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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  HHR Problems - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By KElly - January 16 - 6:29 am

  I have now had my car for almost a year and I really enjoy it. I have had to have it in the shop three times for the same thing, something in the front end makes a rattleing noise, they replaced the steering column and some other bar but the problem comes right back. I drive on asphault all of the time, my driveway is gravel and that is when you can really tell that something isnt right in the front end of the car. Also the brakes have overheated and had my rotors turned three times, didnt fix the problem. These are really the only problems that I have been experiencing with my HHR.

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  kickass - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By hockeysta18 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  runs great, smooth ride, great on gas, easy to maintain, great interior, get the girls

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  2005 Chevy Malibu review - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dmjones - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 2002 SUV for a more economical car. Versus other cars in this midsize sedan category, I like the solid feel of this vehicle. The interior is much better than some I have seen. It is stylish and fun to drive. I am VERY happy with the gas mileage. It is loaded with a lot of neat extras that I enjoy such as the Driver information center. I am very happy with my decision to move to a 4 cylinder. When asked to, it will scoot! Great pricing, plus GM rebates, make this an affordable vehicle to own. Maintenance is a breeze as well - very affordable.

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  My first Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Lance T - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Truck is two months old. Appears to be well build, and is very fun to drive. Engine and drive train are very smooth and have plenty of power (although a bit noisy when you get on it). Rear seat backs severly limit visability. Seats need to be more supportive and less firm. Other than those issues, I love it so far. Great curb appeal too!

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  SOLID S.U.V - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dearborn21 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  one thing i do know it is better than a ford explorer. smooth ride and build quality is good. im very happy with my purchase. i got the ls 4wd loaded up.

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  Bad Transmission - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By T Swindell - January 15 - 3:33 pm

  Loved the truck when first bought, but noticed occasionally that the transmission shifted hard. With only 3400 miles, decided to take a trip to the keys from southeast ga. Before we reached Miami, the truck was jumping in and out of gear. We stopped at 8:30 pm to check fluid lever, there was no fluid. Called onstar, they sent a tow truck that never showed up. Had to rent a room, find a dealership to replace rear seal. Continued on trip, on return same thing happened, continued on refilling fluid. It is now in the shop getting rebuilt. So now I have a brand new truck with rebuilt transmission. Have only made 2 payments. Am I thrilled or what!

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  Silverado 2500HD - 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By chevyallday1 - January 15 - 12:26 pm

  I just fully purchased a silverado 2500hd single cab with a 6.0 liter v8, the truck has tons of power and can get through anything even stock. I would advise a toolbox or extended cab if you need space. Overall fully satisfied.

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  Great except no Vanity or Map Lights - 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
  By JimK - January 14 - 4:48 pm

  The truck is fun to drive, It has OnStar, leather, heated seats, etc. Handles great, and tows well. The Z71 PKG is a must have.

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  Uplander Lover - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mark Clark - January 14 - 4:15 pm

  Family friendly: SUV front end, roomy, remote electronic side doors. Entertainment system. Traction control. Gave up my Suburban for these best options and comfort for my family. Started with as a car rental, now I own one.

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  Great Family Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Dave - January 14 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle needing a truck and also an SUV to haul the family around in. I havent been disappointed. It is extremely comfortable and the design is sharp inside and out. The locking truck bed is nice to keep luggage and equipment in when you have passengers up front. Im also an XM guy so having it standard on GM vehicles was a big selling point. Developed a couple of rattles after about a month - the dealership really wasnt interested in helping to fix them so I eventually found and fixed myself.