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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  Possible savior to GM? - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe Gerard - January 2 - 12:43 pm

  This is certainly an upgrade over the cheaper-looking Cavalier. Gas mileage is excellent. Depending on where you get gas at, you can get close to 400 miles on a full tank, and it doesnt cost much to fill up. It has a large trunk. Its certainly a fast car, closest thing to a Honda Civic out there. Its no wonder this is one of GMs best-selling vehicles right now. Considering all of the plant closings right now, I think GM was smart in upgrading the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant, because this vehicle could end up as the savior to the worlds largest automaker.

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  Quality Built! Its About Time! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ALHJR - January 2 - 9:09 am

  Ive always been a Chevy fan. But after a few purchases in the 1980s and 1990s I felt the build quality had went downhill so much I was wary of buying another Chevrolet product. I am no longer wary of the Chevrolet brand. Since buying this 2007 TrailBlazer well over a year ago I have nothing but praise for it. No problems what so ever. Build quality is outstanding. The ride and handling are great. The acceleration is wonderful. Highly recomended!

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  Better than a truck - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jcrichie - January 2 - 6:48 am

  For those who dont need a truck all the time, but need one occasionally the Avalanche is a perfect fit. It is built on a Suburban frame so it rides much more smoothly than a truck. The bed can be made into an 8 footer and makes a great bed for camping trips with the seats folded down. Very good build quality. GM makes good trucks and SUVs, my previous vehicle was a Tahoe.

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  Watch out. - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jordiec - January 1 - 11:37 pm

  After owning this car for 6 months, Ive already had to put more than 1k into repairs for it and there is currently something wrong with it, yet again. I bought this car used, with 76k on it and was in love with it! So far Ive had problems with the body control module, fan system, and doors. I admire the interior - the seats are comfortable and it is roomy. It also gets pretty good gas mileage for such a big car. However, it is completely unreliable. It is cheaply made - the materials used are low quality. Just yesterday the gas cap fell off and a piece of the trunk interior did aswell. If youre going to buy a used car - look elsewhere! It is not a wise investment.

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  An American Option - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By yellowroseoftexas - January 1 - 10:34 pm

  It took some getting used to but the car is very comfortable, performs as well as to be expected for an SUV. Braking is not as tight at my previous car and the air conditioning is not as cold. I like being able to sit high. The radio XM is great sound and the memory is a definite highlight. But the most impressive is the reminders of fuel and oil changes(super).

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  2005 Chevy Impala LS sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim McIntire - January 1 - 8:22 pm

  This car was purchased because the previous car owned a Pontiac Grand Prix was a lemon and a half and was traded in. My Impala was used with 24000 miles on it and now has 47000 miles and no trouble what so ever. Windows were already tinted and interior was what I wanted. Cannot ask for a better car and no complaints with the exception of the Goodyear tires and they are being replaced soon.

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  Recap: Malibu the car with personality - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Tyral H - January 1 - 7:22 pm

  Ater now owning the Malibu for a year now. I do not regret buying it. Have not had any problems with car with about 27k miles it has been 100% reliable. However still feel for a sport enthusiast a hp rating of 270 would be more than suffice. You will not be disappointed in the least. Handling is great very quiet and comfortable ride.

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  Cant replace headlights - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By paul - January 1 - 5:53 pm

  This car is so old now you cant replace the riding lights. But yes you have regular and highbeams. This car is big and nice and solid bought for $1500 with 60k mi and now has 118k mi but we put in over $2000 worth of work in it. No ABS brakes. This car is okay if you ignore those things. I predict this car works for 18 - 20 years

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  OK After One Year - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Satisfiedowner - January 1 - 11:10 am

  If money were no object, some relatively minor improvments would make the Aveo a contender. So, for the price paid ($10,400 brand new off the lot!), this car was a fantastic deal. Since new, and now with 11,000 miles, only two minor problems: a tire pressure sensor went on one wheel. No biggie. This was repaired by the dealer with no issues. Developed a front-end shudder due to improper lug torque on both front wheels. Again, an easy fix. Design and build quality is excellent. Seams are even and tight. Not a squeak or rattle has developed. Motor remains perky and trouble-free (easy starts, no stalls). There is a buzz in the gas pedal over 60 mph, but have learned to deal with it.

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  Wow - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By PT - January 1 - 4:00 am

  You owe it to yourself and your country to test drive this truck. It drives better than many cars with the obvious utility of a 1/2 ton full sized pickup. Technology which is second to none. 5.3 liter is powerful and fuel efficient if you can keep your foot out of it but after 20 years with 4 cylinder Toyotas good luck with that. 6 speed auto with manual controls. Onstar works great. Bottom line is if you want a vehicle that feels like a luxury car but can tow and haul all day long without tiring, you need to buy this truck. Oh yeah, youll get alot of compliments on its understated good looks.