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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  My Experience - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By JYoho - July 21 - 10:00 am

  After 2 years and being someone that keeps vehicles a long time, I am ready to unload this one. The squeeks and rattles have won; I am tired of fighting with Chevrolet who tells me to go to the dealer and the dealer who says that they cant do anything about the poor quality. The drivetrain made a lot of noise until the 11th trip to the dealer who finally replaced it. Finally confessed there was a problem with it. The squeek in the leaf springs is an ongoing battle that I am losing. The squeeks and groans in the body flex are common and to the point where I expect them. Cans say that I will buy another GM product.

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  The worst vehicle I have ever owned - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By andrew - July 21 - 12:17 am

  31K two original tires replaced for odd bulges and noises. 44k both rear brake slave cylinders leaking brake fluid. 45k cd player stops playing. 47k lower manifold intake gasket failing and fuel filter leaking gas. 53k rack and pinion leaking power steering fluid and upper intake gasket leaking oil. This vehicle has been well maintained, regular oil changes etc. Even so Its in the shop alot! I dont care what kind of deal your getting, beware, spend your money else where!

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  Not Recommened - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By clarkj_18 - July 3 - 1:36 pm

  I got my 99 Chevy Malibu in 2002 with about 110,000 miles on it. It now has 170,000 on it. Within these past few years I have replaced more in this car then i had paid for it. The first thing i had to replace was the starter, followed by the headgasket, radiator, timing chain, brakes at least 4 times in a year. Hoses which are cheap and are mostly easy to replace, but Ive had a couple go. This car is very comfortable and roomy but in my experience is not reliable at all.

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  DISAPPOINTED - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Boop - June 28 - 10:00 am

  New door strap replaced didnt cure problem w/new part one day stopped. Dome Lights come on when hit a bump Wont do it when in for service, 4-wheel drive stopped working had to be reprogrammed. Hesitation from 1st to 2nd gear. Occasionally wants to stall when backing out of garage or parking spots. Engine noise seems to be getting loud. I bought GM product due to Family discount - MISTAKE. Dealership service is good though. For the price not worth it! I believe its down the road and back to TOYOTA! "Prior Owner of Toyota- DOESNT COMPARE!! I should have visited this website before buying!

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  Dissapointed Chevy Fan - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Chris - June 25 - 8:06 pm

  Fuel Economy significantly lower than advertised. Air conditioning performance declines every season, dealer has noted noise but did not fix. Wore out tires prematurely. Has suspension clunks in front and rear which dealer has noted but never fixed.Now it has a grinding in the front which comes and goes but "could not be reproduced by dealer.Our new car is now more disappointing to drive than the 96 we sold when we bought the Aveo. I have always been a supporter and fan of Chevy. The Aveo and Doug Chevy have changed that. I will never buy a new Chevy again.

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  I regret buying my Tahoe. - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By walt2364 - June 24 - 3:46 pm

  At 45K miles, the vehicle is in the shop for its second transmission rebuild (first occurred at 29K). Dealer initially told me that a loaner would not be available, but after a call to the service manager, they provided me with a Cobalt. The vehicle does not make good use of its interior space. 3rd row seats offer no room for passengers or storage behind. Overall, I couldnt be more dissatisfied with this purchase.

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  Worst car buying decsion ever - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jason Brit - June 24 - 12:13 pm

  Had an excellent experience the frist few months then all the problems began causing a lemon law to be filed. Brakes repaired 4 times, radio replaced, speakers replaced, leak around gas tank, ignation replaced and power outlets not connected (replaced). Dealing with GM has been and is one of the most difficult and fustrating experiences I have ever had. Needles to say I will never buy another GM and will encourage anyone else to do the same.

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  Never Again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JW - June 24 - 6:46 am

  Bought used with 30,000 miles, good looking vehicle. have had numerous problems. 4 wheel drive went out so did read end. Also dual climate doesnt work and has been fixed 3 times. Terrible wind noise, washer fluid quits working has been repaired 4 times. Very hard on tires as well will now get good mileage no matter how many times you rotate them. Terrible fuel mileage as expected. Parts are very expensive as alternator costs over $200. Oil is difficult to change with the cover plate and design. Make sure you change tranny fluid or you will have that to deal with. Overall a good looking vehicle but probably the last Chevy I will ever own unless I buy a Corvette.

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  1999 Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lacy - June 17 - 2:23 pm

  Bought mine used 2 years ago. I am coming up on 100,000 miles and have had no serious problems yet. The brakes are going to need to be changed soon (now) and I have replaced one headlight bulb and a Serpentine belt that was on there when I bought it and snapped because It was too small in the first place. I like that it is so roomy but I think the design is quite ugly. I have a feeling that I will be running into a ton of problems in a few thousand more miles, despite the fact that I take excellent care of the car. *crosses fingers*

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  Better Quality - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jerry - June 13 - 9:34 pm

  Have had TrailBlazer for almost 2 years. Have had it in the shop 3 times and is heading back for service 4 wheel drive light is on and I have not used the 4 wheel drive for 3 months. The interior is pretty cheap and the middle arm rest is squeaky when you rest your arm on it. The mpgs I get are about 16/17. When you fill up, gas always spills out at the end. Have always bought GM vehicles and this will be the last one I buy.