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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  What a nightmare! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tracy - March 30 - 12:29 pm

  Wish I had never purchased the 2007 Tahoe. The battery continually dies and the source has yet to be found. It has been to the dealership 5 times with no resolution. While many of the features are great, they are over shadowed by the frustration of finding that the car wont start and having to charge the battery at least twice a week. The nicest thing I can say about the Tahoe is that it looks pretty sitting in the driveway. Very expensive yard art! This will be my last GM purchase.

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  200000 miles plus easy with this vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Needas - March 30 - 11:51 am

  I have had my impala for 7 years now, with over 225000 miles, I still get 29 miles to the gallon average for all driving. I have only replaced the catalytic converter. It still has the same get up and go. It is wonderful on long trips. The only car I have ever owned that does not hurt my back after 12 hours of driving. I own three Chevys all over 200000 miles, one over 300000 miles, if you want minimal repairs and a long lasting vehicle, Chevys are your car, with Impalas leading the pack

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Andrew Mahaffey - March 30 - 9:24 am

  I love my 2000 silverado 5.3 ext cab 4 door z71 sb this thing has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever had my truck currently has 368000 miles on it with the original engine and trans this truck is truly bullet proof the only things i have ever done to this truck is a 1 water pump brakes and fluids and some rust repair i have towed with it and even driven it hard and it still runs like new.

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  Tragedy - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
  By brox08 - March 30 - 9:14 am

  This is the worst vehicle on the roads. The van features poor and ill handling. OnStar is the best feature. I am now trading it in for a New Sienna. Never drive this again

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  Rust bucket to be - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Ty F - March 30 - 6:16 am

  Test drove several Equinox-s. MOST suffered metal pitting rust through the lower door panels and wheel wells. Some rust is to be expected in this Chicagoland climate but such extensive rust on 5yr old cars is a serious concern. I didnt find a single one with no rust even if the rest of the vehicle was immaculate.

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  Really Nice Small SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jay7015032 - March 30 - 1:32 am

  Ive only owned this truck for a little while, it was passed down from my dad so its had three owners. But I love it. I have a K&N intake, throttle body spacer and cat bck exhaust with over sized tires. Plenty of power for me. But with power comes a lack of fuel. Seems I put gas in daily but I dont mind its fun to drive. The truck is a little rattly but I do have 130000 on it. Bottom line I love it on and off road

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  Witness Protection Program - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Patrick - March 29 - 10:00 pm

  This car draws more attention than Paris Hilton or Linsey Lohan on the town at night. If you want to keep a low profile consider something else! The car has great road feel, comfortable but taut suspension and build quality as good as my Accord. Good luck getting your hands on one!

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  2012 FLEET CAPTIVA SPORT - 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport
  By 2012captiva - March 29 - 7:48 pm

  After 8 years and over 123k miles, the old Subaru Forester needed significant repairs. Needed a roomy SUV, not a subcompact. Found the Chevy Captiva at Hertz car sales; 33k.After 36K, car would lose power for no reason; check engine light came on. While waiting for appt. with Chevy dealer, car then stalled while idling-had to have it towed.Needed oxygen sensor and fuel injector-no longer covered by warranty.Ran sluggish after repairs.Took to mechanic friend - changed transmission + brake fluid.Found transmission fluid to be black, needed new cap; found a worn cracked bolt to shock absorber. Dont know what else he did, but it runs like silk now. (chevy did suggest changing fluids at time)

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  A pretty good car - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joe - March 29 - 5:50 pm

  V-6 1998 Malibu has served me well. I have 126,000 miles and she still rides well. Proper maintenance and the car will last.

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  Chevy Makes great Engines - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By RedWolf4000 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am quite impressed with this 03 chevy cavalier. I used to drive a toyota corolla, 93, which was quite reliable but had many electrical problems, and started to eat up oil at 100k of its life. We have had many chevys into the 300ks and havnt ever felt the need to check the oil. First things first, this cavalier is fast (for its class and price) especially if you get the standard tranny. Nothing feels cheap about the interior or exterior and the car is very attractive. With dealer incentives off the msrp right now you cant go wrong. Stock stereo is great, although i got the highest package. Quick accel., 30mpg, great handling.