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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  my first electric car - 2015 Chevrolet Volt
  By Jim - April 26 - 6:56 am

  Ended up buying an electric car after being exposed to my sons leaf. The leaf was not considered as his is now 2 years old and he has already lost 20% of battery capacity. He has a 2013 which had the heat sensitive battery My least favorable experience was of course the buying experience. (How can they get you to pay more). Stickered at over $40000 as They had added $1700 for window tinting, plus car had navigation and premium bose sound system $995, premium trim package $1395 which included heated front seats, suede interior leather, rear center pass thru armrest, - crystal red tint coat $495, Cargo area cover $110 and cargo net $90. When I first saw the sticker i just told them i never pay for window tinting. So they came back with a new sticker of $38,800 (the $1700 for window tinting had disappeared). The end result was i got the car for $35000, about $3800 below the adjusted sticker of $38800. I probably would not have purchased this car had it not been eligible for the $7500 federal tax credit (which reduced my purchase price to about $27500.) I tried using the AAA buying service. He came back and said "you will pay at a minimum $35000 - they could not get a price lower than that". That being said, the volt is an impressive car. It was a good choice for us as the 45-47 mile range pretty much covers all of our trips. (factory estimate 38 mile range)- increase is due to 1) most of our driving is in ideal moderate weather 2) our driving is typically at 40-50 mph in suburban driving. 3) I also drive in "LOW". (This should be called economy as its purpose is to provide much more battery charging when U let up on the gas. It has no impact on gearing. 4)There typically are no more than 2 people in the car and we are both under 160 lbs. - less weight-longer battery range. (UPDATE DEC 20 CHG SHOW 48 MILE RANGE AVAILABLE BEST EVER!!!) Now for more good news.The volt is an impressive car!!! I love the volt. It drives beautifully, is quick, quiet, and reliable(based on others comments plus our experience so far). We purchased the car in October and have 8700 miles on the car. We are averaging just at 300 mpg!!!! and have used 29 gallons of gas) I just also read an article indicating that going back to 2010 there has pretty much been no battery degradation due to 1.the cooling systems and 2.not allowing the battery fully discharge. A great feature for us is that you can preheat or cool the cabin while the car is plugged in - this saves battery by getting the car cabin to a comfortable temp before you drive. Their are only a few items that I dislike most of which are minor. 1. the cabin is small and confining - We of course knew that when we purchased it and we can live with that. 2) the cars air dam will often scrape the curb when you park so need to be careful when pulling in to a parking spot. (did not realize this initially) 3)car is very low and visibility is less than I would like but again we knew that when we purchased the car. 4) the car has 2 levels of 120 volt charging , 8amp and 12 amp, you may not be able to get a full charge overnight using the 8 amp setting - especially if you need the car early in the am. The 12 amp level must be manually set each time you charge as the car always resets to the 8 amp setting. 5) By far the one feature that to me is most serious is the console controls for heat, cooling,radio etc.-they are absolutely terrible. There are no buttons,indents, etc. that identify by touch where each item is controlled, just a place in the center of the dash between the driver and passenger seat where you touch. Which means u must take you eyes off the road to do pretty much anything just to find the correct place to push on the console. 6)The malls in our area have electric chg. stations but they do not fit the volt so often can not chg. when out and about. Also, as a side note some interesting items re. the volt. (At least interesting to me) 1(the cars operating systems are complex- for example, it has several cooling systems, the car will also automatically run (but only for a few minutes)the ice if you run exclusively on electric as that is needed to maintain the ice components. 2) Car is to be kept plugged in when not in use as that maintains the correct battery temperature. the car will automatically run one (or more?) of the cooling systems if parked in a hot Phx. garage - our garage will get to over 100degrees in the summer. IT will also run the battery heater in cold weather to maintain the correct battery temp. 3)As an side benefit , Our power company now has a time of day program where we can pay only $.06 per kilowatt if we charge at night so we will be switching to that this month. 4) Car charging can be set to automatically charge only on off peak hours. All I can think of for now as I am not in any way techi and am learning as I go. Overall a wonderful car!!!!

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  Idaho Z06 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By idaspud - April 25 - 10:42 pm

  Acceleration is unbelievable, control and cornering is excellent, ride comfort is good, interior quality is mediocre at best. Gas mileage is great too, get around 32 on the highway. Most fun car to drive I have ever had and Im 66.

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  Glad I switched. - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dean - April 25 - 6:12 pm

  I bought my HHR in Jan 09 and am really happy with the vehicle. Ive had a truck for years, but was really unhappy with the mileage that I was getting and with the price of gas I had to make a change. The look of the car and the room that it has attracted me as well. I can get all my stuff in there. I know its not a truck, so Ill be putting a hitch on for a trailer. The fit and finish are good with mostly hard plastic inside, which is easy to clean up. The electronics are great as well. What else can I say, I love my HHR!!!

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  Stay away - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By john - April 25 - 5:56 pm

  Stay away...this gas eating machine will not come close to dealer specs. My car has been in 7 times in 3 months for things falling apart and shifting issues. Software updates have not changed a thing. So, be cautious with this one.

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  Too soon to tell but - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Educated - April 25 - 4:38 pm

  I have only had my car for a few days but bought it used, I am educated and have worked for GM and do know that first year out cars have issues so it is the bugs that need to get worked out, having the tire sensor problem one was replaced but the Traction light still comes on, so stopped into the new car dealer and told me it maybe another sensor,,,, the visor was worn took it off and will replace with one from pick and pull myself. I havent had the car long enough to have alot of issues but do know that after the bugs are worked out a Chevrolet can go for 300k easy if maintained correctly! I will update if anymore probs but I like my CHEVY!

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  Love my Impala - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Elle - April 25 - 3:17 am

  My husband and I drove almost every car before we purchased our 2008 Impala LTZ. I love it so much! The interior is beautiful, and the seats are really comfortable, I love my sun roof, and both of my boys have more than enough room in the back seat. The trunk is huge! We have an Eddie Bower stroller which is huge in itself and it fits in there with room to spare. We had to evacuate when hurricane Ike came through last year, we fit one pack&play, three suit cases, stroller, briefcase, big pack of diapers&wipes, small ice chest, dog food, toys, a portable baby swing, sheets and a comforter and it all fit, with more room in there. It drives so smooth and quiet! I recommend this to anyone!

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  Great 1st Car - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By J.Debs - April 24 - 11:00 pm

  My little car has 160,000 miles & its going strong. A few things have gone awry such as I had to replace the starter shortly after I bought it (it had 105k miles when I got it in 2006), the front passenger door handle broke and so did the AC but its been a great first car. No engine problems at all. It does eat oil fast which is annoying to refill so often. I get anywhere from 31-34 mpg. Ive taken it on many long distance trips and its always a joy to drive.

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  First American Car Purchase - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dennis - April 24 - 10:23 pm

  This is the first American car I have ever purchased and I am extremely happy with it. It drives and rides so smoothly and I took it on my first long trip recently. I have been getting great gas mileage, 30 to be exact.

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  Wifes Pride and Joy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ben - April 24 - 5:00 pm

  I had to talk my wife into getting a new set of wheels. Cars never were her thing. Now, she cant wait to find an excuse to drive somewhere. I drive an 04 Nissan Murano, and she calls it my "old mans car." I must say that the few times she has allowed me to drive her loaded HHR 2LT I have been impressed, and thats saying a lot from a guy who hasnt owned an American car in 17 years. I love everything about this car. It handles beautifully, has plenty of pep and gets great gas mileage. I wouldnt hesitate recommending this car to anyone.

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  No complaints yet - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By kingsso - April 24 - 12:02 pm

  My truck is doing well thus far. It turns a lot of heads, beautiful truck.