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:

• 

  Moved to the Burbs - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mannysburban - August 16 - 5:08 pm

  After being afraid to buy American I stumbled upon a fully loaded 94 Suburban silverado package. This is my dream car. All I have done to the vehicle is replace the fuel pump, power steering hose, and those aluminum brackets that hold the alternator and power steering. My gas milage is around 11 due to a flowmaster exhaust and I also recommend turning the top piece of your air filter cover upside down and then screwing it on to get a more even pull. I really like the roominess and it is great for trips from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. If you can find one in decent condition buy it. The best thing is that most parts are affordable and good mechanic will save you lots. Happy driving

• 

  Original owner 130,000 miles later - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By waz3 - August 15 - 9:13 am

  I love my HHR I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I bought mine brand new and now have 130,000 miles on. It is driven almost 100 miles a day. my only compliant is the sway link bar. Other than regular maintenance this car is a charm and I will drive it until the doors fall off.

• 

  I love my new Cruze - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rooney10 - August 14 - 9:27 pm

  I have almost 4,000 miles on my car and love the way it handles and the gas mileage is great. I average 41-43 mpg going 55-60 even with the AC on. I love all of the services, Onstar and Sirius radio makes being in the car a joy. I have used Onstar Navigation several times and its so easy, I have always arrived at the right place too. Im still learning new things about my car it has so many features. The 6 speed transmission works great if you drive the car correctly but it did take some getting used to. I still take off too fast from time to time. I love the Autumn Metallic color and have seen many people admire my car while parked.

• 

  supersonic - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By chetj - August 13 - 1:55 am

  this car runs great, gets 37 mpg, is roomy and gutsy. I am very glad i bought it. My price was 13 k total after gm card rebate. Assembled in mich too. Help the workers in lake orion GM assembly and buy a sonic

• 

  Best Ive Ever Had! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cjanenem - August 12 - 1:48 pm

  I love my car! It has great mileage, comfy and plus plenty of room in the trunk.

• 

  Brand New 2013 - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chicagofan00 - August 11 - 2:39 am

  Just picked up my 2013 Equinox LTZ and so far am loving it. Ive had many different cars from Chevy to BMW to Nissan to Audi and the features for the price this one definitely provides that bang for the buck. The only additional option I got on the LTZ was new 3.6L V6 engine and it provides enough get up and go for a vehicle of this size. Too new to really gauge gas mileage but that isnt one of my main concerns really. The fit and finish of the interior is great for its class. I opted for the two-tone Light Titanium/Black interior and it goes really well. Love the touch screen radio. Got mine for under invoice and it definitely cant be beat in this segment for that price!

• 

  2012 Traverse LTZ AWD - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jimmymacd29 - August 8 - 11:46 pm

  I have not owned this car a long time, but the time I have had with has been a very enjoyable experience. I also own a 2011 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 1500 LTZ and swap off between the two. The Traverse model I have is loaded, so that also adds to the enjoyment. This is not a brag but a reason why I might enjoy it more than a base stock model. It came with 20 inch wheels, so it may also ride different than one with smaller tires.

• 

  Great value, fun to drive - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By davejet - August 7 - 3:05 pm

  My primary criteria for a new car were that it be small and four-wheel down towable behind my motor home. I narrowed my choice to the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Sonic. It looked at and drove both cars in the top trim levels. I purchased the Sonic because I got much more car for less money. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The Sonic is fun to drive, has plenty of power and has all the bells and whistles including Bluetooth for the phone, automatic headlights, cruise control, etc. There is no wind noise on the freeway and the ride is extremely smooth. I don’t realize I’m doing 75 until I look at the digital speedometer. After several weeks with most new cars, I usually have a list of fixit items for the dealer. There is no list for the Sonic. I paid 18, 372 for the car.

• 

  Super Happy with this purchase, and you will be too. - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By sparkplug1990 - August 5 - 9:22 pm

  I looked long and hard before I decided on this car. I am GM all the way, so the other options were limited. The minute I test drove the car, I fell in love. Everything is configured right where I would have put it. I am a bit of a bigger guy, and the seats and drive are as comfortable as they could be. I stand a little over 6ft tall, and I have plenty of legroom. All of the features I needed were on this 1LT model, it fits my needs. I would have liked to get a 2LT or LTZ but I am still extremely happy with my choice.

• 

  After one month... - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By mwfromva75 - August 5 - 1:20 pm

  I figured I would wait a little while before I commented on this car. I can not say enough how good it feels to drive this car right past every gas station where I used to keep such a close eye at the prices of gas. Now I dont care! I have yet to use one drop of gas, 500 miles all on electricity! Its a wonderful feeling! The car itself is nice! It rides VERY well for a small car and it is super quiet! If youre thinking about this car I advise you to go drive one - you will find it hard not to buy it after one drive! Its THAT impressive!