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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  05 LS Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By SD05LSBU - August 27 - 6:59 pm

  So far so good with 1700 miles, flawless performance, fun to drive. Very fast with good acceleration. It is my wifes car and she feels very safe and comfortable in the malibu. Of course, I drive it whenever she lets. The ride and performance are really great for the money. Overall a great car.

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  Reliable, Comfy Car Overall - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By A.D. - August 27 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my 2003 Chevy Malibu with 11,000 miles on it. I now have 22,000 miles on it. I dont drive long distances (everywhere I go is pretty much within 15 miles of my house), but this car gets me from Point A to Point B safely. I dont worry about breaking down in the middle of the night. Ive had this car for about a year and a half, and the only thing its been at the mechanics shop for is the routine oil change every 3,000. Thats it. This is a very low-maintenance, reliable, comfortable car, great on gas, has sufficient pickup with its V6 engine. Factory stereo/CD system is superior to most factory systems. It rocks. And the car looks nice, too! Im very happy with my Malibu.

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  From MB back to GM - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Messina Mommy - August 27 - 2:16 pm

  I finally splurged and got the black on black Mercedes I had always wanted. As a single mom of 3 boys, I was ready to get into something sporty. After 7 months of driving a little tiny sedan (C300), I realized that it just wasnt practical. Having 3 boys (ages 17, 7, & 6), I need something thats tough, practical and can withstand how hard we are on our car. I went to a dealership with all intensive purposes of purchasing a Tahoe. I had 3 in the past and new I loved them. The dealer had the Traverse LTZ on the show room floor. I test drove it & was so relieved to have that Solid, Chevy SUV feeling back. Test drove the Tahoe & decided I loved the Traverse LT2 in silver! Love it! Get one!

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  Still Going! - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Angela K - August 27 - 1:43 pm

  To date I have over 186,000 miles & still going without any major repairs or replacements! Just regular maintaince & she keeps running!

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  Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By DeSanto - August 27 - 12:40 pm

  This vehicle rides well and has plenty of leg room in the front as well as the rear. Handles well and I feel the ride is very good. The heated seats are a plus on cold days. The automatic start should be standard on all cars, as it is extremily convenient. The only thing is the hatchback closing. You have to excert force to make sure it is latched. The computerize display is really good, but the back lighting could be improved, not very bright. All in all I consider it one of the better cars I have owned.

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  The best car going - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Very Happy - August 27 - 1:53 am

  I have owned two Montes, still driving my 1980 around. This 1999 is great I have done Trips to PG and down to Oregon from Vancouver sometimes driving a straight 12 hours never a problem Great engine great P/u and go, Very dependable. I have over 220,000 and still running strong very little maintenance, way to go Chevy!

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  Life in the Rod lane - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Willy D - August 27 - 12:08 am

  We have had many performance vehicles, and none received the attention like the SSR. I first saw them at the 50th birthday party for Corvette in Nashville. As my high school vehicle was a 51 chev. pickup, I was impressed with the design. Now that we have a SSR we are not disappointed. I describe it as a Corvette that you can use everyday. With the cockpit feel of the Corvette, chopped top and wide body its got the Look. The LS2 is a sweet engine. The power and handling is amazing for such a heavy vehicle.(its about 1400lbs more than the C5)Cost seems to be the main concern, but a street rod is not for everyone. No way could you build one with this much content and reliability FOR 45K

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  Great Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Cliff - August 26 - 4:10 am

  After having two Z71 Suburbans, I gave in and purchased a truck that could pull my 30ft. RV and still be driver in the city. This is a great truck, quality is tops. I have almost 4000 miles and have not had any problems. I have also noticed that once the truck warms up, the mileage is not bad for a big gasoline engine. I have averaged 16 on the road and around 13 in town. Considering the size, power etc. this is not bad. The six speed transmission is great for pulling. My RV weighs in at about 7500lbs and you cant even tell its there. I have driven in North Carolina pulling the trailer in the mountains with no issues. I havent missed my Suburban.

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  Trail Blazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mike - August 25 - 10:40 pm

  Very powerful engine for a V-6, sleek exterior, very roomy interior, great suspension, feels like you are riding on glass.

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  Grood Decision - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Randy - August 25 - 11:40 am

  I liked the malibu when it first came out but had to wait for my lease to end. Wanted a sedan and really like GM design Came down to saturn aura, pontiac g6 and malibu, I never owned a chevy but when i drove one i was hooked.The price i got it for was great I have owned maybe 20 new cars but for some reason this one really excites me!! I examined this car inside and out over and under and could find no flaws Color me satisfied