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:

• 

  Small and Simple... I like it - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Grizz - August 10 - 9:25 am

  I was planning to buy a Toyota Yaris but stopped to look at the Aveo and got it instead. I liked the 4 door and the price was thousands less. I got the 5 speed and wish I had the auto. I added cruise control and use the car for hiway driving. I can get 40mpg on long distances, but generally average about 36mpg. Worst thing is the sloppy shifter and hard seats. Lots of best things: Easier to get in & out of than my Buick, 4 doors, great mpg, easy to park and do u-turns, very simple interior controls.

• 

  Good car but cheap parts - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rita, orland park, i - August 10 - 7:42 am

  I have had my Chevy less than 4 years and I am unable to get my hatchback trunk open. It is very frustrating. My mechanic states that it is the motor in lock to open the hatchback. I am sure if I take it to the dealer, it will be about $300 to fix it. Luckily I have a nice reasonable mechanic, although he lives far so it is a bit of a hassle to get my car worked on. I was very pleased with my car until this point but now I am convinced that Chevy uses cheap parts and I will not buy a Chevy again. I bought a new Astro van before this car and all I did was put money into it. It cost me a small fortunate in repairs. Never again will I buy a GM car.

• 

  A Really Great Little Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By cc732 - August 9 - 8:08 pm

  It was hard to replace my little 99 2dr. Cavalier, but I was lovestruck when I saw the HHR. My local dealer gave me a great trade-in and found a car with the options I wanted. I had an issue with an interior water leak, but it was fixed to my satisfaction. A later pulsating brake issue was resolved quickly with little interruption to my busy schedule. I love the way it handles and interior space is great. The fuel economy is good with the base 2.2L auto. The seats are comfortable and adjust well. I currently lease and hope to buy it at the end. After 30,000 miles, it has been a very practical, reliable and affordable vehicle.

• 

  2005 Impala cop car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris - August 9 - 3:52 pm

  Its a pretty good car for being a rebuilt title and a cop car. It only has 20,000 miles and I bought it for 9,000 dollars. It handles great around corners. And it has good pick up. Also its cool when some one thinks you are a cop and they slow down and you just fly by.

• 

  Take it from a pro! - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bill W. - August 9 - 1:32 pm

  I own an auto service/repair facility and have been in the industry for over 20 years. When the Camaros concept was shown over 10 years ago, I said that if the production Camaro stays true to the concept, this will become one of the hottest selling sports cars on the road. The V6 is more than enough power, but in hot, humid areas like Georgia, it doesnt reach its full potential. Not to worry: when the oxygen rich cool weather comes, the engine will come to life...be aware! The chassis is very heavy which does hurt the power, but the trade for safety is worth it. Ive read complaints about traction, and I dont get it. Sure, this thing isnt designed for ice skating, but the GM Traction Control system has been perfected and is reliable. Compared to its predecessor models from the 80s and 90s, the traction on this car is excellent. GM didnt go cheap on the brakes on any models. Four-wheel disc brakes with very good response makes even the base models awesome. They didnt go cheap on the base models exhaust design either. It has true dual exhaust complete with individyal catalytic converters on each bank. Thetransmission is huge with a bell housing nearly as big as the Tahoe. They worked the bugs out of the new design that came with the 2010s. Chevy needs to stop with the body changes; the design is awesome - no need for modifications. If you buy the LS as I did, installing afyermarket fog lamps are easy. I installed mine in about an hour. Yes, there is a blind spot! The 3.6L is very solidly built. USE FULL SYNTHETIC! A high torque V6 like this has high oil consumption. I have the base model entertainment system which is ample since I have XM Radio. Heres the best part of owning the model with the 3.6L: beyond the excellent fuel mileage, the Camaro holds its resale value very, very well. So, if you are like me and plan to move up to the V8 on the next one, as long as you take care of the V6 model, your trade-in value will be excellent!

• 

  Demon ride...with accoutrements - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JK - August 9 - 1:07 pm

  When I first stepped into the car I thought it was roomy - Im 66". The seats were very fitting and finally a head rest that met the back of my head. The SS has everything you want - power across the board, not the seats though. Side airbags and a great steering wheel. I wish I had a manual telescoping option, but its 20K so go figure. If I wanted wood on the dash and in the car, I should be in the backseat ala S500-EL or a Cadillac Deville-EL. I would recommend getting a two tone interior red/black for victory red, gray/black for the sport tint - very nice combos

• 

  2007 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab 6.0 LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Steve - August 9 - 11:30 am

  Bit the bullet and bought a black one! Added MAX Trailer- 367HP-375Torque-TOW 10,500lb, EZ Tailgate, Sunroof, Safety Pack, OWL 17" Tires, Elect Slider,XM Radio. A very nice truck. I am unsure about the active fuel management as its slighty noticeable when it shifts between 4 and 8 cyl. I would prefer not to have it, but I guess it helps fuel mileage.

• 

  My Favorite Ride - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By R Reeves - August 9 - 9:16 am

  I love my truck. It is comfortable to drive, easy to handle and I feel safe and secure at all times. Going from a small 4 dr sedan to a full size truck, gave me more visability on the road. I have had no mechanical problems. I just do the normal maintenance and she runs like a dream.

• 

  American made by children - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By unchevy - August 9 - 8:51 am

  Purchased "pre-owned", turns out it was a rental. had 14k on it at purchase. Just hit the 40k mark (and 3 year for it on the market) and the battery dropped dead the other morning. I have had 7 flat tires in 2 years (have not had a flat since my last Chevy back in 1998!) The fuel gauge/lever has already been replaced, noise from windows at high speeds like everyone else has said is annoying. gas mileage is OK, I dont let it go past 1/2 since it is so expensive so I am getting around 200 miles on a good week. Antenna comes loose every few months. Replaced front Goodyears with Yokahamas and they are so much better. I just dont like American cars. there was a reason I had Toyotas for years.

• 

  Hidden Problems - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Kevin Carcella - August 9 - 12:00 am

  I have owened this vehicle since 12/03/05 and it has been in for repair 3 different time in this time period. First time for the check engine light, dealership never found the problem and just reset the light. Second time was for the vehicle not starting. Car was towed and found that the battery was faulty. Third time for Back firing. This happens when the car is first started and when you come to a stop. Now,GM has sent out what they call a TSB report saying that there is a problem that sounds like a backfire but this is normal. How can there be a admitted problem that can be heard and it be normal noise that they will not fix? I have been told that they will not fix this problem.