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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  Very good for the price range - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By yako - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a no-frills car that beats the hell out of the cheap makes that you find in this price range. My previous car was a 97 Kia Sephia, and I am already impressed with the build quality, quietness, ride, handling, performance, and standard features. The styling leaves something to be desired -- there are nice features, but the rear-end looks like a Ford Contour. The front-end is a marked improvement over previous Cav. years.

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  the best worst car i ever had - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By brent - October 28 - 8:56 pm

  this car drove me crazy bad anti freeze leak and needed a new intake and the block was crack but even through all that it started every single time oh and the starters go like crazy with these cars same as the intake

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  Good for what I use it for! - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Brad - October 28 - 12:40 pm

  Just rolled 100K the other week. Original everything. No complaints. Get about 14-15mpg with construction work in subdivisions and driving backwards 1/2 the time there. Not in a hurry to get a new Chevy, same interiorI Thought the plastic dash looked cheap on Chevy. No way on the Dodge, and everyone has Fords. Looking for a 3/4 ton and I test drove all three at the same time. I will definitely be going with the Duramax, and Chevys Smoooth HD ride. This pulls the 16 low-boy when needed, and gets me from A-to-B. nothing fancy. Hey, thats why I got it. Overall, Its good, just wish this truck wouldve had limited-slip.

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  LOVE IT! Would not choose twice. - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By logan - October 26 - 11:42 am

  It is a fun car to drive and it is very comfortable. Interior is much bigger than the exterior would lead you to believe. I love zipping in and out of traffic in it, but getting around in snow is next to impossible. It also has very little cargo room. I have never gotten the 38 MPG that the dealer said but I can live with that because she knows how to put the power down. would have been nice to have a CD player, other than that the stereo system is incredible for a dinky little "economy car" I love this car but my next choice will be something much bigger with a V8

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  Not up to snuff - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Disapointed2005 - October 24 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my car new and liked it until the factory warranty expired. My car has average at least two trips to the shop since the day I bought it. I have had to replace a rear wheel bearing and a water pump at my expense. There is a very troubling sound coming from the drive train currently. The car is comfortable and pretty easy on gas. I like the exterior styling.

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  Make the midgate an option! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ca - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Good ride if you like the suburban. The truck begs to be moded so get ready to spend some money. MPG is fair about 16 for real. Bed area is not water tight and never will be. Area around the wheel wells need protection and better chip resistent paint is needed on the hood. GM could do a lot better job with customer satisfaction. This truck is going to be one of those trucks that ten years down the road needs floor boards that have rusted out form leaking midgate. If you plan on keeping this truck for ever keep it as dry as possible.

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  Maxx-imum Overdrive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Shazzy V. - October 17 - 4:56 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost three years now. I originally fell in love with its sporty look, large, comfortable interior and huge storage ability. I have not been disapointed too much with this vehicle. Ive had a really annoying rattle in the front dash since day One, but of course Chevy mechanics "Could not duplicate the problem." I talked them into replacing the heater motor and the rattle is still there. Also hate the brakes -- need to change them often and way underpowered for the car. And now my sunroof will not close when open unless I manually guide it in. I also get cruddy gas mileage, but I do have the larger 3.9 v-6, so I guess the extra performance outweighs fuel economy.

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  So long Ford, I have my "Mustang" now! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By R. J. M. - October 16 - 5:33 am

  I ordered a Mustang GT back in Aug. 05, December came and the dealership still could not tell me when it would be built. Wanted a car with "power", drove the SS and that was it! Ive never looked back, what Mustang? This car is a beast. Im 65" and have plenty of room (big selling feature). The power is great, this thing is a lead sled but the V8 moves it effortlessly. Its a straight line car, wontt be taking turns at 100 mph. If you want a car that combines power, some sport, good ride, vast amount of room (up front & in the trunk, back seat a tad tight), and luxury car amenities, then this is a car to look at. I just hope it proves to be reliable, no problems so far!

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  Overall a good SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Eduardo - October 11 - 10:13 am

  I had a Montero, and this SUV is a lot more fun to drive. Its not been too long since I got it, but so far so good. Only problem is the stereo is too complicated. GM should do something about it..

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  Used But Runs Like New - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bronxvette - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used with 45000 miles. This truck rides like a car.Fun to drive. Checked out history,L/F window motor and a sunroof module are the only repairs in 45000 miles. GREAT TRUCK. Will buy a new next. What SUV gets the mileage they state on the sticker?? 14MPG local 18 highway