Chevrolet Vega

Chevrolet Vega
1971 Chevrolet Vega
Overview
Manufacturer	Chevrolet (General Motors)
Also called	Vega 2300
Production	1970–1977
Model years	1971–1977
Assembly	Lordstown Assembly, Lordstown, Ohio, United States South Gate Assembly South Gate, California, United States Sainte-Thérèse Assembly- Quebec, Canada
Designer	GM & Chevrolet design staffs chief stylist, Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact
Body style	2-door notchback sedan 2-door hatchback coupe 2-door wagon 2-door panel delivery
Layout	FR layout
Platform	GM H platform (RWD)
Related	Pontiac Astre, Chevrolet Monza, Pontiac Sunbird, Buick Skyhawk, Oldsmobile Starfire
Powertrain
Engine	140 cu in (2.3 L) GM 2300 OHC 1bbl I4 140 cu in (2.3 L) OHC 2bbl I4 122 cu in (2.0 L) DOHC EFI I4
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 5-speed manual w/overdrive Torque-Drive clutchless manual 2-speed Powerglide automatic 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic auto.
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97.0 in (2,464 mm)
Length	169.7 in (4,310 mm)
Width	65.4 in (1,661 mm)
Height	51 in (1,295 mm)
Curb weight	2,181–2,270 lb (989–1,030 kg) (1971)
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Cavalier

The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact automobile that was produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1977. Available in two-door hatchback, notchback, wagon, and panel delivery body styles, all models were powered by an inline four-cylinder engine with a lightweight, aluminum alloy cylinder block. Variants included the Cosworth Vega, a short-lived limited-production performance model, introduced in March 1975.

The Vega received praise and awards at its introduction, including 1971 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Subsequently the car became widely known for a range of problems related to its engineering, reliability, safety, 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.

The name "" derives fromthe brightest star in the constellation Lyra. It forms one corner of the Summer Triangle.

Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions worked separately on small cars in the early and mid 1960s. Ed Cole, GM's executive vice-president of operating staffs, working on his own small-car project with corporate engineering and design staffs, presented the program to GM's president in 1967. GM chose Cole's version over proposals from Chevrolet and Pontiac, and gave the car to Chevrolet to sell. Corporate management made the decisions to enter the small car market and to develop the car itself.

In 1968, GM chairman James Roche announced GM would produce the new car in the U.S. in two years. Ed Cole was chief engineer and Bill Mitchell, vice-president of design staff, was chief stylist. Cole wanted a world-beater in showrooms in 24 months. A GM design team was set up, headed by James G. Musser Jr. who had helped develop the Chevy II, the Camaro, the Chevrolet small-block V8 engines, and the Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. Musser said, "This was the first vehicle where one person was in charge," and that his team "did the entire vehicle." As GM president, Cole oversaw the car's genesis and met the projected schedule.