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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  Camaros Rule - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Derek - September 24 - 10:38 pm

  I have had a 3.8 V6 Camaro since june when I graduated. Its t-topped and the best ride I have ever owned. I have cold air intake, loud dual exhaust, and high performance tires. It is also chipped out to 255 hp. This car is fast. I would definitely recomend this car to anybody wanting a nice ride to cruise town with.

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  I like it! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By TJK - September 24 - 9:33 pm

  I too had a problem with the Shifter Indent Switch/Key from Ignition problem prior to my warranty running out. I consistantly get 33+ MPG driving both two-lane and freeways. The worst tank was 26 MPG while using the remote start in sub-zero weather. With nearly 40,000 miles in a year, I guess Ill have to drive it into the ground. I would guess my trade-in value is shot!

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  My favorite ride - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Connie - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  Wow! I bought my HHR almost 1 year ago and I still love it. It is the first vehicle I have owned that did not have new car bugs or problems. I have not had to take it back to the dealer even once since I bought it. I bought the Victory Red version, and the paint still glistens. The interior is holding up very well. The features are amazing for the price range. Gas mileage is excellent. Power to go is there. Handling is good except behind a 18 wheeler on the interstate then you get buffeted around a bit. I would (and have) recommend this vehicle to my friends.

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  I love my Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By elle11 - September 24 - 12:22 pm

  I needed a car and I had never heard of a Cobalt till I got to the dealer. This was the first car that I looked at and I wanted one that day and didnt want to go anywhere else. I love this car. It is a smooth ride with huge trunk space. I cant believe though that the Saturn Ion is said to be the same car. The Cobalt is 100% better than the ION all around. I cant even believe that the Cobalt is getting compared to such an ugly hunk of cheap junk. I am not saying that the Cobalt is expensive or luxury, but it is next to the ION. I would not trade my Cobalt. My dog even loves it. I have had a few minor problems, but that had something to do with the dealers error. This is a great car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GM BELIEVER - September 24 - 1:43 am

  Why arent there more on the road? This car offers you everything for a reasonable price. I have the top of the line LT and can not think of an option that I still would want; heated seats, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, remote start (which I can never live without again!) power moonroof, etc. It has plenty of pep and handles and rides great. It has enough cargo room to move a student to college. The only gripes are the intrusive "A" pillars and lousy OEM tires and brake rotors. Other than that, people are missing out on the Maxx revolution!

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  Great ride - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By great ride - September 24 - 12:04 am

  I get more pleasure driving this car then my 2008 STS Caddy. Still a head turner. Seats are realy comfortable and everything is heavy duty.

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  $15,000 Nightmare - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Harry - September 23 - 5:13 pm

  Well, to sum it up in one word, the word "nightmare" comes to mind. The car is actually very nice to drive, handles better than my Mustang ever did, and it has just enough pep to get me into trouble. However, let me tell you the bad about it. There is this rather loud, annoying rattle, which can not be figured out by two different dealerships. Had it in five times, parts replaced every time, and still nothing. Also, it has this little issue that makes it not start at the most of inconvenient of times. No one can figure that one out either. I will tell you that to me, this car is the biggest waste of money, and "GM integrity" that I have ever encountered. GM: Build a better Cobalt!

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  Oil consuption - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jim - September 23 - 3:35 pm

  I was just on the web checking to see if any others had a oil problem. Was surprised to find many of the same problems Ive had. The car goes through 1 to 2 quarts of oil between changes. Braking is not as good as it should be. The dealership has replaced the tire monitor for the right front tire, and the entire computer at least 5 times now. That became so frustrating that the first thing I do when I get in now is hit the button to get rid of the message. Other small misc problem too small to list. Really a shame because I love to drive this car

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  This is my 3rd one! Keep on buying them - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
  By This is my 3rd one.. - September 23 - 1:39 pm

  This is the 3rd Prism Ive bought new. I used to buy a new one every 2 -3 yrs with an 84/day commute. Since I done have the drive anymore, I am driving this one til it dies. I have 130k and have never had anything serious to repair. A new battery, tires and just today a new starter. I had to repair 2 of the doors and one of the electric locks doesnt work. I would definitely buy another Prism!

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  All around good, smaller SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Rob - September 23 - 12:48 pm

  This car survived 2.5 winters in the Albany cold while being driven my a college student. While many friends cars died due to the cold, my Tracker started anytime. The 4x4 is fun for the mountains, snow and the few times I was able to bring it off-road. The car is roomy for the two people in front, but has little space for the people in the back. I am 64" and fit in the car great, but rarely does someone sit behind me. Decent amount of room. I fit a 6 foot long bookcase inside and can handle a queen size bed on the top. I have had to put very little work into this car. Belts twice, alternator, front brakes, and front rotors. Under the hood this car is tight.