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 Transportation - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Paul H. McLaughlin - January 22 - 8:43 am

  I have found it to be very reliabile and responsive. I am always surprised at the fast response with the six.

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  Never again - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By JUNK - January 22 - 8:36 am

  I purchased my Blazer in July with 38,000 m. In December at 49,000 I had to replace the transmission. Since then things have gone downhill. Ive had to replace both tie rod ends, my rocker arm, 4 door hinges, my windows get stuck in the down position in 5 degree weather. My gas gauge picks its days to work. An to top it all off again I am replacing the transmission for the second time! I have always been a Chevy fan until now. It has been the biggest lemon ever!

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  To the moon - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By john - January 22 - 12:17 am

  Ive driven this car to the moon and back. The car has 255,000 miles now. Transmission was replaced at 180000. Never had any major repairs since. The car is just great. Still drives straight, and still has plenty of power. The car has had mobil 1 oil regularly since its first oil change, and thats the difference right there.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Randy H - January 21 - 9:09 pm

  This was my second Malibu - had a 2004 totalled in accident. Loved the 2004 so much I wanted nothing else besides another Malibu. Have had it over two years and put 52,000 miles on it, and never had it in the shop other than routine maintanence like oil changes and tire rotations. It gets better gas mileage than even some 4-cylinder engines.

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  Love my little blue rollerskate! - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Monstertrouble - January 21 - 8:11 pm

  At least thats what my husband calls it. My little rollerskate. Ive had it almost a year now and its still as fun to drive as it was the day I bought it. My little AWD goes through the deep snow like a dream. Theres tons of room in the back for the kids to stretch out and we can still take the dog along with us on road trips and it gets decent gas mileage. The only complaint I have for my Equinox is that it is a little lightweight, if the wind is really blowing I have to keep both hands at 10 and 2 to keep it steady. But up here in Michigan we dont get too many windy days so its only been a stressful ride once or twice. All in all its a great little family car. Cute and fun to drive.

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  Back Ache - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By JL - January 21 - 1:00 pm

  Althrough Ive had this car for only a short time, less than three weeks, I did drive a 2008 Impala for a year (company car). Because of the pleasant experience with the 08 I decided to buy an 09 when I had to return the company car. However I find the 2009 to be extremely uncomfortable as compared with the 2008, specifically the lumbar. It doesnt deflate all the way as it should, and it really really hurts my back (and others who have driven my car). This seems to be the way it is on all 2009s. (No problem with the 2008s.) Ive been told "this is the way it is" and nothing can be done. This flaw should be corrected but I suspect it will not be because its not a safety issue.

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  2007 Tahoe LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By John - January 21 - 10:06 am

  LTZ looks and drives great. Have driven Tahoes for years and the difference in styling and ride is immediately apparent. Twenty inch wheels look great. 3.9% for 36 and 4.9% for 48 Months is available from GMAC. Has a 3" wider stance which definitely adds to looks and stability. Check it out if you are lucky enough to find one on the lot.

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  Lots of ROOM!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Cdog - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV at a great price. It has lots of room for passengers or for stuff. The seats fold down and provide you with enough space to put just about anything. Ride is great.

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  My Duramax Dually - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  By eightball - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I pull a 32 ft. fifth wheel which is my home and office. I am extremely happy with the power, convience, ease to drive and mileage I get on this vehicle. It is a little rough to use as a standard mode of transportation when not performing as a tow vehicle as the ride is stiff due to its stiff suspension etc. The comforts in the cab as far as leather, power seats, Bose sound system, On-star, heated seats etc. makes life a bit easier on long trips. I make long trips for my employment which involve coast to coast travel many times, this vehicles ability to do that job in relatively good comfort and convience of operation makes me a happy owner.

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  Everyone Needs To Drive It !!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Terminator - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Like they say everyone should drive it. My wife had a Camry owner approach her to find out what it was all about. He was looking for a new car. Fast powerful easy to drive these are a few of the things that make me enjoy it.