Chevrolet used to have an advertising campaign that touted, "Baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet." Supposedly, General Motors largest division attempted to indoctrinate consumers into believing that a Chevrolet was as mainstream as Main Street, USA. In many ways this campaign worked. For generations now the Chevrolet division has been serving up cars that have been snapped up by Americans, particularly those seeking their first car. Lets take a look at three Chevy classics that have shaped the respected US automaker.

Corvette - In 1953, the Chevy Corvette was released and the auto sell hasnt been the identical since. This two seat ragtop paved the way for greater and lesser cars to enter the US sell including Chevys own Camaro and Chevelle; Pontiacs Firebird and GTO; Fords Thunderbird and Mustang; the Dodge Charger; Plymouth Cuda; AMC Javelin; Datsun 240Z; and a host of other cars. For over 50 years, the limited production Corvette has been the "halo" car for Chevrolet and is now a favorite of the baby boomer set.

Camaro - One of the original "pony cars" was the Camaro which, along with the similarly planned Pontiac Firebird, was GMs answer in 1967 to the Ford Mustang. After the 1964 introduction of the Mustang, GM needed a response...and badly! Pony cars were famous for compact size, speed, and 2+2 seating. Add in a convertible and you had a true California cruiser. After 35 decades of production, Chevy discontinued the Camaro while the Mustang is still being made. Good news for Camaro fans: A new Camaro is reportedly set to debut for the 2009 model year.

El Camino - Is it a car or is it a truck? How about: car/truck? Half car and half truck, the El Camino is essentially a car with the rear section converted into a truck bed. Introduced in 1959, the original El Camino was based on the Impala platform, then on the Chevelle, and later on the Malibu chassis. The El Camino was Chevys response to the 1957 introduction of the Ford Ranchero, the first production car/truck. Although not meant for heavy duty truck use the El Camino, when equipped with adjustable shock absorbers, was able to carry its share of weight in its bed.

Other cars from Chevy that have been memorable include: the Venture, Nova, Caprice, and Chevelle; while some truly forgettable models add the Chevette, Monza, and Vega.

Chevrolets current line up is a far cry from yesteryears fleet, but with over 25 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs models being marketed today, the Chevrolet title continues to impact and shape the American automotive industry.