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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  The Comfort of a Luxury Vehicle - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sailingsoon - March 2 - 8:49 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new for $18K when GM was offering great rebates- what a bargain! In 2003 we purchased a TB for my daughter and were impressed by the ride and ease of parking and handling. The reliability of her TB was OK, but not stellar. In 90,000 miles she had to have the fan clutch replaced, a passenger side power window replaced at her cost and had some initial warranty problems with door seals and taillights. I read where GM later changed the type of fan clutch and solved that problem.

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  Great suv for mileage - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Ron - March 2 - 2:00 pm

  Highway gas mileage is 34 mpg in eco mode, Over all 26 mpg. Handling is great at all speeds. Comfort on the road is outstanding. Power of 4cyl is fine, much more power then I first thought. Seats are very comfortable, the ride is a little stiff but holds the road sound. I am very pleased and have not found any problems in the first 3000 miles. General Motor is back to #1 with this winner.

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  I want to get rid of this van..... - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By L.Arellano - March 2 - 10:48 am

  This van has given me problems since day one... it continues to try to start after i turn the key, Chevy flashed something but not even a week went by and it still does it. ABS I had to have a sensor replaced they cant figure out why the ignition still tries to start on its own, I told them about my flicker lights, my mechanic says it has wiring issues, which Chevy denies... I want out of this van some way it will happen....

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  CUTEST FLOWER POWER CAR!! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By AILEEN - March 2 - 10:25 am

  So far I have driven my car to Philly, New Jersey,way upstate NY and love it. I dont get great gas mileage :( but its zippy for a manual and comfortable to drive. Its yellow & I recently put a big cool purple flower on the hood and I hope to start a new trend to replace the Volkswagen bug..haha MY CAR IS CUTER!!!

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  vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
  By tekar - March 1 - 4:43 pm

  i bought a 09 malibu hybrid for new york taxicab couple months i like it and suddenly makes noise from engine had to change belt at 36000mile then front two wheel makes noise through bump ,and of course to change headlight bulb youve to take whole front bumper out which cost around $70-80 something happens its expensive to maintain so i would suggest buy regular not green not good gas mileage i wish it 26-34mpg

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  Disappointed Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Drew - March 1 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased my 04 Impala brand new and the first year of owning the vehicle I thought it was the best car I ever owned. Year 2 I had to replace the speedometer and the radio, year 3 tie rod, rear hub assembly. Year 4 I had to replace the water pump, rebuild the transmission, and now I am having issues with the coolant system! All in all a major disappointed with GM products, especially a vehicle with a $26,000 sticker price! This is my second Impala, as I had one in 2003 that was wrecked, and I thought this car would last 10 years with no troubles! Boy was I surprised!!!! Chevrolet you need to get it together or Ill have to consider buying a Toyota or Nissan!

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  Run To The Hills - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mot - March 1 - 2:13 pm

  When I bought my 2000 Chevy Malibu in 2003 it had a little over 24000 miles on it.It seemed a good deal for just over 10000. As of 2009 I have probably had over $7000 in repairs. Right now I think the power steering system has passed away. I have had all sort of leaks and wire replacements. I was told by my mechanic that due to the Dexcool coolant that the manual says you are supposed to use it messes up various wires and causes it to overheat. If it wasnt for parental help I would probably be broke and in the gutter. A little after I bought it when I went to use the AC or heater the fan levels periodically stopped working. Drivers side sun visor somehow broke off in my hands. Be wary

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  Fell out of Love...FAST!!! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By bowtiegirl - March 1 - 9:40 am

  We absolutely loved our HHR Panel LT with its retro design. White with floor boards, heated leather seats, etc... Before the cowl seal leak that flooded the passenger side floor board and soaked the carpet with 3+ inches of rain water. It was fixed according to the local Chevy service department under warranty but, who knows? will it leak again? the thought of another rain water leak makes me sick! Fell out of love fast!

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  My Late Life Crisis - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dan B - March 1 - 9:17 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that had most of the room of my Saturn Vue, and a style that would excite me. The HHR is perfect. It has a sporty feel, accommodates the weekend chores, and is generally fun to drive. I knew what I was buying so I have no complaints about the limited view or the cupholders. The first thing my passengers and I noted is that its a solid car feel. I plan to enjoy my new toy!

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  Kudos to you Chevrolet - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Matt - March 1 - 2:33 am

  I looked at several cars before buying including CTS, Lexus GS350, Acura TL, Honda and Maxima. I test drove this one and felt the others werent worth the extra money. LTZ version is awesome. Everything about it was well done, high quality materials on interior, great engine and ride, good looks and you absolutely cannot beat the price. GM did an awesome job on the redesign of this car. I honestly feel it is comparable to many higher priced imports. Standard features makes for an easy purchase. Im extremely happy to say that I bought an American car. I strongly encourage all potential buyers to test drive this car before purchasing a Honda, Acura, Nissan or other. Youll be pleasantly surprised