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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  Cool Riding SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By yamadoggie - June 27 - 10:30 am

  This car still has me amazed with the amount of power that it puts out. I havent been pinned to the seat of a car in a very long time. However the down side the gas mileage isnt no where near its claims. Ive notice that if I breathe on the gas pedal that it has a direct effect to the gas hand on the gas gauge. The temptation of not using all of that power is almost too much!

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  Chevy work truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ken - June 26 - 4:03 pm

  The Rebate back in 2008 was the main selling point. I have been very satisfied with the performance and reliability of the Chevy. The only setback so far was that the battery died on me after about a year of service. I would not recommend the Ext cab with small rear doors, when parking in a lot, next to other cars, the doors extend to far out and you cannot open them, and if they dont open all the way to 180 degrees they will close by themselves, usually pinching your legs if your leaning in the back. I have the 6 cylinder and wish the MPG were better. The rear suspension holds the bed very high & makes it difficult to reach in. If rear seat could be removed it would be a nice feature

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  Great buy, no regrets, go for it! BEST small SUV - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By purdue_flunkie - June 25 - 9:54 pm

  Amazing car, handles much better than CRV, especially on a highway. Very quite and smooth, comfortable ride. Gas mileage is also great, as advertised. Electronics and dash board instrumentation is light years ahead of any other compact SUV. Interior is well designed and does not feel cheap unlike Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester which both. Options packages are well thought of and not a rip off like with Hondas etc. GM included all the basic convenience into basic models and did not make 1 or 2 desperately wanted option available on premium trim levels only. I got exactly what I need without paying for extra stuff which I dont. Dont think any further, Equinox is not perfect but the best!

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  Good Little Car - Real Cheap - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By Johnny - June 20 - 12:15 am

  Given the immense supply in North American dealerships these cars should be a steal. After one year of ownership Ive had zero problems reliability-wise. The front seats are good and can fit two big dudes no problem provided you stagger the seatbacks a little. Android Auto is fantastic. The CVT isnt. If you can drive manual or want to learn this would be a great car to do so, especially with the hill holder feature - the CVT is angry, doesnt like to rev, and will leave you motionless from a stop on steep hills unless you throw it into L. Dont be afraid to use the L mode on hills, up or down. Otherwise this car is very easy to park, good on gas, and painless to drive in traffic. Its actually kind of fun to throw into curves too. Just know that if you have tall people in the front seats no one is going to be sitting behind them. Also: the stock Kumho tires my car arrived with were bad in the snow, definitely get snow tires if youll be dealing with serious winters.

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  Has a little of everything - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By KZ55 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I test drove seven cars in one day and ended up with my Malibu. It had a little of everything that I liked about the Camery, Honda Accord,and Mazda 6. Four door, sunroof, style (looks like a richmans car) pick up and speed, spacious inside, tinted rearview mirror, no large blind spots and heated seats! It handles great. I like that I can start it from my front door and have it warmed up before I even open the car door. Trunk is large and I like that I can still carry long items by letting down the back seat. Radio controls are on the wheel which is handy. I havent bought or looked for a new car in ten years and I am so pleased with the Malibu.

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  Could be a awesome truck - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bmoney - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my TB for almost 2 years now. I like the idea of Bose stereo, but the side speaker panels rattle when the base hits from the speakers. Chevy shouldnt put bose systems in vehicles if they cant make it not rattle. Also, i realize this is an SUV and i shouldnt be cornering fast but the seats have no side bolstering to hold you in place. Are these only designed for fat people? Sometimes the AC wouldnt work. Sunroof motor wouldnt work on hot days and sunroof got stuck in open position. If they make better seats, tighten up the suspension and design the door panels to handle the Bose system, this could be an awesome truck.

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  Best US vehicle in 15 years - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Scottthecarguy - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have traded cars every 24 months since 1987 until the 2000 Silverado. Ive driven it 48 months. I had differential bearing failure ($1400 - 50% GM regional repayment)at 45K miles and anti-Lok light in the winter until the system is warm. Michelin 265/70-16 SUV Terrain tires and top end Monroe shocks improved the ride to almost perfect. 16.8 C/H MPG average no better on the highway only (80+ MPH usually). Parking brake has little holding power. Replaced all 4 brakes at 80K miles and was advised that 50% material remained. Previous generations got only 30K miles, so Im making up for the bearing failure in reduced brake service.

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  HHR? I want one of those! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Pam Borden - June 5 - 7:13 pm

  This car really gets attention- mostly from men. Five times I have been approached and asked questions. People stare at it. It is a beautiful bright blue and looks like a small truck but it is really a very cool station wagon in disguise! Peppy 4 cyl engine gets decent mileage around 26 mpg. It is very comfortable. Roof racks have to be factory installed but running boards can be added by the dealer if desired. It has a neat glove box in the middle of the dashboard that the driver can easily reach. It is full of neat little surprises like maplights that dont shine in the drivers eyes. 5 adults can ride comfortably in the car.

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  Loads of fun to drive - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By aah - June 5 - 5:40 pm

  Ive had my HHR for about a month. I bought the 2LT model with the 2.4L engine. All I can say is the car is loads of fun to drive. I keep finding excuses to just get in the car and go somewhere. Performance-wise, the 2.4L engine is decent if a bit slow on initial acceleration. Handling is actually pretty good with the improved suspension that comes with the 2LT package. Brakes are a bit weak though. Interior room is great. I traded in an 03 Sonata and the HHR has a lot more room in the drivers seat and is much more comfortable to drive. Visibility can be a bit of an issue until you get used to its blind spots.

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  Surprisingly solid so far - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By allosab - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Zippy, sleek, excellent no-frills get from point A to point B kind of car. Its a lot of fun to drive, for sure!