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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  No Problems - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By NY Mike - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 with 60,000 miles from an auction in 2001 for $4,000. Best 4,000 ever spent. I have had no major problems besides the A/C switch (like everyone) windshield wiper transmission broke due to ice storm, and brakes (like everyone) For the price you cannot go wrong. It is a decent looking car, solid body, nice pickup in the engine... what else do you want for the price?

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  05/25/03 - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dawn Garcia - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle to have other than the problem I and others have with the brake system. Even after having the rotors turned and brake pads changed, it still doesnt feel right. Others have made this same comment. Otherwise, its a good car.

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  Keeping her till something out-does her - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By LT4 ya - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in February of 1997. It was my every day driver for four years. I would describe the driving experience as unique. You feel like youre in a cockpit of a jet when you first get in. The relative heavy weight and heavy steering due to wide tires can make driving a chore sometimes. However these traits also make the car feel very stable on smooth roads. Bumpy roads do unsettle the front end and the interior squeeks. Consider this if its going to be a daily driver. Removing the top does cause "shimmying" over uneven roads. The motor is smooth, though it will frighten many female drivers especially in first and second gears.

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  Backfiring Problem - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jamie Lopez - May 23 - 3:06 pm

  We purchased our Equinox in April 05. I fell in love with the look of this SUV. Reminded me of the Lexus SUV. We traded in our Dodge Ram for it. About 6 weeks after purchase, it started to make a loud backfiring, or popping noise as I would slow down or come to a stop. Also does it when I first start it. Taken it back to the dealership several times. They dont know what is wrong with it. Really emabarrasing when someone at the gas station is complimenting the look of my car & I start it up & it backfires. Very close to trading it in for another Dodge. Engine wants to stall sometimes too when I go to start it. I was very dissapointed in such a pretty car.

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  Been a great chevy so far - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Davydee - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought to be a traveling vehicle for us. Avg 30+ mpg on road run 70 to 75 mph. Rides better than previous models. Above avg seats. 12 CD Changer feels cheap. Interior feels cheap. Loud interior noise for the money. Fantastic drive, though and proving to be one of the most reliable chevys weve owned.

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  Glad i got one of the last ones - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 200235th - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Cant argue with the power of the motor and 6speed trans. Brakes are awsome, handles great and execellent a/c. Cant get this kind of performance at this price.

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  great car to buy used - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By atl234 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new for about 16000 and got exactly what I expected, decent pick-up for an economy car and reliability. I would probably not buy it again unless it was used. These cars depreciate faster than the corolla. A used Prizm would be an excellent first car. Much better choice than a used civic, which will cost more.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By CB - May 21 - 7:23 am

  Traded Suburban for Equinox looking for better gas mileage and smaller size. Poor decision. This car is cheaply made. In windy conditions car blows all over the road. Akward interior, window controls should be on the doors. Horrible road noise in the interior cabin. Leather seats are hard, and backseat feels like a wooden bench. Gas mileage should be better considering the size. I traded it in for a new Yukon, couldnt have made a better choice getting rid of it.

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  Me & my Chev truck - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By kacollins - May 21 - 3:06 am

  I bought this truck used with 111k miles. I havent had one problem with it mechanically. The previous owner who bought it new said he never had any problems before me. This is my first Chev truck after owning 3 Ford 150s. I can honestly state even if not as "pretty" as the Ford its reliability is excellent. Especially since I expected to spend money on a truck with 100+k. Regards,

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  review of 1999 Prizm - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By MAUREEN - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a very good car for general transportation and for individuals and small families. My model is pretty basic, but has enough frills to get by (radio, AC, power brakes/steering, automatic trans). The gas mileage is a plus. This car makes for good, reliable, affordable, fuel- efficient transportation.