Chevrolet has been a part of American vehicle culture since 1911, when Louis Chevrolet, a race car driver and mechanic, designed the company’s first car and lent his name to the enterprise. In 1979, Chevrolet built its 100 millionth vehicle.
Chevrolet classics
- Corvette: introduced in 1955, Chevrolet’s muscle car looked hot, but lacked in the performance department; the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray was an instant hit; five generations of Corvettes have been introduced since then, and the sixth will be on car lots this fall.
- Camaro: widely regarded as Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Mustang; could be tailored to fit the customer’s specifications; nicknamed a “pony” car because it was a four-seated, road-going, race car that was popular with the young and young at heart.
- Corvair: Chevrolet’s answer to the VW Beetle and other economy cars; had an engine in the back and was not popular with consumers; was featured in Ralph Nader’s book about unsafe cars.
2005 Chevrolet cars
Chevrolet’s 2005 selections will be available in fall 2004. Below are some revised and new models that will be hitting the market.
- Cobalt: an all-new car model that replaces the Chevrolet Cavalier; available in either sedan or coupe.
- Corvette: the sixth generation of Chevrolet Corvettes will be available in coupe or convertible form; has been redesigned but is still recognizable as “America’s sports car”; still has V8 engine but has many new technology features, such as satellite radio, OnStar, keyless access, and GPS navigation system.
- Uplander: Chevrolet markets it as a “sport van”; features SUV styling with raised hood and fenders; seats seven; V6 engine; also available are the same new technology features the Corvette offers.
Customer satisfaction
Based on a customer survey done by J.D. Power and Associates, Chevrolet ranked highest in customer retention by 106,418 new vehicle buyers who disposed of and acquired a new vehicle.
Where to buy a Chevrolet
Going to a local dealer to buy a vehicle is no longer a part of the purchasing process for many people. Those who are technologically up to date, and prefer the Internet to haggling with a dealer, have found that a number of people are willing to sell their vehicles online. Below are some websites that have developed a community of sellers and buyers :
- Automotive.com: features a wealth of information about any type of car, ranging from its safety ranking and customer satisfaction to who is selling a certain type of car in an area; has a wide variety of new and used vehicles for sale, from a Chevrolet to foreign cars.
- Invoicedealers.com: features reviews of pretty much all types of vehicles; has a quote calculator that determines how much the vehicle you want will cost; will also set up a test drive between you and a local dealer for a new car you’re interested in.
Whether you’re looking for luxury and style or just a great car to get you through the backwoods, there is sure to be a Chevrolet that perfectly fits your needs. Take some of these tips to find yourself the perfect car or truck that will give you the reliability and durability you need.
By Virginia Zignego