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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  Big woman in small car & still happy - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By pessimisticrealist - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a 61" 300+ pound all woman who was in search of a car that would get better mpg than the piece of @#*) I was driving. I was having alot of problems due to my size. I couldnt get into most 4drs because the doors are just too darn short. I wanted an American automobile & had just about decided to buy a Kia Sephia (four door bunches of room) when someone at work bought a 2dr Cavalier & I borrowed it to run to the store.Except for the small hip area & lack of length on the seat belt,I fell in love.It took a little while to get used to the enormous dash area but otherwise,I loved it. It has room enough for my husband & I.

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  Great Minivan with lots for goodies - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Farheen - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this WB edition specially for our kids, and long drives and commutes. Lots of room, and 8 people can sit without any problem. Fuel consumption is good, and we are getting 18/26 as per books. Engine is fine, but need more power, as some time feel that this big box is not moving. There is no RPM gauge in Venture, but in other sibling (Montana) its there..over all great buy, saved over 7000 on msrp.

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  A Few Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CZ006 - September 18 - 11:53 am

  After having my Cobalt for a month, I noticed that the paint was peeling on the roof. I returned to the dealer and they indicated that it was some chemical problem with the paint. They had the spots painted for me. Upon getting it back there was a new spot so I had to return it again. I wasnt really happy with the spot painting because if it can happen on the roof whats to stop it from happening on the rest of the car. Also have a problem with the cloth coming up around the door handle which they did agree to fix as well. All in all, Ive been to the dealership 8 times and I have only owned the car 2 1/2 months. Im sad that my first experience with a new car had to be like this.

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  Good looking truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Mike - September 17 - 11:18 am

  I have had this truck for over a year now I LOVE IT. I think the Chevy AV is by far the best looking truck on the road. The two things I would change would be some type of back up camera and make changes to front end. I have notice more than a little play in the stearing wheel.

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  Boring and Dependable - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By rozellium - September 17 - 2:00 am

  We needed a cheap car with low monthly payments that we could count on. The Prizm hasnt let us down a bit. With almost 60, 000 miles, weve had absolutely no problems other than routine maintenance like brakes. However, this no luxury vehicle. It pretty cramped, makes lots of noise especially on the highway, and doesnt have the most comfortable ride. Nothing to get excited about, but then again if your looking at a Corolla/Prizm you probably not the exciting type.

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  Good Car - 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Carman - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable and cost- efficient.

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  1999 Astro Regency Conversion Van - 1999 Chevrolet Astro
  By Bob Smith1 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for two growing kids. Lots of room and ours came with a TV/VCR for those long hauls. All around solid, dependable van.

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  Corvos Z28 rating - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John Corvo - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 93 camaro Z-28 a year ago and I think i like it more now than I did when i first got it. The Z28 camaro engine, the LT-1 is quite a workhorse. Its torque kicks you back in your seat while you hit 0-60 in under 6 seconds. I have added a Borla Dual Cat- back exhaust, a Moroso cold air intake, a BBK pulley kit, and a Holley air foil and my camaro has reached about 310hp at the rear wheels. If your looking for a car to put imports in there place then a camaro Z28 is all you need.

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  Great Car-if you can live w/a few quirks - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Steve E - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 6 months ago with 70,000 miles, and have put about 4,000 miles on it since. It has been reliable, except for a faulty A/C Switch, which I understand is a common part to fail on this vehicle. It has lots of space with a big trunk, plenty of little storage spaces to stick your "stuff" up front, and a nicely designed, ergonomic interior. This car was really cheap, so I dont expect it to be as reliable as a Honda Accord, at which time cost over $5000 more for a similar 98 model. Overall, Im satisfied with the car for the small amount of money I spent, I can live with a few minor problems here and there.

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  Not too bad - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By earthwindandfire - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2WD 4DR new, and still have it as of Sep, 2002. Take good care of it. Just replaced water and gas pump (inside the tank) plus oil and miscellaneous to the tune of $1400 at 66,000 miles. Ouch. Other than that, though, its not too bad. No other major repairs. Fits everything, comfortable seats, lots of legroom for tall drivers (Im 64"), pretty nice stereo. Driver seat leather does wear out, and gets shiny. Not too shabby a vehicle overall. Been driving a Lexes LX470 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, both of which make the Tahoe look pretty bad, I have to say.