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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  Good, reliable car - 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
  By ads93 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used in 95 with 63K miles. Had a new 3.1L engine put in due to factory recall that same year. Only routine maintenance was needed. The life of the brakes may have been the only negative, however it wasnt too bad. Got me through college and the first 6 years after graduation.

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  Great SUV - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By brod - January 11 - 2:00 am

  My 1994 Blazer is one of the best SUVs around. I have no promblem getting anywhere with the powerful 5.7 liter V8. Definately one to look for if you want a great used SUV!

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  Import Fighter on a budget - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By JCO Member - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The Z24 is my third car, and has been the best I have owned yet. The engine is a potent power plant that is a great starting point for upgrades. Brakes are strong and fade resistant. The suspension firm but not, harsh. The Z24 is perfect for the sport compact enthusiest on a budget. I would recommend the car to anyone

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  Solid Car for the price - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tim - January 11 - 12:30 am

  Very happy with the car. I did a lot of research and test drove many makes and models. Was able to get this for 7k under MSRP. Best value for the price. No problems as of yet

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  Luxury Sport - 1994 Chevrolet Lumina
  By bjspoet73 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I had my Lumina Euro for 4 years. I put 75K miles on & didnt have to put much into it. Gas mileage was 30 mpg. The ride was smooth & dependable. I felt very comfortable & safe. The instrument panel for the A/C and radio was far away. I found the parts to be expensive. Expect to replace the breaks every year. If one caliper hangs up replace all calipers at the same time & dont forget to disconnect the battery after the calipers have been replaced or the computer will think you still have the old calipers on. Be aware that on my particular car the ABS never worked right. I would recommend this car for a first car. I loved it.

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  Love My Chevy! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jingle - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Our chevy was a lease which we are buying out. Thats how good we like it. The ride is smooth and little exterior noise. Its really a full- size car and can seat a 6 ft 260 lb man comfortably. We purchased the upgraded sound system and its like having surround in the car. Gas mileage is above average for a full-size car, and our sun roof is heaven in summer time. Only problems were a few loose screws in the beginning - and the dealership was great at service. Theres been no knocking like in your other reviews of this car.

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  Our own personal Limo - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By W.D. - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Since Day 1 this truck has been joy to drive. It eats road miles with NO problems at all. Around town isnt super but for a heavy vehicle its very OK. We like it so much my wife has refused a New Suburban!

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  never a problem - 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
  By allthatndoritoes - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Of all the years Ive drove this car I never had any major problems. Ive had the fuel pump go but that was all. The car is roomy, comfortable and has an good trunk size.

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  Ok - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Mr. Todd - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had motor mounts replaced twice , Blinkers have not worked beforew do not work now.

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  Inexpensive Fun - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Pyramid Scheme - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a fun car to drive at a moderate price. The 3.8 V-6 is plenty of power and the interior is chock full of features. I paid $6000 for a 99 w/ 80,000 miles on it. High miles, but have only had to replace the alternator and it has 102,000 miles now. I did routine maintenance (plugs, wires, fuel filter, serpentine belt, etc), but that all just normal