Who made the Chevy Vega?
The Chevy Vega was made by Chevrolet, the American car brand under General Motors. It debuted for the 1971 model year as GM's answer to a growing appetite for subcompact cars and would become one of the era's best-known small Chevrolets.
Origins and Manufacture
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, developed and produced the Vega as part of GM's broader push into the subcompact segment in the early 1970s. The car was designed to offer affordability, reasonable fuel efficiency, and modern styling in a compact package.
Key facts about who built the Vega:
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet, a division of General Motors
- Model years: 1971 through 1977 (in North America)
- Engine: 140 cubic inch inline-four engine (2.3 L) with multiple transmission options
- Context: Part of GM's strategy to compete in the expanding subcompact market in the early 1970s
These points illustrate Chevrolet's central role in bringing the Vega to market and guiding its development through its production run.
Design and Engineering Highlights
The Vega was built on a dedicated subcompact platform and featured a lightweight, practical design intended to maximize interior space within a small footprint. Its engineering worked to balance performance with fuel efficiency at a time when fuel economy was a growing concern for American drivers.
Notes on Variants
Chevrolet also produced a special high-performance variant called the Cosworth Vega in 1975–1976, developed with Cosworth Engineering, featuring a 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve engine.
Legacy and Impact
The Vega left a mixed legacy. It spurred GM to focus on improving quality control and corrosion resistance in subsequent small cars, while also marking Chevrolet's enduring role in subcompact automotive history. The model helped shift consumer expectations about affordable, modern small cars in North America, even as it faced criticisms over early rust and build quality.
Summary
The Chevy Vega was manufactured by Chevrolet (General Motors) and played a key role in the early 1970s subcompact market. Developed by GM's Chevrolet division, it introduced a new generation of compact, fuel-efficient cars and featured a range of versions, including the rare Cosworth Vega variant. Its lifecycle highlighted both GM's ambitions and the challenges of rolling out a mass-market small car during a period of rapid change in the automotive industry.
Why did Chevy stop making the Vega?
The Vega was originally planned to use a rotary engine which GM paid a bunch of money to license but the fuel economy of the rotary was atrocious compared to the pretty basic 4 cylinder so it was abandoned.
Did John DeLorean design the Vega?
Gearheads remember John DeLorean for developing the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix—an all-new, fresh iteration of the nameplate that defined a segment—and the Chevrolet Vega, which had a more mixed legacy, but most of all for the Pontiac GTO.
How much did a Vega cost in 1973?
The GT for 1973 came with better suspension and tires than the entry-level car, plus a bunch of convenience and appearance goodies. The MSRP for a Millionth Vega would have started at $2689, assuming the $340 GT package was included in that deal (making this car $19,296 in 2023 dollars, before options).
Why did Vega engines fail?
The Vega's best-remembered problem, however, was its infamous melting engine. The engine didn't actually melt, but if it got too hot the cylinders would distort, wearing the coating on the walls and forcing coolant past the head gaskets.
