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:

• 

  Value That Looks and Feels Upscale - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cragman1 - March 7 - 1:22 pm

  Mine is the 1.8, but with the Automatic 6spd. The car I traded was an 08 Cobalt LS Automatic. I used to feel I had to be embarrased even doing a review on such a basic car, but I actually enjoyed the Cobalt. But, when faced with the reality of the 3 yr bumper to bumper expired, the slightest click or pop in the steering or suspension made me start looking at my next "repair cost free" new car. I looked at the other brands in this price range and soon became dismayed at the cramped drivers area and unavoidable plastic look of the quote "Best Sellers" in this class. The Cruze won me, hands down. Looks. Ride.Pep (yes, Pep.) Interior A++++++++. Show me a Fit,Civic or Corolla as good.

• 

  Why I would purchase Equinox... - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chevyequinox1 - March 7 - 12:14 pm

  I usually dont write reviews on the websites however, for the Chevy Equinox-I WILL! Chevy Equinox vs GMC Terrain (side note: thousand or more for the same features on the Equinox, the basic GMC Terrain cost about the same as the LT1 Equinox with extra features) First, MPGs is the common talk on the website 32 MPGs (not a lie-it is possible driving 50 mph to 60 mph with ECO and RPMS under 2). Side note with the ECO button keep ECO off when driving in stop and go traffic. Set ECO on when driving at steady speed 55 MPH for miles! Never turn on ECO while trying to reach desired speed... I got 28 MPGs on Highway, 24 City/Highway, and 19 city driving only (1,500 miles on NOX)

• 

  Sweet, Sweet Ride - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jc_cruze - March 5 - 11:22 pm

  With gas prices on the rise and my 02 Cadillac STS still struggling to get 20 MPG on the daily 70 mile round trip work commute it was time to change vehicles. Although I purchased the one owner Caddy with 50K on the odometer three years ago it felt and looked like a new car. Replacing this $55K car was going to be a tough task. Then I read all the great things the experts were saying about the Cruze and decided to check it out. My wife was thrilled that I was willing to look at a new Cruze since I had been talking about used BMWs and Caddys or a new Honda Accord that would have been $10K more than she wanted to spend (she handles the household finances).

• 

  Truly the perfect sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By casper21 - March 4 - 8:59 pm

  My 2005 Chevy Malibu has 56,500 miles and has never given me any problems, barring the occasional Malibu moment. The 2.2L 4-cylinder engine is surprsingly robust and highway passing is not as difficult as it generally is with these type of engines. The interior, while considered boring by many, is to me just practical enough without being completely ugly. The cargo space, both in the passenger cabin and the trunk is very surprising. Several employees at department stores have doubted that large objects could indeed fit in my spacious trunk, but they were also surprised that a full-size outdoor grill slid in with ease. Overall, my only complaint about the car is the lack of reading lamps.

• 

  Expectations Exceeded - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jgenestra1 - March 1 - 7:02 pm

  I picked up my Cruze about 2 weeks ago and the car now has over 500 miles. My previous cars have been V8 rear-wheel cars (Camaro SS, GTO, G8), but with the longer distance I have to drive to work and the increase in gas prices, it was time for a fuel-efficient daily driver. The Cruze has impressed me in almost every category. This car handles very well for a car in this price range exhibiting little to no body roll and the suspension is nicely tuned. I opted for the 17-wheels and tire package which includes the sport-tuned suspension. In addition, the Cruze drives quietly and smoothly on the highway and is very solid. On the inside the Cruze continues to impress with its interior. I am about 6ft tall and have plenty of headroom (even with a Sunroof). The seats are very comfortable and offer great support. In my opinion Chevy did an awesome job on the overall styling of the interior and it is nicely laid out and the fit and finish is exceptional for this price point. This car feels much more expensive than it is. In terms of fuel-economy the Cruze is averaging 28MPG combined city and highway driving. I expect the average to continue to improve as the miles continue to rack-up. My one minor complaint is with the 6-speed auto. I have noticed the transmission tends to “hunt’ for the right gear particularly when driving slowly. Perhaps the transmission is still “learning” my driving style. However, this is not a huge deal and the positives significantly outweigh this one minor flaw.

• 

  Really impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By vegasjohnson - February 28 - 10:51 pm

  So this is our second Chevrolet. Our first was the umpteenth generation of the Suburban (a 2007). It was an awesome vehicle. Amazingly reliable. So, after our lease was up we decided to try another. With a focus on fuel economy we decided to go with the Malibu. We love this car so far it is very nice and comfortable. Extremely Quiet and the ride is very strong. We love the power of the 4 cylinder and are very impressed with the styling. Love this CAR! GM, you have won us over.

• 

  Very happy with my Cruze 2LT commuter - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rplimpton - February 26 - 3:34 pm

  So far, I really like this car. Its very solid with no squeaks/rattles. It corners well and has a nice on-center steering feel on the highway. Trunk space is impressive for a compact. The leather seats are very supportive and this is the first/only compact car that I can be comfortable driving (63", 230 lbs). The car is too new to judge mpg, but Im getting 29 mpg combined city/hwy. (Dont expect to get 36+ mpg driving 70+ mph or if you have a heavy foot.) I find that increasing tire pressure from the recommended 35 psi (cold) to 37 psi smooths the ride. If you look closely at interior fit and finish, its clear that GM was paying attention to them.

• 

  Impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By techman3006 - February 25 - 12:01 pm

  Owned a Cobalt and had zero issues after 3 years, BUT traded it in after seeing the Cruze at a dealership. What a difference between the Cobalt and Cruze. The Cruze is night and day better in styling, handling, interior quality, fit and finish, etc. Even has slightly better MPH so far. Cant even believe these two cars are made by the same company. Why GM did it take you so long to put out a car like the Cruze?

• 

  Disappointing MPG - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jrh0912 - February 23 - 5:25 pm

  My only complaint is the MPG. Im getting 31 in both city and the highway. I was hoping for something closer to 40 like a previous reviewer is getting. Other than that, its a nice car. We saved thousands compared to a hybrid.

• 

  Best crossover - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By galileo517 - February 21 - 4:37 pm

  4Cyl 2LT AWD. Awesome crossover bought it brand new--now 12K miles on it, very quiet, compact design and just fun to drive. AWD is amazing, went to the snow and did NOT require chains at all, it was snowing hard on I80 near Truckee CA headed to North Star ski resort. Average about 20mpg in the city, 30 on freeway. We used to have a Chrysler minivan, after test driving so many crossovers we decided on the Equinox, Im happy we did.