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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  Satisfied after reading your problems - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By satisfied - October 13 - 12:18 am

  I bought mine used to tow a loaded car hauler all over the country. I have driven it places I won`t take my big 4x4. It now has 240000 miles and still going. Regular maintenance on schedule. Never had any major problems untill this year. Radiator, water pump ,and fan all decided to commit suicide within a two month period. The mechanic that replaced everything was amazed at the condition under the circumstance of the heavy duty usuage. Everything was factory except alt., batt., brakes,the usual maintenance parts. One rear axle is going bad and I will be replacing it this week. I have driven this through creeks with water up to the doors and up and down mountains fully loaded. I won`t have anything else.

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  A very good American Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - October 12 - 11:50 pm

  I have had my Cobalt Coupe for a month now, and I am most impressed by the fuel economy and build quality. I am getting over 30 MPG in combined highway/city driving with the automatic. This car is assembled just as tight as a Honda or Toyota. I looked at the Corolla first, but the Chevy had more features, looked better, and was a couple of grand cheaper. I am not an import hater, as I have owned both Japanese and Korean imports in the past. GM has produced a first-rate car here at a very good price. This car is not like a Cavalier at all, it is well-built, gets good mileage, and is comfortable.

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  Excellent product - 2001 Chevrolet Express
  By LJRacing91 - October 12 - 10:01 pm

  I purchased this van from the original owner in May of 08 at 105k miles. Have put almost 40k miles on it since that time, as I drive hotshot. It has never left me hanging, and aside from the chronic taillight problem, valve guide seals, and an alternator, its been problem free. It hauls 3000lbs of payload easily, and has the ability to haul 3 full size pallets (12 total!). The seats are excellent for long trips, as I go out of town/state regularly. Would definitely recommend this van for work of any kind. An excellent hauler with plenty of power, and a stable ride, even with 3000lbs in the back. It doesnt drift or float. Keep it maintained and it will go forever.

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  Three years down the road. - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By daddysangel - October 12 - 8:42 pm

  We came from my second-hand 1996 Geo Metro 3-door hatchback dying from a major oil leak & my dads 1998 Chevy Malibu to my 2005 lazer blue with dealer installed gray pin-stripping `Nox LT. Id been lurking for year(s)searching for a vehicle to haul my WWII VFW dad & any future walking aids hed have. Regular oil changes, tire rotations & annual car wash is all it has needed (garaged for the last 2 years). The MPG was 14 in 2005 and I expect it to still be low since it only gets to run to the doctors, groceries, church and senior citizens club in a small town with 20 to 35 mph speed limits. It got a compliment this summer after its annual carwash about how pretty it was...is it new?

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  Great Value - 2014 Chevrolet Impala Limited
  By Lowry Croxdale - October 12 - 2:47 am

  This is my 3rd Impala. So, yes Im slightly biased. After owning 2 Acuras and 3 Hondas (yes I drive many miles each year) the Chevys have all been as good or better during long-term ownership. This is my 2nd Impala of this generation (2000-2013). The 1st was a 2007 LT with the 3.9L V6 engine and leather. Only options omitted on that model were the 18" wheels, sunroof and Nav. It has 160K miles on it and has only had regular maintenance performed on it. Still gets 27MPG on the highway with a load. Handed it down to my daughter when I bought my latest model - 2014 Impala LTZ Limited. It also has leather but includes sunroof and the 18" wheels. It has the 3.6L V6 under the hood. The 3.9L only had 230 HP while this latest model has 300 HP. Yes, for a 4 door sedan its really quick. But it still gets 26 - 28 MPG on the highway depending on the load and travel conditions. Not bad. Its very comfortable on long hauls, has a trunk you could hide a baby elephant in and looks pretty sharp. Considering I was able to purchase it for almost $1 a mile used (16,905 miles and price of $17,606) it was a STEAL. The newer Impalas look great, but with many of these "fleet" cars still available with low miles and low prices, save some money and grab one while you can. Might not be the fanciest or prettiest or fastest, but it wont leave you stranded and will be a solid value for quite some time. And the Bose stereo is pretty darn good as well. Nice place to spend a few hours on the road. Bonus - low insurance costs. Change the oil as recommended, keep good tires and brakes on it and itll last you. Update 3 months later - car is running great!

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  I love my "Lil" Car!! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Lils Mom - October 11 - 11:49 pm

  After paying almost $200 for a tank of gas in my Suburban, I decided it was time to make a change! I wanted a "no frills" car, didnt even know if they made such a thing! When I saw the Aveo5, it was exactly what I was looking for! After the initial shock of switching from a Suburban to this car, I was in love! Drove 2,000 miles the first month just because it is so fun to drive! My monthly payment is less than the cost of one tank of gas in my Suburban! I did have a stereo installed. Couldnt deal with AM/FM...but other than that, Im as thrilled as can be with my car. Her name is "No Frill Lil"....very basic, but an awesome drive!

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  Impressive - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Wvasko - October 11 - 4:31 pm

  Saw it, liked it, drove it, bought it. It was a great experience. The ride is smooth, acceleration good for nice sized rig and 6 cylinders. Exceptionally comfortable easy, to load groceries etc. Easy to get into and exit. Some dont like the seat belts, I do as they are lower than most and not across neck. We have been averaging 18.5 mpg. I was very impressed going over the bumps etc.

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  Not Chevy! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mo - October 11 - 2:13 pm

  After years of terrible experiences with Ford I was on my way to Chevy. I have always liked the look of Chevy it says sexy. My Chevy is anything but. I have a gas smell that comes through the vents that I have to roll down all windows to breathe for the first 5-8 minutes after cranking which after a year has still not been fixed due to the mechanics being unable to pinpoint the source. Runs sluggish I mean no take off except for this major lurch which scares me that I will one day run into someone. the CD player is worthless. I mean if I switch lanes it scratches and skips and the ride is rough. I am so disappointed. The good news is I will be trading it in soon for a Chevy truck.

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  Maxx LT is awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cronin722 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  A very fun and fast car. The console makes the front tight but the leg room is great in the front and back.

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  Chevy Malibu Base Model - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Wildbill1 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Car performs well, the four clyinder engine performs as well as the V6 engine. Fuel economy is excellent. The front seat area is slightly smaller than previous model years, also the back seat is smaller. Added features such as info is nice to have. Overall the car is excellent. The new design is great and looks great.