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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  One of Chevys best - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By khoist - April 27 - 11:44 am

  I have the five speed model, and its a blast to drive. Repairs are somewhat inexpensive, and Its dependable. Switching from my 1997 Taurus this car is more upgradeable

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  Poor Transmission. They have problems - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Paul - April 27 - 7:07 am

  As much as I love a lot of stuff about this car. Check out all the problems they have had with the transmission. Mine went after 65,000 miles. I have the tow package but I never towed anything. The warranty is crap. GM refused to give financial assistance because I didnt change the transmission fluid every 30-35,000 miles. How many of you do? I have always owned GM cars but this is my last. Quality has dropped like a rock. Funny they now have 100,000 mile warranty but I still will not by GM and I find more and more people saying the same thing.

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  Really Reliable Car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By JDS - April 27 - 6:52 am

  The car has been very reliable! Bought brand new, and now have over 60,000 miles and never a mechanical problem! Many domestic cars seem to have problems by this time.

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  Dont wait any longer - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mike - April 27 - 5:43 am

  This is my first Vette. The quality and workmanship put into this car is the best and worth the price. Gas mileage at 65mph is 24 miles per gallon! The performance is unsurpassed. Dont wait any longer, for this car is truly an American classic. You cant beat the quality, price, and performance.

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  1997 Chevy Lumina LTZ - 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Petey - April 26 - 10:47 pm

  Bought the car in 1999 w/ 63000 mi. on. Managed to get to 160,000 miles on it before giving it to my kid after drivers ed. It managed to get 2 1/2 more years out of it. Got to 183,000 before head gasket went. Only repairs in 6+ years was a water pump, manifold gasket, tires and fluid changes. Always started for me.

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  Great Little Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cookie - April 26 - 8:57 pm

  I enjoy my new Cobalt. Ive rented several during trips and its excellent on freeways, tight turning the corners, fits well in tight spots and has lots of power for a compact car. Very stylish - love the round rear lights.

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  95 Astro van - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By dougp - April 26 - 7:42 pm

  The motor and transmission are rock solid, everything else has broken and had to be fixed, I mean everything- 4 alternators, radiator, rear end, starter, ac blower motor, electric window motors (both), thermostat, waterpump, ac compressor, and about 12 more things that I have forgotten, I have never had a car that was this crappy- but does have a good motor and trans. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the worst front end on any vehicle ever made it eats idler arms and tie rod ends. Other than that it is ok.

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  Cheap! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Gbarclay - April 26 - 7:14 pm

  We bought car brand new and within a few months, the check engine light came on. It has been going on and off for the past 3 1/2 years. Car has been to dealer 6 times for problems with gas cap, problems with fuel sensors, and various other fuel- related issues. ABS light came on and went off for no apparent reason. Used to get 34 MPG, but since dealer has "fixed" my car 6 times, it now only gets 24 MPG. Interior fabric is cheap and stains extremely easily. CDs get stuck in the CD player. My last new car was a Lumina in 1994 and I loved it. Hate this Malibu. Trading it in.

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  Fun car. - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Bob - April 26 - 6:19 pm

  Get the 1.4 turbo.

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  Last GM Ever in my life - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Baz - April 26 - 12:51 am

  I was forced to purchase this vehicle due to company policy. It is the poorest built vehicle I have every bought & The transfer case failed at 60700 km. (700 km past any warranty coverage) GM laughed at me when i suggested they should fix it for free. I would recommend buying anything but a Trailblazer. At 65000 km this thing is falling apart.