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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  Put to rest - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By PK in CA - January 15 - 4:05 pm

  I purchased the LS new. After 140,000 the cat converter died. There were mechanical problems that seemed more frequent then I would have hoped. Good overall considering all the stop & go of Los Angeles. Brakes and tires performed well. Replaced battery after 5 years, spark plug wires needed replacing. No transmission problems, no electric motor problems.

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  My little Scat Back - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Big Joe - January 15 - 1:31 pm

  I came down in size from a TrailBlazer EXT to this Equinox Sport - to save gas. Best thing I ever did. This little mover can get up and run. It brought back fun in driving. Mileage is OK considering the HP it has. Good move!

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  Never Again - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ladyj43 - January 15 - 8:07 am

  I bought my Uplander in Jan 06 and it only had 3800 miles. Since then, I have had 2 sets of brakes, 3 sets of tires, my steering wheel readjusted, some kind of rod underneath replaced, and a few other things. Most of the problems came in the first 6 months. Thank God I bought an extended warranty for another $2700 on top of the amount I paid for the car. Complained to AG and Dept of Trans with no responses from either. Chevy wasnt trying to hear me either. I try to support American made because my dad is retired from GM, but American made is not supporting my pockets.

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  Better than expected - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob - January 15 - 7:13 am

  I own an Aveo5 2LT, 2009. The drive by wire is a little tough to get used to with the 5 speed, although I have adapted. The leatherette interior is very nice, but the drivers seat is already out of shape and this happened almost from day one. Overall though I am really happy with my purchase. The car is fun to drive and quite comfortable. If you are currently driving a larger car it will take a few days to adjust to the higher RPMs at highway speeds, but you really get a driving experience as opposed to feeling like you are sitting on your den sofa. Great little car for the money!

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  I love my Kor-Talian Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By R. Miller - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my half Korean half Italian Aveo!! It drives and handles with such confidence. No cases of leg cramps or claustrophobia in this baby. You get so many extras with this car for the price, you cant beat it!!! Youll just have to check it out!

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  Best car Ive ever driven - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By xphyle6774 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I am so pleased with the Monte Carlo! I always wanted a vehicle that not only looked great, but out-performed any other vehicle I previously owned. For a larger car, It is very easy to maneuver in parking lots and garages. The fuel efficiency surprised me for a V6, averaging better mileage than most 4-cyl. engines Chevy produces. I am a tall person, 5 11", and the interior design suits me well, even in the back seat. I owned a truck before and was worried about losing cargo space. No way...the trunk is HUGE.

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  nicest - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By kathyde - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i have never had a car that i could drive around and feel more comfortable in. it does not feel like a SLED, and definatinly not a BABY./ i get looks every where i go, and coments. like ;AWESOME CAR-BEAUTIFUL.

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  sporty cruiser - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By bash - January 15 - 2:00 am

  this is the first new car i have ever had i was so excited with it. I beieve i made a great choice.

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  My new Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Becki50 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 4 wheel dr veh for this vehicle and have never felt safer. It handles like a dream on snow and ice, and the best part is Im not afraid to drive in those conditionsm like I was with the 4 wheel drive. The only problem that I have found is opening the trunk when it has snow or ice on it, and it all falls in the trunk. Need a little different design.

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  Avalanche in use - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Fun - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck on thursday and went off roading on friday, it was a pleasure to drive and ride in, so far this has been one of my best purcheses. As for the interior I bought it with all leather that the dealership had done some where else. This is a awsome truck.