Chevrolet Vega
Wikicars, a place to share your automotive knowledge
| |
| Chevrolet Vega | |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet | |
| Production | 1971-1977 |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body Style | 2-Door Coupe, 3-Door Hatchback, 3-Door Wagon |
| Length | |
| Width | |
| Height | |
| Wheelbase | 97" |
| Weight | 2500-2800 lbs |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Manual, RWD 4-Speed Manual, RWD 5-Speed Manual, RWD 3-Speed Automatic, RWD |
| Engine | 2.0L (122 cid) I4 (1975-1976) 2.3L (140 cid) I4 (1971-1977) |
| Power | 72-122 hp |
| Similar | Pontiac Astre |
| Platform | H |
The Chevrolet Vega was Chevrolet's second try at a subcompact "import fighter", the first being the interesting but controversial Corvair in the 1960s. Chevrolet played it safe this time - no rear-engine or swing axles for this one, this was purely a conventional design (for the time), which meant a front engine, rear drive, solid axle unibody design. The Vega was built on a 97" wheelbase, and had three bodystyles: a 2-door notchback, a 3-door hatchback and a 3-door wagon (known as the "Kammback"). The Vega took many styling cues from its larger Camaro brother (mostly noticeable on the 3-door hatchback model). Ford also introduced the Vega's arch rival the Pinto the same year. The Vega, however, despite having alot going for it, would ultimately suffer numerous mechanical maladies and body rust issues that it would never fully recover from, and would end up becoming a major thorn in Chevrolet's side much like the Corvair did a decade earlier.
Vegas have all but disappeared from the roads these days. Since many of them seemed to self destruct within the first couple of years of ownership, it's no surprise. They were never quite as popular as their arch rival Ford Pinto, but they still sold in substantial numbers, at least in the first few years. They have, however, become the darlings of the drag racing crowd. Vegas were small and relatively light weight, you could pick them up for dirt cheap (some owners were probably glad to give them away), plus they were a rear-drive design - perfect for tubbing and shoehorning in a monstrous 800+ horsepower big-block V8. So while you probably have a better chance of seeing a Lamborghini on the road than a stock Vega anymore, on the dragstrips across America they're still fairly common sights.
See WikiCars' comprehensive Chevrolet Vega Review.
Here's a rundown from year to year:
Inhaltsverzeichnis |
1971
Vega's premier year, it came in 2 packages: base or GT models (the GT was not available on the notchback). Base models were equipped rather sparsely (as were other subcompact offerings of the time), with a strip-style dashboard that resembled its larger Chevelle and Impala siblings. The GTs had a black stripe running down the hood and rear deck (except on the wagons), a 4-spoke steering wheel and round instruments that included a tach, oil pressure and voltmeter gauges in a layout not unlike the Camaro's. Standard transmissions were a 3-speed manual, with a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic optional. The Vega's engine was what set it apart from other offerings (and would be what led to its ultimate downfall): an SOHC 2.3L I4 with an aluminum block, but with a cast iron cylinder head and main caps that was rated at 90 hp with a 1-bbl carburetor. A 2-bbl carburetor was standard on the GTs, optional on the base. The Vega was off to a good sales start in its first year, at 277,700 units sold.
1972
Other than a slight change in nameplate design, the Vega was not changed much in its sophomore year. Many owners started complaining of its high oil consumption and premature engine failures already, but sales still jumped to 394,592 this year.
1973
Engines were rerated this year, the 1-bbl engine was now rated at 72 hp, the 2-bbl version was rated at 85 hp. The front bumper was supposedly strengthened due to new regulations but still looked the same.
1974
The Vega sported a new nose and tail, again somewhat similar to the Camaro's. The bumpers were larger (and heavier) due to the new federal regulations for all U.S.-spec cars this year. Grilles were now separated horizontal slats (3 on each side) and the parking lights were now mounted vertically beside the headlights. Taillights were now 2 squares instead of 4 oval ones. Base and GT models continued as before, as did engine and transmission choices. Despite its drivetrain and rust-out issues, sales reached an all-time high of 452,887 sold.
1975
Virtually identical to the 1974s, but a catalytic converter was added this year, requiring the use of unleaded gasoline. Despite this, horsepower rating were actually improved slightly, to 78 for the 1-bbl, and 87 for the 2-bbl 2.3. Dashboard gauge graphics were revised this year, and numerals read up to 85 MPH on the base versions. Power brakes and tilt steering wheel were added to the options list. This year was the debut of the Cosworth Vega, which was based on the hatchback GT and had a fuel-injected, DOHC 16-valve 120 hp 2.0L I4 and was only available with the 4-speed transmission. It was available only in black with gold trim and rims, and had an engine-turned dash like the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am had. The engine was designed by the famed Cosworth engineering firm in England, hence the name. Chevrolet only sold 2,062 Cosworths, largely because they were very expensive for the day - at over $6000, that price almost rivaled a Corvette's. But it does have the distinction of being the only Vega with any sort of collector value, albeit minor. Another interesting package available this year only was the "Spirit of America". All Vegas with this package were white on white, with blue and red striping schemes, to celebrate America's upcoming 200th anniversary (this package would also be offered on the Nova, Malibu and Impala). Sales for the Vega (not counting the Cosworth) nonetheless dipped to a still-substantial 204,178 units.
Also of note, the Vega gained a corporate twin this year, the Pontiac Astre, which was a Vega with a different front end and 1967-68 Firebird taillights. The Cosworth package was not offered on the Astre. The car that would eventually replace the Vega was introduced this year also, the Chevrolet Monza.
1976
Vegas got another new nose job this year, the grille now ran all the way across the front, concealing the parking lights. The taillights were now larger and tri-colored with supposed separate amber turn signal lights (although the amber lenses were purely for looks, as they didn't flash when the turn signal was activated - the red lenses did just like before). The Vega's engine was re-engineered to cure its past ills, the changes fixed the overheating issue and replaced the solid lifters with quiet hydraulic lifters and fixed the problem of the valve guides wearing out too quickly. Chevy even nicknamed it "Dura-built"... but the damage to the car's reputation as an unreliable rust bucket was already well established and it was a classic case of "too little too late". Sales dipped further to 159,077 units this year, due to the aforementioned problems, plus the Monza and Chevrolet's new subcompact Chevette surely ate into the Vega's sales figures as well. Pontiac introduced a Formula package for the Astre, which was its version of the Vega GT model. The Cosworth returned for one more year, this year it was available in black, white or orange. A 5-speed transmission was now standard on the Cosworth. Sales were only 1446 this year.
1977
The Vega hung on for one more year, not much changed at all, other than a cassette tape player could now be ordered and only a two barrel carburetor was available. The Cosworth was no more, and the car itself would be no more after this year also. Only 78,000 were sold. The Monza would effectively replace the Vega, but even that car would end up having build quality and reliability issues of its own as well (GM could build a great large car or truck, but for some reason it just didn't seem to have much luck with its smaller subcompacts). The Vega wagon bodystyle, however, would survive and live on in the Monza line for two more years.
Criticisms
- Vega's were prone to rusty fenders, weak structures and a very trouble prone 2.3 litre aluminum block/cast iron head engine.
Photos
 |
Main Competitors
- AMC Gremlin
- Datsun 1200/B210
- Dodge Colt
- Ford Pinto
- Honda Civic
- Mercury Bobcat
- Plymouth Arrow
- Toyota Corolla
- Volkswagen Beetle
