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:

• 

  Great car for the money. - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Matt - January 25 - 6:57 pm

  I would have to say without a doubt that the improvments in styling for the 2007 model sold us but I especially liked the new rear tailight design. It is much bigger inside than it looks although rear space is limited but feels like a much more expensive car than it is. The ride is good for a small car and handling is also good and makes for easy parking.

• 

  Best Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By victor - January 25 - 10:13 am

  I am a car ASE mechanic of over 20 years. This is a good family car.The best Chevy sedan I have seen in years. Good reliability, good quality. I dont care what JD Power says, its the best sedan yet.

• 

  A great mid size car that checks all the boxes - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BTM - January 24 - 5:37 pm

  I read a lot of reviews and drove several cars before deciding to lease the Malibu. While I have only owned this for a little over a week, I am very happy with my decision. It is very quiet and comfortable. If I had to sum the car up in one word I would say it is smooth. Also, it is averaging 33mpg with mixed highway and city driving which is good for a car with this much interior room, trunk size, etc. The 1.5L engine definitely has adequate acceleration in any situation I have driven in including interstate driving. Since I have only had this a week, I cannot report on its reliability but I will submit a follow up in a few months. Overall I believe this is a very good choice for anyone looking at a mid sized car.

• 

  Want to buy another one. - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By pumaripobbs - January 23 - 9:59 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Buying it used saved a ton, which makes it that much better. Im tempted to buy one for myself. Highly recommend it. Still my favorite vehicle on the road today.

• 

  These are great cars - 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
  By toyotadude - January 22 - 8:08 pm

  Bought it at 32,000 miles in 04 and I have done nothing to it except change oil, and brakes. The only thing I dont like about it is it can get noisy on the highway, and just a little vibration comes on the highway only if you go above 80mph or something. Transmission in this car should get an award in comfort for shifting. Much better than Nissan or Hondas.

• 

  Chevy Does It Again!!! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Shigemi Pebley - January 22 - 1:16 pm

  I enjoy my sisters 2003 Tahoe, but wanted something a little smaller. This TrailBlazer is a dream come true. Chevy did it again!!! I purchased a 2005 TrailBlazer LS (w/ additional options) last month, and it is the best vehicle that I have ever purchased!!!

• 

  Hot Chevy Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By John - Erie,Pa - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  This car has been very fun to drive from when I got it in Dec 6 2004. It was the last fully loaded model Ls sport and I love this car. Great gas mileage and very sporty and upgradable if you are into that stuff. The 2.2L Ecotec engine is the best engine in this Cavalier, and I owned 3 Cavaliers.

• 

  I love this car. - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SS owner - January 22 - 1:11 am

  Although gas mileage isnt ideal, you will have so much fun driving this car that it more than makes up for the gas. I will never sell my SS.

• 

  A Classic - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 4CHVY - January 22 - 12:43 am

  105K miles on it and the only major repair was a water pump, o2 sensor and serpentine belt. Still looks cool. I still get compliments and offers to buy it.

• 

  Best Bang for Buck - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Scottsdale Tiger - January 21 - 11:43 pm

  This is the fastest stock production car I have ever driven off the vendor lot and the most fun. I have had Porsches, Ferarri, and various old muscle cars which just do not compare to the overall power plus daily fun to drive performance of this car. I keep reading about plastics, cheap interior, doesnt compare to Porsches, Ferarris, Lambos, etc. Give me a break! Its half the price or less! There is no other car I have owned which comes close to what this car can do for the money spent. This really is the car with the best bang for the buck. I would purchase another if I did not have to wait another 10 months again just to pay premium over MRSP.