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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  Almost a Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By JacksWild - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Love the room, ride height, overall appearance. My first experience with a Suburban - I previously owned an Explorer, and this blows that away!! That being said, I feel there is too much "gear" noise heard in the cabin when in auto 4WD, and Ive experienced some popping noise(s) from exhaust when hot. Also, too long warm up period when cold starting.

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  The Real Review - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jake - January 13 - 12:23 am

  I am 66" tall. This vehicle certainly takes care of me as far as leg room. The cargo area is excellent for a compact SUV, and the back seat room is well off also. In my opinion, the outside is very sharp looking, different from most, and I am impressed with that. Now the inside is average. I wouldnt even think of comparing the inside of that of a Lexus. Its a bit on the cheap side. Although, you get what you pay for. It rides decent, and the feel is good. The seats could be a bit more comfy. If outside style, decent leg and cargo room are your objectives, this vehicle is worth a look. If not, you should consider others. Gas hasnt been an issue. Lead foot equals low mpg.

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  Blue Heaven - 1990 Chevrolet Corsica
  By SCG - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I agree with many of the reviews listed here. The car seems to age quite well (150K). Any repairs needed are often very affordable. My biggest complaint is the paint job. It does not do justice for how the car runs. It has crossed my mind several times to get it repainted. All in all its a great city car that will last you longer than you think.

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  Best Used Car Value around - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By prizmlvr - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I researched used cars for quite some time and this is easily the best deal for under $6K. We got an 01 with 31000 miles and still 5 more months of warranty for 6K out the door. The acceleration is sufficient and the mileage wonderful. A comparable Corolla would be 10K. Just cant beat this car value.

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  Good while it lasted. - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Dave GG - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but transmission problems after 30K miles. Once the warranty ran out, Chevy abandoned me, wouldnt stand behind their work and raked in the repair bucks.

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  4 Years and counting... - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jay_1970_K5 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great looking Truck. Very few 2 doors on the road these days. In 105K miles there have been a few problems. Mass airflow sensor is too delicate so any type of grime causes problems. Since it cannot be cleaned it has to be replaced at $400 a pop. K/N air filter will also cause it problems. Transfer Case sensors and ball bearings wore out too quickly. I believe this is due to the auto 4x4 which I use alot here in CO. Breaks and steering is mushy, always has been. Gaskets for coolent cracked too soon as well. I love my truck, but I love my 1970 K5 better because it lasts longer.

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  is better than expected - 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
  By danmorea - January 11 - 2:00 am

  is the 5 chevy truck that i own,very familiar with them,had 88,89,91,94 models but this one is the most easy to drive.Impresive braking,power,road feel

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  ride me - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tailfxstc - January 11 - 2:00 am

  good looking ,could use more hp 400 would be nice. smokes tires very well, it should have a better sound system . all that said, i do like the car and its fun to drive.

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  graet car at 72000miles - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By OK HAPPY CAMPER - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS IT UNDER A 10$ FIX!!! BUY NEW BOARDS THAT HOLD THE BULBS AND DONT USE CHEAP BULBS!!! THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT 40,000 MILES STILL GOING STRONG. I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR ONCE AT 35,000 MILES.OVER ALL AN OK CAR FOR THE MONEY.

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  Nice little mini-bus - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By Daddylope - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Much quieter ride than my Chrysler Mini- Van. I drove it from coast to coast and experienced no problems great fuel economy. Definitely like the load leveling suspension when loaded down.