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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  So So - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Eric - July 1 - 6:46 pm

  When I purchased the car it had a whine from the power steering pump, but was corrected by replacing the hose with a larger diameter one. Had replaced the alternater 3 times with a battery each time. Fuel economy is about 19 mpg average. Car rides like a dream and power is great. Anti-lock brakes and AC does not work and too costly to repair.

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  Caution, I wouldnt buy another one - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By T. Bronk - July 1 - 3:07 pm

  I bought this car brand new in late 2004. I had it for about three months, when the steering gears needed replacement. About a year and 1/2 later, I had the same issue. Again, replaced the steering gears and guess what is wrong again. Not to mention I have already had the heater unit replaced and now the AC unit doesnt work. For the money, you get a good deal, but for the value, I dont think so. Its funny, I bought a Mazda & Chevy from this dealer, and when I asked them which 1 they thought I have brought into the shop the most, they said the Mazda. WRONG 7 years NO ISSUES. Chevy Malibu on the other hand... Going to head out and trade in this junk car, Now I know why they are going belly up

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Telesia - June 30 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this vehicle and from day one have had problems. I have the LTZ and first the sunroof and entertainment system broke on day one, they replaced it. Then the check engine light came on twice and fixed it something with the omission system covered by warranty. Then the door handle came off for no reason in my hand, not covered by warranty, dealer said this happens to Tahoes. Then intermediate steering column makes clunk noise not covered by warranty GM is aware of problem but wont recall it because not a safety issue. costs $300. I dont know about you but steering is a safety issue. No trunk space with 3rd row up. Not happy cant wait to trade it.

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  Buyer Beware - 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
  By MR - June 30 - 1:28 pm

  Nothing but headaches since we purchased it. Back and forth to dealership to address shuddering/vibration and power issues. (5 times so far) No codes no TSB so they say no problem, car has intermittent shudder at low speeds occurring while accelerating up incline now occurs any time accelerating. Told vibration is normal for these vehicles due to electronic drive system.hesitation when pressing on gas going up inclines lack of power feels as if struggling to get up hill,could not imagine how this could tow anything,shuddering at times is quite severe in as whole vehicle feels as if it shakes, does not seem normal.Customer service at GM is less than helpful

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  What it needs - 2017 Chevrolet Trax
  By Ralph O - June 28 - 11:31 pm

  Brakes are spongy lots of play, if headlights turned with car would be nice, Loud road noise bumpy riding could use air ride my.

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  Decent - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mike - June 28 - 12:41 am

  Been having this vehicle for 7 months. Overall, its a decent drive. Few minor problems after purchased (1)leaking from the front passenger side whenever it rained b/c the hose from the sunroof was loosen, (2)problem with Onstar feature, the built-in computer chip somehow didnt synch up to provide diagnostic report. Importantly, there is a recall on AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT, for the Chevy Malibu and some other 2009 model vehicle. So if you own one of them, make sure you take them to your dealer for inspection. Would I recommend this car? I wouldnt! Its a decent car, has great exterior look. The interior look good too! But, seems like this is all it has.

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  4wd nice, guzzles gas and breaks often - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gary - June 27 - 11:44 pm

  bought with 45000, since replaced brakes twice, engine, alternator, starter X 2, wiring problems numerous, check engine soon light has been on at least a half dozen times and required many different repairs. The Blazer just turned 100000 and I am having serious transmission problems. I have always loved Chevys, but I doubt Ill ever buy another after this one. The 4.3 is a slug. wife has a Saturn Vue with the 3.5 Honda engine and it will smoke the 4.3 and gets good MPG. Stay away from the Blazer.

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  Uncomfortable ride - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By jim - June 20 - 12:26 am

  I have been driving GM cars for 50 years and they have been good except for this model. Very uncomfortable bumpy riding auto. I have rode in a 2008 Buick which looks about the same on the out side but rides good...I travel for a living and not looking forward to driving this year. Hoping I can pay to upgrade the quality of the vehicle to make it comfortable.

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  A mixed bag but overall Ive liked it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cory H - June 19 - 3:51 pm

  I have the ZR2 off-road package, and overall this has been a dependable vehicle. Reasonably comfortable, low wind noise, rides well (for a 4x4), suspension package was a great investment - have gotten 70k miles w/o uneven wear on tires, fun little SUV for cross-country camping trips. 21 mpg highway, 15 city. It hasnt been without its issues. It does tend to have a lot of squeaks, cheap-o interior plastic doesnt help. The biggest problem I had was having to replace the transmission at 50,000 miles. Did have some premature ball joint replacement also. Heater core went out at about 110k miles, radiator cracked at 140k. Other minor problems such as malfunctioning thermometer and broken fuel ga

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  A Big Disappointment - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Diane - June 16 - 6:48 am

  Traded our Venture due to high mileage. During warranty period,power door motors had to be replaced twice, along with stabilizer bar, and horn. Power doors and back lift gate never close properly and road noise was terrible. DVD sometimes didnt work. Rotors replaced at 20,000 miles. After warranty expired, trouble continued. ABS light came on - $500 for a sensor and then needed another $1500 for wiring? Braking always scary -grinding and shaking when stopping. Power rear vents would occasionally not close, and power doors would open by themselves. If it would work right the van was nice. Trading for a Toyota.