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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  Never happier - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By 1BADHHR - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my HHR and from day one I have never been more satisfied. This car exceeds all my expectations. Comfort, mpg, handling and a real eye catcher. I couldnt have asked for a better automobile.

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  Not Completely Satisfied - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By hpmoore2001 - August 29 - 10:45 pm

  I did a lot of research to see what new car I wanted to buy. I decided on the Impala. Had a 72 and loved it. After taking my time and looking around I finally bought the 08 Impala. But, am having touble with the brakes. Had them redone and the day after they were as bad if not worse then before I had them worked on. Pulsate when stopping and jerks me back and forth until stopped. The front axle seal had to be fixed was leaking. Had an emission sensor go out and fixed. OnStar is not working properly the dealership is reviewing the recall papers to see what needs to be fixed. Seats are very uncomfortable. Very disappointed. I did the research and got stuck. Oh, the glove box broke.

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  Awesome little car - 1998 Chevrolet Metro
  By Mom - August 29 - 10:19 pm

  My brother drove this car to work every day in all kinds of weather until he retired this year. I luckily inherited it from him with 94,000 miles on it. It still gets great mpgs. Its a little cramped for me but I can deal with that. The only problem I have is with a fuel pressure sensor and I cant find parts at the junk yards!

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  Fix and repair daily! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Heath - August 29 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car the day after Christmas 06. Didn’t have it a month and Air conditioner coil busted. March the fan troud begins rattling, AC compressor squeaks and random not starting. I took it to the dealer tightened the fan troud, replaced the Ac compressor and couldn’t find anything wrong why it wont start. June 08, gear shifter assembly fell apart! GM didn’t cover it, 321.86. A year later (out of warranty) these things are still occurring with the same response! These cars are pieces of junk! Something always needing to be repaired!!

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  Great Surprise - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Marty - August 29 - 1:26 pm

  Traded in a small SUV. This car is a wonderful surprise. The handling, transmission and motor provide a sports sedan feel in comparison. Great gas mileage and logical technology - the WiFi is useful. Interior and exterior are tight and attractive.

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  The right decision - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By April - August 29 - 12:54 pm

  I bought my Malibu after a month and a half of searching for a vehicle after I totaled mine. I was a bit skeptical on this purchase because I know what kind of problems Malibus have had in the past. I work with cars everyday so I get to see first hand what kind of problems come thru my door. Once I saw the cars sleek design and I was able to test drive it, I was sold. This Malibu was far past my expectations of a Malibu. I love the 3.5L V6, which my dad says is too big for me and my lead foot! I purchased this car used with 80000 miles on it. I have put almost 6000 on it since I bought it and I have very few complaints. There are a few bumps here and there, but thats normal for a used car.

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  Consistency - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ImportBuster - August 29 - 12:53 pm

  Car drives great. Dont feel the bumps much but hear them like cracking noises. First few thousand miles were good but in the cold Vermont winters the car took so much gas. About 19 mpg mix of city and highway. It would make loud noises from the heater fan when cold. On ice would lose the car accelerator functionality for about 10 seconds. Even if just one wheel touches some ice - no gas pedal. The car feels sturdy even at high speeds and the steering gets stiffer as we go faster. Car is fast with good pickup and great sound system. The transmission is having trouble already in deciding what gear to take.

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  GM needs to recall - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By unhappy - August 29 - 10:48 am

  I was recently in a car accident do to steering wheel locking up and being unable to steer car. Front axle broke and A arm broke GM sent out an inspector which they determined the reason this happened was that I had hit a curb and that is why it happened. I refuse to believe that and am very unhappy with there answer. I cant believe that such a reputable company has let me down. I also cant believe that they told me that this problem had never been reported when in fact I have found many complaints on the internet about the same thing I really do not feel comfortable in this car anymore and will never purchase any vehicle from GM. I really think they need to look into this and recall cars

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  Just Purchased Monte Carlo - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Dan the man - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I was worried purchasing my first Chevy product since the early 70s & 80s. I have been very happy with my past Toyota and Honda purchases. Had no luck with Ford (Forever repairing Daily). But I use to enjoy my old GM products in my youth, so I gave Chevy another chance. So far I am really happy with the monte carlo. I like the styling and handling. I even have my daughters child seat in the back, and that has been easier than I expected. It may still be too early to tell, with 18,000 miles but so far so good. Lets hope I dont get disappointed, I need a reliable car and if this doesnt work out, its back to Toyota for good.

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  ONE GREAT CAR ! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By biarritz84 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 99 Seville STS on this Monte LS. Tested a new 300, looked great but seats was a killer on the back. This Monte rides and drives as smooth as my STS but lacks the HP by far but with 32 mpg and regular fuel it uses no complaints.Got this car for under 20 grand and it has all the right features not too much like the STS. The leather seats are great to.