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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  Uncertain - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By garcia2107 - January 20 - 7:50 pm

  I bought my Nox in 2006 with 9 miles on it. At first I thought it was a great buy, but two and a half years later, its one thing after another with this wagon. It acts up every other day, refusing to start, the check engine light is always popping up and it feels as though I really have to step on the pedal to reach thirty mph. I have thought about trading in for a car but I would be in the hole about 4k. I do not recommend anyone buying this car.

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  Love It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Becky - January 20 - 5:29 pm

  Just bought this truck 2 weeks ago, so I can only speak to the reliability during that time. So far, so good. I do know the dash was replaced before I bought it, so that timebomb is taken care of. As to gas mileage, Im getting on average of 22 mpg highway and 15 city. Comparable to my F150. Love the handling. Snow and ice dont make me nervous anymore. This thing is a rock! Id buy a new one tomorrow if I could. Much better than the Explorer, and Im usually a diehard Ford freak. The stereo and DVD are just icing. Love the straight 6.

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  I still love this minivan - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Kerri J - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  We bought this minivan because of the 8 passenger capability. It has some minor issues like the cup holders are awful, and clearing snow from the windsheild is a nightmare due to design. We had a sensor light fuse that cost $400 to replace because of access. But despite all of this I had an accident and rolled this minivan with my 4 children and we all walked away with out a scratch. We are getting another one.

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  Not Reliable - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anne - January 20 - 12:21 pm

  Fun car to drive, but not very reliable. At 46,000 miles the water pump went out, at 71,000 miles the tranmission started leaking, at 110,000 the power steering pump went out. I have ongoing problems with the tire pressure monitors. The remote fob doesnt work unless you are within approximately 5 feet of the car, which makes the remote start virtually worthless. I also own a 2002 Impala LS with 250,000+ miles on it, that I have had no problems with so at least I have something reliable to drive I will never again purchase a GM automobile due to these issues, I will be purchasing a Toyota Camry soon.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By wv-chevy - January 20 - 11:07 am

  First of all it is great on gas mileage (I have the 2.2 ECO-TEC), I got 500+ miles out of a tank once on a straight interstate trip, usually get 350-375 miles or so with mixed driving. It is fun to drive, very responsive and handles very well. I live in an area where there is some snow in the winter and I have yet to have a problem getting around when the roads are snow/slush covered. Outside the car really isnt much to look at but it isnt an eye sore either. The interior is about the same, fairly plain, not great looking but its not terrible either. The seats are comfortable enough and there is ample room in the back for passengers.

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  Im very optimistic though - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By consider ur options - January 20 - 10:47 am

  Well I traded in my 02 Envoy for the 08 Equinox sport, and by far I miss the smoothness of the ride the Envoy had. I had 150,000 miles on it and it still rode better. I like the Equinox, I dont love it. I do like the mpg better though. The turning radius is not good. Lots of blind spots! Its kind of a flimsy car. My buddy sat on the hood and it dented so easily, but I guess that is just how cars are built today. It handles very nice, but does not shift smooth at all. When I have the cruise control on it annoys me. It is good in the snow, but wish I would of got AWD. I love the remote start and the heated seats. I have the good stereo, but for some reason it does not get loud enough.

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  Trustworthy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - January 20 - 6:23 am

  This has been one my better vehicles ever. Except for a factory replacement of the fuel level sending unit a few days after purchase, (it wasnt gauging correctly), Ive had no problems. My wife uses it for a 50 mile daily commute and it keeps on going. It still runs like brand new and drives as straight as new, hasnt needed an alignment as of yet.

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  Great ride - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By birdlady - January 19 - 9:49 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used. I have had the vehicle a week and it is great. I read everything I could before purchasing. This is the most confortable ride I have ever been in, it is fun to drive. In the week since I got it we have had almost 9 inches of snow. It handles great! I highly recommend this vehicle. I cant say enough.

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  Love It - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Derrick Family - January 19 - 8:11 pm

  I bought my LT a couple of months ago used with 35K miles, I have already put 10K miles on it and I have to say, unless mechanical problems arise to dampen my enthusiasm, I absolutely love this car. It is comfortable and roomy (even for a large person like me), quiet, zippy (yes, it really is, even with the 4 cyl.!), the heater rocks and will fry your face off from a cold start in less than 3 minutes (usually more like 1 minute in Texas winter!). Love the sunroof, love the styling, love it all. Wish I had gotten a lighter color (I have the darker red) exterior and darker color interior though. Almost my favorite car Ive ever owned. (Still partial to my old Grand Prix GT!)

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  Korean Quality! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Never Again - January 19 - 4:46 pm

  This car was awful. Ive owned it less than six months and Ive had to put an average of $400 per month to keep it on the road. In the time that I have owned it, three of the four wheel bearings have gone bad, the tranny went, the engine is going.