What Are the Longest-Running Nameplates in the Chevy Lineup?

If you’re shopping for a Chevy, chances are you’re familiar with many of the model names in the lineup, especially since the brand has been on the scene for over a century. From the Silverado to the Corvette, Chevrolet has designed some of the most iconic vehicles to have ever graced American roadways. Here at Edwards Chevrolet Downtown, we’re the leading Bessemer Chevy dealer to trust when it comes to finding the Chevy model that meets your travel demands perfectly. There’s a reason why Chevy has some of the most popular vehicles on the streets, and that’s because this automaker emanates dependability, capability, and satisfaction. When it comes to the Chevy vehicles that have been in production the longest, you may be surprised to find several still captivating drivers today.

Chevy Suburban (1935)

The oldest nameplate in the brand’s history belongs to the Suburban, a full-size SUV known for confidently carting families everywhere they need to go. The only vehicle with its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Suburban has been a dutiful traveler and popular scene-stealer for decades—and it’s still mesmerizing drivers today. Making its way onto the scene in 1935 as a truck-based wagon, the Suburban was designed to haul more; whether it was transporting passengers around town or goods to area businesses, the Suburban proved that it could handle it all.

Today, the Suburban showcases top-level power, able to tow up to 8,300 lbs, and undeniable space, able to accommodate 144.7 cu.ft. of cargo—a best-in-class accolade. It’s loaded with some of the most innovative tech on the market, including Super Cruise hands-free driving capabilities and more. As the recipient of US News & World Report’s Best Large SUV for Families award two years in a row, it’s no wonder why the Suburban has lasted as long as it has in Chevy’s celebrated inventory of top-quality vehicles.

Chevy Corvette (1953)

The first Corvette hit the pavement with a bang in June of 1953, and it hasn’t looked back since. Known for its iconic design and unlawful power, the Corvette is the quintessential sports car, one that has graced the road and track for generations, blasting past the competition with absolute ease. If you want speed and you want thrills, the Corvette will happily deliver both to you.

The all-new 2023 Corvette Z06 is perhaps the most awe-inspiring vehicle you’ll find on modern-day roads. Hitting 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and with an available lateral G Force of 1.22 G, fast isn’t even the word for this exhilarating machine. The Corvette has 670 hp packed under its polished hood and, with its relatively new mid-engine location, you’ll get to experience better performance and enhanced aerodynamics from one of the greatest sports cars we’ve ever witnessed. Over the years, we’ve seen many Corvettes make their way onto the pavement—including the ZR1, Stingray, and others. Throughout its time on the racetrack and highway as the longest-produced sports car in the world, the Corvette has done nothing but impress us with its legendary performance and a fearlessness that can’t be replicated.

Chevy Malibu (1964)

The Malibu got its start like many greats, as a trim level on the iconic Chevelle back in 1964. Designed more as a muscle car, as opposed to the family sedan we’ve come to know it as today, the Malibu showcased a successful career in NASCAR, armed with a powerful big-block V8 engine and a sleek racing-inspired design. As a member of the winner’s circle 25 times, the Malibu was known for being a performance car, but it wasn’t until the ’90s that the Malibu decided to ditch its racing roots and try to appeal to a new demographic of drivers.

Launched as a front-wheel drive sedan in 1997, the Malibu quickly took to its new audience, offering them all they needed in their daily driver and then some. Today’s Malibu doesn’t just feature a classic design; it’s been recognized as the Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality by JD Power. With an elegant design inside and out, plus an efficient and exciting turbocharged engine at the helm, the Malibu appeals to everyone from families and daily commuters to road trippers and virtually any other traveler imaginable. In the age of SUVs dominating the streets, the Malibu is still going strong, proving that it can keep up with any vehicle, with a sophisticated aura you won’t find elsewhere.

Chevy Camaro (1966)

The Camaro was Chevrolet’s clap-back to the Ford Mustang, offering drivers another option for affordable performance vehicles. Based on the Chevy Nova, the Camaro debuted in September of 1966; although the Mustang had a jump in national sales, it wasn’t long before the Camaro caught up, quickly making its way into the spotlight as the official pace car of the Indianapolis 500 in 1967 and moving on to become a racing legend in the SCCA Trans-Am Series. The Camaro is sleek, intimidating, and fueled by adrenaline, making it the ideal performance car for drivers who are seeking maximum thrills from their ride.

Today, the Camaro is just as exhilarating, with over 650 hp pumping through it and a zero-to-sixty time of a cool 3.5 seconds. With four available powertrains to choose from and an aerodynamic design that’s among the best around, the Camaro has never let go of its racing roots. Plenty of trims and packages are available, including some track-inspired ones to make your time behind the wheel action-packed. Plus, with Magnetic Ride Control available, you’ll be in for one of the most controlled and agile rides on the road.

Chevy Blazer (1969)

The Blazer that blasted back onto the scene in 2019 is a far cry from the original Blazer, which launched in 1969. Originally known as the K5 Blazer, this rugged SUV was built to compete with the rough-and-tumble Ford Bronco and Jeep Cherokee models. It was durable, larger than many of its rivals, and unquestionably capable, allowing those with a thirst for adventure to have more options for their dedicated exploration companion. In the mid-1990s, Chevrolet introduced a smaller version of the fan-favorite Blazer, known as the S-10 Blazer, further appealing to a more diverse array of drivers; it wasn’t enough, however, because, in 2005, Chevy pulled the plug on the whole Blazer operation. Of course, as you know, that wasn’t the end of this legend’s story.

Making its way back onto the streets in 2019, the all-new Blazer is nothing like the Blazer of the past. It’s stylish, intriguing, and undeniably elegant. Today’s Blazer showcases a chiseled body profile with sweeping curves and unmatched swagger, while its interior is utterly sophisticated, with premium appointments and some of the most advanced tech available. It hasn’t strayed too far from its roots, however, with a powertrain selection designed with performance in mind and multiple drive modes to help you take on any terrain with a ferocity that can only come from a Blazer.

Chevy Silverado (1975)

Like the Malibu, the full-size Silverado pickup also began as a trim level, all the way back in 1975 on Chevy’s C/K series trucks. Fast-forward to 1999, and the Silverado became its own standalone model—and to say it’s become a trendsetter in the industry is a massive understatement. The Silverado 1500 has been regarded as the #1 best-selling retail full-size light-duty pickup truck, showcasing features you won’t find in rivals, including the famous Multi-Flex Tailgate and Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving capabilities. With new models able to tow up to 13,300 lbs and accommodate up to 2,260 lbs of payload, the Silverado is a top choice on job sites near and far. Plus, with the debut of its off-road-ready ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models, traversing off-road destinations is a no-brainer in this confident and capable truck.

The Chevy Legacy

There’s no doubt about it—when you want to be satisfied with your vehicle, you’ll want to trust in a Chevy. The bowtie brand has given us some of the most remarkable models that have ever traveled our highways, with many of its nameplates still going strong today. If you want to have absolute assurance in the vehicle you choose to drive, head over to Edwards Chevrolet Downtown and get to know the Chevy inventory of vehicles. We can assure you that when you drive a Chevy, you’ll be able to take advantage of the highest level of performance, reliability, and capabilities the industry has to offer.