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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  Absolutley Incredible - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Best Decision I Made - November 5 - 12:44 am

  I have had this truck now for almost a year with 12k miles and I could not be happier. I have had no problems with this vehicle at all and lover the styling and comfort as well as the versatility. I am always being complemented on the truck, it looks much more expensive than it really is. I have added 22" chrome wheels, chrome front and rear light accesories as well as on the back liftgate handle area. I have the LTZ pretty much loaded with the rear camera and nav, which is extremely helpful. For anyone looking for an SUV that also doubles as a truck there is nothing that compares, especially if you are looking for true 4 wheel drive. This blows the socks off of the Honda Ridgeline.

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  One Awesome Rider - 2001 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Mike - November 4 - 10:39 pm

  Ive had this car for two years starting with 117,000 miles and put 20,000 on it myself and I replaced the factory stereo and a few mechanical parts myself and shes still ticking strong.

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  Excellent GM Product - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tom - November 4 - 5:03 pm

  I loved my 07 Cadillac, but when I saw the new Camaro I was blown away, and knew I wanted one. I read many reviews before I purchased the car, and have been pleasantly surprised because the car has exceeded the high expectations I had.

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  Love it! - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
  By JJ - November 4 - 1:20 pm

  I have had several much more expensive cars, but I love this one the most. The gas mileage is great and it is small and maneuverable and can be parked anywhere! I drive a lot of miles and it is unexpectedly comfortable, even on long trips. Not a huge amount of power (watch out when passing!), but fun to drive. Perfect for toting around 2 large dogs. Had some problems with the power windows wearing out and the exterior portion of the door handles breaking. Other than that, no major maintenance issues (knock on wood). 145,000 miles and counting!

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  Malibus are trouble - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By nicole - November 4 - 12:26 pm

  I bought this car used at 70,000 miles and have had it only a year. I have had more problems than I can believe. I put more money into it than it cost in general. Ive had my car to 4 different auto shops and 2 dealerships several times and no one can permanently fix the problem. Ive fixed the starter module twice, fuel pump, ignition switch, 3 censors, radiator, brakes twice and several connections were so rusty they quit working. Right now its sitting in my drive way because it wont start. Do not buy a Chevy Malibu ever! Its a huge waste of money.

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  2001 Cavalier - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By angela - November 4 - 10:08 am

  I havent had any problems with it yet, besides the cruise control not working and the A/C doesnt work so it gets really hot in the summer with the dark interiors. But not using the A/C gives me even better gas mileage.

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  Extremely pleased with the Cobalt SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chase Hess - November 4 - 7:30 am

  This car is very well rouded. It has performance, handling, style, fuel economy and isnt too expensive; $19,500 brand new w/all but 6 disc changer Power is solid up to 3500 rpm and then she just screams all the way up to redline at 6500 rpm with an auto trans The power is exhilarating. Handling is absoltutely superb while maintaining a pleasant ride (even my wife doesnt complain). Fuel economy is good considering the power (175 HP). I usually get about 26 miles per gallon with a pretty even split of city and highway driving(and my pedal to the floor). I think this car is the total package. I test drove a few other competitors with comparable economy and the Cobalt SS was the obvious choice

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  Great Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By AmZ - November 4 - 3:30 am

  Great driving, very smooth! Comfortable and spacious. Back seats are great! 3 adult size people fit very comfortable compared as the Eclipse Coupe. Sport look! Beautiful car! I highly recomend this car!

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  Love it but hate it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By britt - November 3 - 10:03 pm

  I love my Cobalt. It gets great gas mileage. However I hate it. I have had my steering column replaced twice along with the control arms on both sides. These problems also created more issues for me with my brakes and needing to replace my tires because the dealership refused to fix them when I took my car in. But finally with persistence the issues were resolved. But its a month later and the noise is back. I was told this was not a problem that is heard of with my car but lately I hear that the cobalt is known for their front end issues. But other than the front end issue and overall when my car is fixed I do honestly enjoy it.

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  Great, well-rounded car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By 2005 Malibu Maxx - November 3 - 7:36 pm

  I purchased this car used and have had it for about 3 months now. In this time, I have come to love the style, comfort, and reliability this car offers. I feel safe in it and love to drive it. For the 3.5L engine, it gives off lots of pep and still gets great gas mileage (I consistently get 26-30 MPG mixed driving). It also offers great versatility with the folding down seats and huge rear cargo space. Even with 80k on it, it drives like a new car and is just right for me. The only thing I dislike about the model is that they discontinued making it after 07!