1975 Chevrolet Vega 2.3 liter

Summary:

It just wouldn't die

Faults:

Oil Pressure switch to fuel pump came unplugged.

Engine needed new valve seals at 75000 miles.

Blew up clutch disk at 40000 miles due to shifting into first gear at 70 MPH (my fault)

Both right side rims ruined by running over parking lot separator at 50 MPH (my fault again)

Right lower A frame bent and exhaust leak due to poor flight characteristics. (yeah, my fault)

Body Rust in various places.

General Comments:

This was a tank in disguise. For 4 1/2 years I tried my best to destroy this car and failed. With minimal upkeep and service this car was seen at the motocross track airborne, in the mountains with a load of rocks in the hatchback in order to get enough traction to pull the front wheels back up over the cliff we half ran off, on mountain trails that would scare a pack mule, and in the woods driving along the bottom of a dried ditch. The dirt forced into the rims caused three flats, but hey, my fault! I have driven this car across a creek using two 2" X 12" 14 foot long boards where a railroad track had once been. I had three separate wrecks and still sold the car for $800.00. The interior was a bit noisy, so I glued carpet inside all the body panels, doors, and overhead.

The cheap seats were some of the most comfortable I have ever sat in.

There were several stereo systems installed in the car with the final unit being a bi-amplified ear splitter. (remember this was in the days before power amps)

The only problem in the design per se was the manual three speed transmission. It acted and felt like a four speed with 3rd gear removed. The jump from second to third required winding up the little motor to keep any torque after the shift.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2003

8th Jun 2004, 09:11

This is funny as hell. Never had as much fun in my '75 Vega, except for when it threw a rod at 102,000. I never saw so much blue smoke in my life!!

1975 Chevrolet Vega GT 140 ci 2brl. 4 cylinder.

Summary:

Head turning GT

Faults:

The only problem I have with the car aside from its lack of power is that it drinks oil, and it smokes pretty bad, probably due to years of setting. The only other problem I have is all my friends want to ride in it!

General Comments:

Great little car! For a 4 cylinder it runs pretty good, I've added an exhaust system to it and it sounds great, removing the old catalytic converter helped give it a little more power. I have added a Blaupunkt stereo and speakers and I am very impressed by them, huge difference over the original single speaker with an AM radio. I've had many people ask me about it, quite a few of them asked to buy it. Nearly every time I drive it I manage to turn a few heads, makes me feel like I'm driving an expensive car, but its far from expensive. I plan on swapping the engine for a v8 or a 3.8 v6 turbo (Buick Grand National engine) to give it more power, but for now it gets me around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2002

16th Jan 2004, 12:57

You've really got to be kidding. Many consider the Vega one of the worst cars ever: the benchmark for poor quality. You're probably turning heads because people can't believe they are actually seeing one on the road.

28th Oct 2005, 13:47

My family had a series of Vegas in the early 1980's. For some strange reason, my dad was enchanted with them--an odd and disturbing lack of judgement. The '74 Vega station wagon was cramped, had no back seat, and shortly after we "unloaded" it, the frame broke in half while driving down the highway. We had a '74 Vega sedan, and this was the living definition of junk. Top speed of 57 mph--in about 20 seconds. The engine rattled with that lousy aluminum block. In fact, you learn to always look for the Vega in the middle of the biggest clouds of oil smoke--about a quart a week. The doors were sagging, although much of the weight had been reduced from the metal rusting halfway up the door. The starter was always shot. It wouldn't start in weather colder than 35 degrees. The car was plagued by rust, rust, and more rust. These represent the low point of the American automobile industry.

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1975 Chevrolet Vega Hatchback Lawnmower

Summary:

The little car that could

Faults:

Only once I couldn't start this car, and it was because the retaining pin holding on the distributer popped up.

One quick maneuver of a screwdriver, and off we went!

General Comments:

Adorable little car, great fuel economy. You feel like you are driving a toy! Can hold a surprising amount of cargo with the fold-down rear seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2000