1977 Chevrolet Vega GT review from North America

Latch on door post kept coming loose

causing driver's door to not latch tightly.

Yes, I admit it! For a brief time in the late '70's I owned a Vega GT.

It actually wasn't a bad looking little car. Black with white stripes and a red vinyl interior. Resembling a shrunken Camaro. It certainly didn't perform like my Camaro though.

The handling of the Vega GT was quite good. One US auto magazine called it the best handling American car. I wouldn't go that far, but it handled well.

My main complaint with the Vega, was the gear ratios of the 4 speed transmission. 1st gear was so high, it was like driving a 5 speed with no first gear. It always felt like you were driving away from a stop in 2nd gear.

Once underway the Vega moved along much like most econoboxes of its era. Nothing spectacullar, but okay.

The hatchback was actually very convenient. I could fit all of my hockey equipment in there with room to spare.

The Vega was equipped with a very good heater/defroster. This came in very handy all those cold New England mornings driving to hockey games at 6am.

I didn't own the car long enough to experience any major problems with it.

I needed a new van for business, so I traded in the Vega Gt, and kept my Camaro. (For another 25 years).

I kind of look back fondly at my little black GT (but I have a difficult time admitting I owned a Vega).

The Vega has a bad reputation, however my sister and brother-in-law purchased a new Vega back in 1971, and it provided them with years of trouble-free service. They never experienced the engine problems associated with the aluminum engine.

Would I own another Chevy? Probably not.

But not because of the Vega or the Camaro for that matter. I just don't feel that GM is currently building any vehicles that I would be interested in owning.

If I were in the market for a sporty American car, I would take a look at the '05 Mustang. (Love the retro styling). But I'm not a Ford person either, and besides living here in New England, a rear wheel drive sports coupe would not be practical.