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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  S-10 Truck - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tom - June 20 - 11:53 pm

  This truck has been and continues to be a good little truck. I use it for hauling and driving back and forth to work. It now has 141,000 miles on it and I have not had to do anything major except for replacing the transmission a few years ago. I was very disappointed in the way this whole issue was handled by GM. At one pont they said they would stand by what they sold and I ended up with a different person and the whole thing was stopped and I ended up having to pay $2500 out of my pocket.

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  This car is the real deal - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Steve - June 20 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our Equinox 12/17. So far it has exceeded all of our expectations. We filled up at half a tank and we got 32.1 miles per gallon. I have never bought a car that actually got the gas mileage advertised. These cars are hard to find but well worth the wait. I never thought I would buy another GM car so I am surprised at how well built the car is.

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  Not without a warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avery - June 20 - 8:48 pm

  This car I ordered and waited 6 months for it, it didnt disappoint. The power the feel best bang for your buck. However it is built kind of like a home made rocket ship, amazing performance, questionable quality. Build quality should go negative for this car

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  Just cant stop smiling - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Still Smiling - June 20 - 3:18 pm

  Ive been a fan of the Corvette as long as I remember, but this is my first one. Comparing it to anything else Ive ever driven... well, I just cant. It outperforms them all in just about every way. Obviously, it is a sportscar and no one can deny its performance (even not considering its price). I shopped several european vehicles and looked at a couple of Asian models. The only thing close of US manufacturers are the Viper (not civil enough for me) and the Cadillac, which is a heavier underpowered Corvette. Nothing compared. Acceleration is incredible, handling sublime, but what Im most impressed with is the comfort. Im 63" and feel comfortable enough to enjoy a 10 hr trip

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  Good while it lasted - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sarah - June 20 - 12:49 pm

  In the begining it was a very good vehicle. I had to replace the alternator when the car had 58,000 miles on it. A few weeks after I made my last payment, at 75,000 miles, it seemed that everything went wrong. The fuel pump went and had to replace it, of course the car wouldnt run with out it. While that was being fixed I was told that I would have to replace the front wheel bearings very soon, the air conditioner went with a few days of being told that, the paint began to peel off the rear passenger doors, the car also started to leak oil and the door locks started acting up. I thought this car may become a service department regular so I decided it was time to replace it after only 5 yrs

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  Great Car - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By shouze - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that got 30 mpg or more...after a long search of used vehicles,none that were cheap, I decided on the Cruze. The LS is affordable and has a great comfortable ride, along with an interior that is awesome. this is a fun car to drive. once you drive it you will be hooked!

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  Great truck - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By woodrow - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice truck, and obviously built with pride and quality. I have not heard any noises, from fuel sloshing, brake squeal, driveline or any other noises. I am unable to achieve the fuel mileage stated on the window sticker, that is disappointing.

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  A Joy To Own - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Victoria Smith - June 20 - 9:24 am

  After the purchase of my vehicle I begin to love it more than when I purchased it. The vehicle has looks, power, handles great and it is fun to drive. If Chevy continues to build this vehicle and make in a way that it is fun to drive we will add a second one to our household. And now the with the economy as it is and my vehicle is averaging about 31mpg on the highway and it did not cost a small fortune to own it, I am back home with American cars again. Go Chevy!

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  Cant say goodbye yet! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Equine - June 20 - 6:55 am

  Bought this beautiful dark green/beige interior Camaro new in 1996. Yes, that was 12 years ago! Only 116,000 miles on it and engine/transmission still going strong with never a breakdown. Since it was garaged at home, the paint looks brand new. Original plug wires were recalled about 2002 in the same week it acted up. No mechanical repairs-only tow different leaks and normal wear and tear parts. Only thing I am unhappy with is an oil leak that started by the 3rd year and was never fixed. (Got tired of going to the dealership-not where I bought this car). Even though I am now car shopping--I still have no plans to sell it. Plan to have it worked on /updated etc and just be my "play car".

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Haysucka - June 20 - 4:23 am

  Traded in 2-door Civic, for this car. So far it runs good. The dash looks nicely grained, and wood grain finish looks good also. Big difference in fuel consumption. Front bucket seats lack thigh support, dont understand why there is no glove compartment light. There is some lag in shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Driver front door sounds like it is binding. Rides good, a lot of features for the money, love that remote start that came with package. Wish that you could have more selections for fan speed. Thumb wheels can be somewhat of a pain. A lot of power, dont think i will buy it out at the end of the lease. Might go to the Chevrolet Malibu next.