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:

• 

  A very happy owner. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Douglas M. De Barry - May 1 - 5:48 am

  This is one happy owner. My Impala has 46,000 miles on her at this time, and she has been more dependable than any other vehicle ever owned by me. Average MPG stands at 25.6, which includes Minneapolis/Saint Paul rush hour traffic, and driving in snowy and icy conditions. This car has needed nothing but routine maintenance until the transmission lines needed replacing at 45,000 miles. The car has tons of pep when needed (or just for fun). The 200 hp rating for the motor seems under rated. The leather seat option was the correct way to go, and the seats are now as plush and comfortable as any sofa. Comfortable, fun to drive, nice MPG.

• 

  Extremely Impressed - 08 Tahoe LTZ - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mike - May 1 - 12:36 am

  After 1.5 years of SUV research and actually targeting the Denali, we found the White Diamond LTZ and were totally impressed over the Denali! Purchased this beautiful SUV w/White Diamond Pkg, 20" Wheels, Sun/Dest Ent Pkg, Titanium Interior 2 weeks ago for my wife and we both absolutely love it! I cannot say enough about being so impressed with how far GM has come in their interior design, dead-silent cabin, feature rich appointments, and overall comfort. With 2 kids, bags/laptop cases, a stroller, and almost daily trips to the store, this SUV is the most awesome and fitting vehicle we have owned to date. We intend to use the OnStar, as it will incoporate family shared plans on Verizon.

• 

  New Chevy Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ken7 - May 1 - 12:16 am

  Attractive styling for a midsize car. Lots of features are standard. Very good pricing. Wonderful ride. A joy to drive.

• 

  Dont believe the window sticker - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jeff - April 30 - 7:48 pm

  There is plenty of room in the front, although the seats could be more comfortable for longer legged people. The styling is similar to many others on the road now, and can be made to look pretty sporty. The worst drawback is the mileage. I drive 40 mises a day,35 of it no the freeway, and it averages 31 MPG. Not too good for a 1.6 liter four cylinder with almost no horsepower. I bought it thinking it would be alot like the Geo Metro only bigger. The Metro was quicker,and got half again more mileage, Boy do I miss it!

• 

  A Wonderful Blend - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tjl - April 30 - 5:35 pm

  My 2008 TrailBlazer SS AWD is the first performance truck I have owned. In the past I have had BMWs. Z Cars, etc. as my performance rides and a Blazer as my truck. I read a lot of reviews and on-line postings about the TB SS. I took one for an extended test drive and I was hooked. No car I have ever seen does everything well. The truly great cars are a balance of features and the Trailblazer SS is a great ride. Chevy has not just jammed a Corvette engine in a SUV. They have paid attention to all the details such as handling, comfort, looks, build quality, and did I say performance? They have tweaked everything. You will forget that you are in an SUV. The SS is a true joy to drive.

• 

  Lumina Euro - 1993 Chevrolet Lumina
  By JOHNS 94 SE-R - April 30 - 1:04 pm

  I bought this Euro off the original owner, 99,000 miles, 3.1 motor which I like better cause the 3.4 needs too much maintence. They are more powerful, but the cost is too high. This Euro gets 20 miles per gallon no matter how I drive it. Very clean, easy to get in and out of. They are nice cars.

• 

  Good car for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By JEB - April 30 - 12:59 pm

  This is a company car and Ive put 45k on it in 15 months. Had problems with tires and they dont seem to keep in balance. Lots of car for the money and the gas mileage is excellent for the size of car. Six cylinder is peppy and relatively smooth. Went from a Lexus to this car, but not too bad for the cost of the car.

• 

  New Traverse v Outgoing Model! - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By SN Beauti - April 30 - 12:16 pm

  2018LT v 2015LT Traverse First Impressions: The ’18 is noticeably longer, especially in White. 310HP much peppier than ’15 281. Transmission 9 Speed, no comparison, the old 6-speed was ‘clunky’ especially down shifting up a steep hill. Power Liftgate, standard on LT the ’15 was like breaking into a safe; chronic GM problem. Access to 3rd Row seat much better, roomier. ’18 Ride taunt and smooth, fantastic. ’15 was very good but much more ‘bouncy’. Steering Wheel smaller great size ’15 truck-size. Upgraded climate control system, dial in a temperature, dual zones and heated seats. Upgrade touch screens, colorful compared to ’15 black and white version. AWD-FWD-OFF Road transmission dial great, will save fuel in FWD mode. Stop-Engine Seem-less. Heated Seats, Remote Start, Cross Traffic and Backup Camera included in the LT. So far great vehicle only have 40 miles on it! I stole the ’18! Lease it for only $277 36mo 10K year. Put down only $2000 and first month payment…that included all the NYS Taxes ($1100). Marchase Chevrolet West Point Area worked their magic! It is amazing—Most Leases will pay about a hundred dollars more $375 month with a sticker Deal @ $415. Here is how I did it for $277 month • GM Card had $1000 over the years I have cashed in 12G’s on many vehicles • GM step ahead 4 months waived • Dealer bought out the ’15 Traverse from GM and created $1900 of equity for me! Vehicle was immaculate a 10 • GM Bonus $1500 with Step-A-Head ended November 30th • Competitor Cash since I owned Acura $750…think that is accurate • Loyalty GM Cash $500 • Dealer’s traditional discount • Discounts totaled about $7,700

• 

  Good Value car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By American Made - April 30 - 12:03 pm

  Purchased new 11/06,16,000 miles now. Running well, battery died 07/07, replaced under warranty. Fuel mileage about the same as 98 Lumina LTZ at 20 mpg mixed driving. The 3.9L engine has plenty of go. Wish that the interior had more space with smaller driver middle console and more rear foot room. Power seats really reduce the rear foot room. Have had several chips in the windshield, very odd. Re-circulation of cabin air now runs compressor hot or cold (same as air conditioner or defroster running) takes away fuel efficiency. Active fuel management is a joke. Hate traction control, but at least can turn off. Air filter location tight. Wind noise not good, door hanging quality poor

• 

  God gave me a good car - 1995 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Audrey - April 30 - 10:55 am

  I bught this car to get me from Monessen to west Mifflen PA. It runs great. A little less umph on hills. At these prices on gas on the twice a weekend trips to West Mifflen I spend $5.00 on gas. Back seat is bad for tall peoples legs. My car was repainted so right now the paint job is good. It runs so good you can speed very easly and not know it unless you look at your speed.