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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  Infotainment system is obsolete technology. - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Stephen Brooks - December 15 - 12:02 pm

  After several weeks in and out of the shop and calling GM due to my navigation system being unable to change route and more than 50% extended predicted travel time GM gave ne a service bulletin and response that said the system operates as designed and works from a static base when calculating travel time. It is not an active system. Translation they bought old technology for their new vehicles. you can use any gps capable device today and have more accurate information. Their resolution was to offer me GM dollars to buy junk I dont need from their online store. I asked to either have the GPS ($750 option in a $45,000 truck) repaired to work correctly or give me credit to purchase a truly usable system. The lack of concern demonstrated by the GM team has convinced me to not buy a GM product again. Another recall I have to deal with came today, it appears the seats break lose in a crash?

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  Not what I was expecting from GM - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By joel1235 - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  I purchased the truck used in November 2010 with 17K on it and the fun started about a week later. First my battery needed replacement, but then it spent a few days at the dealer looking for a popping noise they never found and is still happening. Next was a rough idle/check engine light. It was fixed a week later. Around 35K the transfer case needed replaced. At the dealer another week. This week the rough idle/check engine light thing started again(40K). An independent shop told me it was the same trouble code as last time, and that the problem was with the piston rings, and I may need a new motor. I wish I could go on, but Im running out of space.

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  Great Car....almost - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chandra - December 14 - 11:10 am

  I was a die hard fan of Japanese cars. And after working at GM, my guilt took over and I bought this car. Its been a month, and I drove about 1500 miles on the car, and I dont regret my decision. The car runs real smooth on the freeway with minimal noise. It has a feel of luxury sedans inside - quite roomy. If flying on the freeway is not what you intend, you wont regret owning this car.

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  Cobalt looks and feels like a champ - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Steven - December 14 - 10:50 am

  Compared to the Dodge Neon and the Focus I would give it a higher rating. The engine noise is not that loud to freak you out and the Focus does get more gas mileage but to my opinion I think the Focus is to little for me and the Cobalt feels more comfortable. The dash and controls dont feel like theyre all bunched up into one little dsp

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  Amazing SUV! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Narg - December 14 - 5:06 am

  This SUV is an eye opener for what it delivers to its driver. Ive purchased driven a number of GM products over the past 18 years, and love how the quality and features that GM provides has grown continueally during that time. Yes, they used to be bad 20 years ago. But today, wow! Do not miss out on trying a Traverse before you buy anything. Even the dealership experience was the best Ive ever had too. Im moving from a full size pickup to this mid-sized SUV. Originally planned to buy a Tahoe, but the economy has downsized my buying ability slightly. Thank goodness GM made this SUV, it fits perfectly!

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  Can be better - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By chevy - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  I got the car in Jan 2007. My wife loved it. A good family car. Had 2 problems, the trunk would not shut, I got that fixed, and both brake lights stop working. But now its fine, kids love it. My wife had a Grand Prix, she loves the impala much more. Now Im happy and my wife and kids are happy. Overall its a good car

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  1995 Z-28 Convertible - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By James - December 13 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had my red 95 Z28 convertible for 12 years. What a fun and satisfying car. Great power, drag beats a Mustang every time (in top speed too probably, but at 155 mph predicted, I dont try it), comfortable interior, perfect air flow protection around driver & passenger with the top down at 90 mph. The Z28 seems a rare car with very few convertible Z28s made. Timeless body design often mistaken for a new model. 26mph gas mileage on highway. I havent found a better replacement for the money, exclusiveness, looks, and fun. How did Mustang ever get high ratings over the beautiful Z28? It just made Camaro Z28 that more exclusive. No plans to sell it yet. Can the new 2009 Camaro be better?

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  2007 Colorado verdict pending - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By CAPN KEN - December 13 - 8:11 pm

  I bought a new 2007 Colorado 2.9L Automatic, even after reading negative reviews. Im a consumate Chevy fan but must say that Ive had more problems with this vehicle than others. I am hoping everything that will happen, will occur during the warranty period. Had to drop the transmission, fix a blower motor, and now have a leaky roof brake light. Everything has been fixed first time. Excellent ride. eavy and smooth. Good looks and comfortable. 22mpg around town, 25 Hwy at 74 mph. The verdict is still out whether the bugs will all be worked out within original warranty.

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  2015 Camaro RS - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Biscuits - December 13 - 4:17 pm

  This car wants to go fast. Handles the road very nicely. I purchased it used with only 1500 miles on it for 20K. The rear side visibility Is pretty bad so you must use your mirrors.

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  Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Matthew - December 13 - 2:39 pm

  I would say this is a good value car. I have owned vehicles with superior performance and better ergonomics, but overall am pleased with the product. The fuel economy is good, performance is unrefined but expected. I have a two year old daughter and it is easy for her to climb in and out herself without my need to worry about falls. The stereo and components are great, roominess is fine, visibility is great, and the overall look has people taking a double. I would change a few things but overall am very happy.