The Consequential, Import Fighting Chevy Vega
The near-decade of the Chevy Vega kicked off in the 1970 model year and ended its run after the 1977 market offering, when General Motors decided to put an end to its run. Sadly, it seems the vehicle -- though innovative for its time -- was never given all the pieces it needed to make a long go of things.
It was notable, though, in how quickly it was brought from concept to final product, taking only two years, which was a record for GM back in those days. It also came in a number of 2-door body styles, including a notchback wagon and even a panel express delivery truck.
Taking into account that the Vega was a compact vehicle and that Chevy intended for it to be an import fighter and an entry vehicle for first-time car buyers, the car seemed to do well enough when seen in that light. Due to changes in market forces, though, it ultimately failed to last for as long as it was hoped.
Perhaps as a benefit of strong marketing tactics, the Vega was a top-10 best seller by 1974, though engine shortcomings in both durability and power led the public to perceive that it was maybe not a very well-made car. That engine's aluminum block initially proved shaky in terms of reliability, but was lightweight and Chevy worked hard to iron out defects over time.
Eventually, the little 4 cylinder mills that were offered proved to be the car's undoing due to their poor quality -- at least initially -- and mediocre performance. Some years into production Chevy began making a similar vehicle called the Monza that was made on the Vega's platform and soon enough, the company put an end to the Vega, with 1977 being the last call for the little 2-door. The Monza itself was put to bed in 1980.
Today, though looked upon in a better light, many experts say that the Vega was illustrative of the issues that American automakers had in making cars in the 1970s. For its time, the Vega attempted to include many cues which were thought of as being "European" in nature back then, including fuel injection and lighter-weight materials.
The Chevy Vega in all its different styles proved consequential in a number of ways for the company and its parent, General Motors. It made it to market in only 2 years from conception, which was quite impressive for an age when it could be several years before a model might see the light of day. This is probably the signal achievement of the once-notable Vega. - 21393
It was notable, though, in how quickly it was brought from concept to final product, taking only two years, which was a record for GM back in those days. It also came in a number of 2-door body styles, including a notchback wagon and even a panel express delivery truck.
Taking into account that the Vega was a compact vehicle and that Chevy intended for it to be an import fighter and an entry vehicle for first-time car buyers, the car seemed to do well enough when seen in that light. Due to changes in market forces, though, it ultimately failed to last for as long as it was hoped.
Perhaps as a benefit of strong marketing tactics, the Vega was a top-10 best seller by 1974, though engine shortcomings in both durability and power led the public to perceive that it was maybe not a very well-made car. That engine's aluminum block initially proved shaky in terms of reliability, but was lightweight and Chevy worked hard to iron out defects over time.
Eventually, the little 4 cylinder mills that were offered proved to be the car's undoing due to their poor quality -- at least initially -- and mediocre performance. Some years into production Chevy began making a similar vehicle called the Monza that was made on the Vega's platform and soon enough, the company put an end to the Vega, with 1977 being the last call for the little 2-door. The Monza itself was put to bed in 1980.
Today, though looked upon in a better light, many experts say that the Vega was illustrative of the issues that American automakers had in making cars in the 1970s. For its time, the Vega attempted to include many cues which were thought of as being "European" in nature back then, including fuel injection and lighter-weight materials.
The Chevy Vega in all its different styles proved consequential in a number of ways for the company and its parent, General Motors. It made it to market in only 2 years from conception, which was quite impressive for an age when it could be several years before a model might see the light of day. This is probably the signal achievement of the once-notable Vega. - 21393
About the Author:
Andy Zain is the admin of Chevy Vega Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Chevy Vega. Get the information you need when you visit Chevy Truck Forum
posted by X - Men @ 1:11 AM
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