had absolutly no problems with it,not even in the breaking in period. The ride is very good,it has great pick- up...It wants to go,,your doing 70 and dont even know it!!

• 

  Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By kewlcat - June 11 - 8:53 pm

  Liked the Lexus RX300, this was the next best thing! Roomy, good pick up, adjustable rear seat for long legs, and great storage. Especially love the sunroof!!