Chevrolet Vega

For other uses, see Vega (disambiguation).

Chevrolet Vega
1971 Chevrolet Vega
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Also calledVega 2300
Production1970–1977
Model years1971–1977
AssemblyUnited States: Lordstown, Ohio (Lordstown Assembly); South Gate, California (South Gate Assembly)
Canada: Quebec (Sainte-Thérèse Assembly)
DesignerGM & Chevrolet design staffs
chief stylist, Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact
Body style
LayoutFR layout
PlatformH platform
RelatedPontiac Astre
Chevrolet Monza
Pontiac Sunbird
Buick Skyhawk
Oldsmobile Starfire
Powertrain
Engine
  • 140 cu in (2.3 L) 2300 I4
  • 140 cu in (2.3 L) L11 I4
  • 122 cu in (2.0 L) I4 (Cosworth)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase97.0 in (2,464 mm)
Length169.7 in (4,310 mm)
Width65.4 in (1,661 mm)
Height51 in (1,295 mm)
Curb weight2,181–2,270 lb (989–1,030 kg) (1971)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Corvair
SuccessorChevrolet Monza

The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact automobile that was manufactured and marketed by GM's Chevrolet division from 1970 to 1977. Available in two-door hatchback, notchback, wagon, and sedan delivery body styles, all models were powered by an inline four-cylinder engine designed specifically for the Vega, with a lightweight, aluminum alloy cylinder block. The Vega first went on sale in Chevrolet dealerships on September 10, 1970.[1] Variants included the Cosworth Vega, a short-lived limited-production performance model, introduced in the spring of 1975.[2]

The Vega received the 1971 Motor Trend Car of the Year.[3] Subsequently, the car became widely known for a range of problems related to its engineering,[4] reliability,[5] safety,[6][7] propensity to rust, and engine durability. Despite a series of recalls and design upgrades, the Vega's problems tarnished both its own as well as General Motors' reputation. Production ended with the 1977 model year.[8]

The car was named for Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra.[9][10]

  1. ^ "First Peek At Chevy's Vega". Cincinnati Enquirer. August 6, 1970. p. 49.
  2. ^ Robson, Graham (April 17, 2017). Cosworth the Search for Power. Veloce Publishing. p. 235. ISBN 9781845848958. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  3. ^ "Motor Trend Past Car of the Year Winners". Motor Trend. November 16, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  4. ^ "The Right Stuff: Does U.S. Industry Have It?". Time. October 29, 1990. Archived from the original on November 30, 2007. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference pop mech was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Autos: Too Small, Too Soon". Time. November 29, 1971. Archived from the original on December 14, 2007. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  7. ^ Sherman, Joe (1993). In the Rings of Saturn. Oxford University Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-19-507244-0. Retrieved January 13, 2012. vega criticism chevrolet saturn.
  8. ^ "GM's Lordstown Plant Bids Goodbye to Vega". The Herald-Palladium. St. Joseph, Michigan. July 23, 1977 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Chevrolet dealers prepare to unveil new Vega mini-car". Eugene Register-Guard. August 6, 1970. p. 8E – via Google News.
  10. ^ GM (August 7, 1970). "Twinkle twinkle little car". Life (Advertisement). p. 11. Chevrolet's upcoming little car was named after a star. No ordinary run-of-the-Milky-Way star, mind you. Vega. Star of the first magnitude. Brightest in the constellation Lyra