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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  4DR ZR2 4WD SUV 6cyl - 2001 Chevrolet Tracker
  By shelby - December 27 - 6:28 am

  I bought this vehicle because I wanted a small SUV 4wd for Michigan winter driving and the price was reasonable compared to others. 95k miles later and no major problems to report. On windy days you do have to hang on to steering wheel tight and watch your blindspots on side and rearview mirrors. Rack and pinion steering is great. Also easy stepping in and out of vehicle. Seating could use a little more padding. Easy to drive.

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  Nothing but problems - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By chief_tc - December 26 - 10:04 pm

  Overall the vehicle is stable and mostly comfortable at highway speeds and is responsive in around town driving. No idea of fuel economy - my fuel system (sending unit to gauge assembly) has been replaced - service cant tell me why my wife keeps running out of gas when the gauge says 1/2 tank. Also had brakes replaced (2x), all side power door lock parts replaced (both sides) and now it needs to have the headlights repaired.

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  2006 Daily Driver - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By R Deacon - December 26 - 9:42 pm

  Great quality and fun to drive. Had the car since we drove it off the lot into the 100 degree + days in Arizona. It has been thought a second summer as a daily driver in the dust and heat with no problems. Still has original run flat tires on at 24,000 miles. Paint has resisted scratching and chipping and it still looks new. All of the electronics work flawlessly (heads-up- display, navigation, bose sound, programable personal settings, etc). Great car!

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  Lots of money in repairs - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Angryowner - December 26 - 4:24 pm

  Purchased at decent price with rebates. Glad I bought the extended warranty from 36 month to 5 yr or 75k miles cause fuel pump quit= $900 , water pump-head gasket=$900 all happened under warranty. Now at 91k miles needs a complete new head. Stripped rocker arm bolt out of head and have no idea why. Will cost me $1,500. 48 year old woman drives this car easy, and I kept it serviced with care. This will turn me away and I will buy a foreign car made here in America next time.

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  Performance - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lorenzo menendez - December 26 - 2:13 pm

  No problems with the motor, was made by Izusu for Chevrolet, towed boats and trailers without any problems. However have experienced numerous mechanical, structural and rear lights problems, all cover by warranty (bought extended to 6 years or 60,000 miles), the dealer had to supply rental cars while it was in repairs.

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  lots of breakdowns - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By formerchevydriver - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehilce last march and by the time it had 39,000 miles on it the rearend had gone out, the serpentine pully had gone bad, the front shocks were leaking and it had an airleak in the dash somewheres from the date of purchase. All of these miles on this truck were highway miles with regular maitnance done on it. I was very disappointed in the quality of the vehicle.

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  2005 Chevy trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By alex160 - December 26 - 2:06 am

  For the price this SUV is not worth it , Mine only has 64000 miles and I had to replace the transmission at 39000 , TheClusters and now will have to replace the gas gauge again , back lights burned out ,and going on my second water pump. Drivers adjustment knob doesnt stay in , this will be my last chevy anything.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SIXSPEED - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is all about speed and handling, its the cheapest race car you can buy...period! The interior isnt up to Audi standards, but is great considering what you get (engine wise) over cars in a similar price range. Great crash ratings, great gas milage!

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  Shes got Legs! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Umpire - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Everyone looks, stares, waives dollars and wonders! This truck, in addition to being a sturdy, versitile vehicle which converts as easily as depicted on TV, is an attention grabber. The ride, comfort and performance have been superior. No maintenance problems whatsoever.

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  Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Richard Stromberg - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Performance is excellent, Gas mileage execellent (24.5 MPG) Ride execellent