1978 Chevrolet Chevette four door 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Great old car

Faults:

Water pump failed once.

Coil died one time.

Clutch pedal return sprig broke.

I had to rebuild entire brake system when I first got it.

Heater never really heats up.

General Comments:

Almost unbreakable.

Slow acceleration but handling makes up for that.

I would still be driving this car if the inspection rules did not change have to register as antique.

Car always starts and is ready to go.

Easy to work on no computer.

I have 4 of these cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2008

25th Dec 2011, 10:29

"Almost unbreakable."

Clearly the reviewer isn't trying hard enough.

In my 1st hand observation, Chevettes are easily breakable.

In reply to 25th Dec 2011, 10:29

27th Jan 2014, 21:32

Owned a 1978 Chevette, new with white exterior and white interior with Arctic blue trim. Had owned it for two years when I had to sell at 83,000 miles. Front and rear stabilizer bars. 32 MPG city/37 MPG highway with A/C. Changed the shocks myself at 50,000 miles. Otherwise, no repairs of any kind. Just oil, filters, and one set of tires. Tracked steady over the Rocky Mountains during a rain storm blowing horizontally. Best car I owned. Bought a new 1980 Chevette, new design. Piece of junk. Traded it in on a Datsun within 6 months.

1978 Chevrolet Chevette Rally 1.4 from Uruguay

Summary:

Nice car for youngsters if you find a no rust example

Faults:

Both front fenders rusted through in about 18 months. Floor under driver's side rusted through in two years.

Water leaked to the trunk.

No mechanical problems.

General Comments:

Uncomfortable rear seat.

Great steering.

Excellent gearbox.

Nice instrumentation (in 1978, this car came with tachometer, electric clock, vacuo-meter, voltmeter, water temperature gauge).

Improvement over standard model, with sculpted wheels, chromed rims (which kept falling out), and all blacked out trim save for the bumpers.

It would have been a great and long lasting car if it had been given a good rustproofing treatment. My father had to sell it because of the rust, but kept faithful to GM.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2004