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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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Janet - February 21 - 3:49 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago and it has been great! I drove 4200 mile this winter on a road trip and got great mileage (22.5 overall), had more than enough room for all my luggage, Christmas gifts and a chair that I delivered along the way! Very comfortable ride and it fits my husband with room to spare. Minor issue with climate control system, fixed by dealer.

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  Great Little Car for Short Cash - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By moremileage - February 21 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car in 01/07 with 19,000 miles on it. I love the car, it is great for my trips to work, and for short jaunts around town. Its not a Deville, but it sure is what it supposed to be! Small, and economical!

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  Wish it would blow up - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mike Jones - February 21 - 7:56 am

  I read all these reviews and I cant even sit here and say wow that doesnt happen to mine. From the struts going when i first had it, how uncomfortable it is, cheap interior, cant stand the window controls, noisy ride, terrible on gas I dont even get 200 miles a full tank. Im constantly at the dealership. Overall I just hate this car. It was my first ride i loved the look of it but after driving it for a while Im 19 with back problems already. The only thing good about this car is it handles great in the snow. All they need to do is fix up all of its problems which it would end up being a totally new car and it would be a nice ride.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By PS - February 20 - 7:52 pm

  We had to make a fast purchase after our van was totaled. The car felt solid, tranny, engine, and suspension. Bought it with 110K now 8 months later has 118k, so far have replaced windshield (all pitted), battery, intake gasket. Headlight switch is bad (lights go out on whim, brights wont stay on), engine light is on, drivers window is stuck open, all door gaskets are torn when bought it. Hub cap paint is peeling off. So disappointing. Never have we put so much into a vehicle. I thought Id like a new Impala for my next vehicle, but not now anymore.

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  My Avalanche! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By katkim - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Dont want to drive the 02 LT Tahoe anymore!

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  Loving it more every day! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By snowbadger - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Safest truck you can drive! Gas mileage is the only drawback (I get about 13-14 MPG), but utility more than makes up for poor mileage. Tall vehicle. Strongly recommend step up bar. Conversion from SUV to truck is very easy. Ride is smooth whether on the road or rough terrain. 285HP engine has plenty of get up & go. Surprisingly good turning radius. Ingenious drainage system ensures water doesnt leak into the cockpit, even from the folding midgate. Took a while to get accustomed to the dimensions. A vehicle I liked when I bought it, & love more every time I get behind the wheel. Best purchase Ive ever made & most fun Ive ever had driving a vehicle.

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  Great family car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By JackD - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Much improved over previous Malibus we have owned. Quiet, reliable, responsive. Very comfortable, roomy. Perfect size

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  2500HD LS GOOD TO GO - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By CU on the highway - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned 3 chevys and the 2500HD is leaps and bounds above the rest. Before purchasing the 2500HD, I seriously looked at and test drove the Ford and Dodge trucks. Chevrolet is in a class by itself (which is above Ford and Dodge). Nice ride, plenty of power, nice interior and the exterior looks great. Great move by chevy with the "real" information center, bose stereo system and the roomy and "very comfortable" back seat.

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  Love this car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kjstrouble - February 20 - 8:19 am

  I have found this a fun replacement for my 10 year old Elantra. It has great pick up and better than advertised mileage. This was a nice surprise because I bought it mainly for the price and lower insurance cost. But as a tall person, I fit better in this than in any of the comparable cars I tried out.

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  Great Value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GV - February 19 - 7:28 pm

  Ive owned the car for about a month and havent got a single regret. Got the car at an exceptional price with all the incentives even though I hadnt planned on buying a car. This car is way quicker than my venerable 98 Sunfire and with way more ammenities for thousands of dollars less. The car is a pleasant surprise with all its features, conveniences and style.