7th Mar 2017, 19:41
I love all the late model GM models I currently own. Some are engineering marvels, especially with the wire array of instrument displays and driver information. I recall the Vega issue was resolved when its engine was then sleeved. And the Cosworth model has a following. We dropped in a replacement small block Chevy V8 with automatic in one long ago at my parents shop. Street and strip duty changing to slicks. Went to 5 lugs. Added a roll cage. I always thought the early ones were pretty sharp like a small early Camaro design. I saw one in Hugger Orange with full white stripes done up as a Z/28 small clone. Nice looking piece.
8th Mar 2017, 13:52
You are talking about small cars on a mid size GM review from that era. A Chevelle buyer would not be shopping new 4 cylinder Vegas. People weren't after small cars until the oil embargo and odd and even gas lines. As I recall in 74, there were more new VW Bugs than any 74 Hondas or Toyotas that I recall seeing. In fact I rode in a Honda Civic that had a terrible bone jarring ride. It had the smallest diameter rims and tires as likely a factor. I drove a silver 75 Chevelle with the nicer, smaller opera rectangular windows. It had a red interior. Had a very nice ride, with a good engine. I think the Vega comment is not representative of the entire GM line. The Impalas were bigger but more in line with this review than small cars. I had later 350 models and they were nice cars. If you are shopping for a nice mid size 70s era car, go with pre 72. Or buy a Vega that has cast iron sleeves. The only car I liked that year import wise was a 450SL.
8th Mar 2017, 15:18
Are you also referring to the Cutlass Supreme? The best selling car at that time, and many years after.
8th Mar 2017, 18:28
Which imports are you talking about?
Nissan and Honda, both of whom can't build a transmission?
Toyota, who is still plagued by recalls and other problems?
Mazda, who's quality improved after merging with Ford?
How about Mitsubishi, possibly the worst Japanese company of all?
It goes on and on.
Like somebody mentioned earlier, every manufacturer has its flaws. Now I'm curious to know what it is you drive. It's funny that every time somebody wants to criticize GM, the Vega is always mentioned; even after that they still built full and midsize cars that were reliable from each division.
8th Mar 2017, 20:15
"Go with pre 72" for midsize? Is there somthing wrong with the Grand Prix from 73-77? They were (IMO) the best looking midsize of all the 70's. I owned a 77, probably the most beautiful car I had. At least you could still get a 400 under the hood.
8th Mar 2017, 21:00
And despite all those claims you make of said import brands, they outpaced GM in car sales. Despite all the domestic behemoth's attention to detail in the seventies, it would begin a steady loss of market share that decade, which would eventually lead to bankruptcy.
I'm not saying every last GM car of the time was unreliable, but all were designed and assembled to a a very low standard of quality.
9th Mar 2017, 03:27
I don't think you will be getting the answer you are seeking. Some people have a personal agenda to vocalize upon. I suspect it will pop up yet again in other reviews. Then they will disappear again. If you are really content, buy what you personally like. You will do that anyway. I am doing the same.
9th Mar 2017, 13:15
The Grand Prix you mentioned was definitely a full size, full frame car then. Later they shrank. I have nothing against them, especially the fantastic SJ 455. You could bury the speedometer to the floor. The large mass was ideal for flat out speed. They even offered a 4 speed prior. And I saw one without air in it. At the drag strip I saw a girl win her class driving her dad's car. He probably didn't know she took it there.
I don't know what possible import surpassed GM in 1974. This commenter has yet to say what make and model they actually owned then. And I don't see it happening. Bashful or dreaming perhaps. This is a mid size review. That's what a 74 Chevelle is. What Japanese mid size could you possibly be discussing? Got me scratching my head. I bought several cars first hand in the 70s. In the late 70s I owned a Celica GT. It had beautiful styling, but was a bit underpowered. They messed up the Mustang looks after 1980 with the rounded shape. The designer really had his act together in the late 70s, so I bought a 280zx. And a Supra would have worked. So it's not that I despise imports, it's that I don't agree with you. In fact it's most likely that the person with the 74 bought it late 73 or early 74 before the gas embargo. Thrift wasn't even an issue, so why are we talking small imports.
9th Mar 2017, 19:23
The Grand Prix was not full size. It shared the same midsize frame with the LeMans, Regal/Century, Malibu/Monte Carlo, Cutlass Supreme/Salon. There were even midsize station wagons on this platform.
10th Mar 2017, 02:04
The problems mentioned on each of those import brands are not claims. They are some of the troublesome areas each brand is known to have.
10th Mar 2017, 03:42
Go to Wikipedia if you do not believe me. Full size in 3 different generation periods and not consecutive at that. You may have owned a mid size version as they were made as well. My periods were with full size with the factory 455. Again, read Wikipedia if you doubt it. Doesn't matter to me as I really liked the full size Grand Prix. One big heavy car in the slot just below a Bonneville - another full size model.
10th Mar 2017, 13:44
The fullsize Grand Prix was 1962-1968 built on the Bonneville/Catalina. 1969 and beyond was midsize. Even though I am a huge fan of this car, I decided to humor your suggestions and check out Wikipedia, and to no surprise it states my info. I originally was referring to '73-'77 which is built on the same platform as the Malibu on review (a midsize). There is really no reason to argue this any further.
10th Mar 2017, 18:29
So you were wrong. In addition it went full size again later if you read in depth. Dismissing 3 generations full size is significant. Since you are a Pontiac fan, would you also say all GTOs or Firebirds for example were virtually identical since their inception?
11th Mar 2017, 05:31
13:15 was a flat out all Grand Prix comment never being full size. Wikipedia corrected your error, not yourself.
11th Mar 2017, 15:13
"Never being fullsize" eh? Go back and read the very first sentence of "13:15".
11th Mar 2017, 15:56
Uh, no I was not wrong, again, the car was considered fullsize '62-68.
Here I am trying to level with you and you want to keep going, why?
You also want to know what kind of car the import commenter drives. Why? So you can argue with them too?
Wikipedia: "This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed"
This is what's posted on the page.
So, if you want to believe everything posted on Wikipedia, go right ahead. Yeah, they also try to claim that the 1996-2008 4 door versions were fullsize (maybe for rental car agencies); in the meantime the Bonneville was still around at that time and was a much bigger car. Explain that one.
If you want to read true literature on the GP, go to Curbside Classics. Articles about years 1969, 1974 and 1976 all stating that they were INTERMEDIATE ,PERSONAL luxury cars.
Anyways, this is getting boring and going nowhere. Like I said, this was one of my favorite GM cars until it became front drive. I've owned 3 different generations and would think I know what class the size falls in. It's OK for you to be mistaken, it happens to the best of us.
7th Mar 2017, 15:10
Vehicles such as the Malibu on topic are what GM knew how build. The Vega was rushed into production to compete with the rinky-dink imports of the time.