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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  Its a gamble - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gene - October 22 - 7:49 am

  Based on the other reviews its clear that if you get a sound Cobalt its a good purchase. The car my wife and I bought was dangerous right off the bat. Aprox. 2 weeks after purchase while going 40-45 mph the car died. A wiring harness had to be replaced. Since then its been back to the dealership for numerous repairs.

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  badazz - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By smith71 - October 22 - 7:43 am

  I picked up my car just a few days ago and already took it on a 500 mile day trip. It was comfortable enough for my 9 year old to be in the back seat for 10 hours. The car looks better in person than any pictures can show you.

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  This Truck Stomps all Foreign Makes - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Charles O. - October 22 - 5:46 am

  At first I thought that America could not build a quality not notch vehicle. Until I walked into a Chevy dealership with my friend. For years the magazines and newspapers rave about Toyota, Honda, Nissian and I fell for it. I admit it now, that I let others influence my choice of cars for the last 15 years. I opened my eyes and found that GM is by far making the best cars and trucks out on the market today. I went back to Toyota and Nissan to compare there fullsize trucks to the Chevy. Back and forth, for weeks. It was clear that I made the best decision. I let my friends borrow my truck for a couple of days and there was nothing negitive that they had to say.

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  Red Hot Cruzer! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Scotty B - October 21 - 10:55 pm

  Bought my Cruze LT used at a Honda dealer with 11,800 miles on it. The price is what drew me in as it was under $13000 before the dreaded haggle process. I love the car, its whisper quiet, has good pick up for a small 4 cylinder engine and I average 38 miles a gallon driving highway and city. The car came with heated seats, and the upgraded auto start keyless features. I am very impressed with the 7" information center as it links my phone apps to the screen. Maps, music, phone contacts and text are all hands free and work like a champ. The cars new sharper lines mimic the new civic and it really makes the car stand out. Many Cruze owners with older models stop and ask me about my experience in the new style. I formerly had a Kia Soul, loved it and it was very reliable, but the Cruze is my new favorite. Trunk space and passenger room is exceptional as well. Highly recommend checking it out.

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  A big winner - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Joe - October 21 - 8:53 pm

  Ive been waiting for this one for awhile, and Im not disappointed! A tremendous package of features (I have an LT3 with a few extras). GM has finally gotten the message on the interior...matches up to any euro luxury model out there. Big improvement in steering (radius inside 35 feet, very responsive on the highway).

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  Cobalt is a keeper - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelvin - October 21 - 6:20 pm

  On our first long trip we got 33-35 mpg. Seats were comfortable considering it is a sub-compact. Very quiet ride, little tire noise with the Perelli tires and 16 inch wheels that came with the sports package.

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  My Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mstexas - October 21 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had my Trailblazer about a year. I bought it slightly used. Overall it has been good. Ive had a problem with the rack and pinon steering ($1000 repair) and the power door locks failing to lock the rear glass using the key fob. I feel very safe and secure as I drive and there is no wind noise. Overall, a good purchase

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  Fun Car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jim - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I was looking for a retro style car, was looking at PT Cruisers, when I stopped in to the local Chevy store. I didnt know they were making the SS verison. Drove both and for the extra bucks the turbo is well worth the extra. Its a fun car to drive with the 5 speed. Under hard acceleration have a good grip on the steering wheel, there is a lot of torque steer. I guess they have relocated the window switches because mine are on the door and the cup holders arent covered by an arm rest. My only complaint is my right leg rests against the center console and is uncomfortable other than that I really like the car.

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  Love My Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By txsixguns - October 21 - 2:42 am

  I love My 07 Avalanche. Great truck. Rides like a Cadillac, hauls and tows like a truck. Great camping vehicle. Great to have lockable bed. My only complaint is rear seats are not comfortable on back for a long car trip. Been back to the dealer for replacing interior door handle and 2 computer updates. Gets much better gas mileage on reg gas vs e85. Dont recommend e85. Runs sluggish and get 11-12 mpg vs 17-23.

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  Its a GREAT vehicle!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Leslie Wall - October 21 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw it I thought it was the ugliest car Id ever seen. After driving it I decided it was so ugly it was cute! It rides like a luxury car, has plenty of interior room, and can haul 2 motorcycles and 6 adults comfortably. This is the best vehicle Ive evr owned. My sister and my father have both bought their own, and couldnt be happier. Thanks for a awesome car.