1972 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback review from North America

Almost anything that could went wrong- did.

Brakes, serviced and largely replaced at under 10,000. At the time a daily driver, it did well to show up. Too many times it didn't.

At 17,000, post major service Fluids etc. checked, then after 70+ miles of expressway, rough running began just before toll plaza. Clouds of smoke etc while stopped. Tow required. Chevrolet dealer (out of town) replaced head gasket and did assorted other major repairs. Astronomical cost. No longer under warranty (on time, at least). Dealer claimed no "secret" warranty.

At 31,000 miles, head gasket blew again, giving off sufficient smoke to acquire ticket for excessive smoke (three weeks after service and inspection. (new local) Dealer estimate for engine and other repairs said to be essential exceed value of car. Says no special warranty, but after pressure, contacts Chevrolet Region which pays for most of Engine repair. Other"work" not considered needed on re-estimate.

Brake linings/pads replaced a second time by Chevrolet. Corroded exhaust system replaced before 28,000.

Engine begins to backfire. Dealer services. Muffler blown off a few weeks later.

Gear shift knob falls off. poor fit Time lost to replace.

Transmission begins to be troublesome in the 30s. Locks up completely estimate for replacement exceeds value of car.

Assorted corrosion problems although not driven is snow/salt.

Car scrapped under 40,000miles/8 years as not worth repairs.

I bought two of these 1972,both owned from new. The first was totaled--I wasn't around for it with less than10K miles. I liked it -- looked promising and a good deal. The second looked exactly the same color and all. It wasn't. Trouble from beginning.

At the time of this car (the second) GM had supposedly fixed its problems at Lordstown. They hadn't. Bad days were bad cars. Knew people who drove them trouble free. Mine was assembled on something akin to a soviet Monday drunken shift --or something similar. Soviet optical factories would assemble glass elements backwards. Inspectors would pass them on. Apparently that was Lordstown.

In its defense, it was a good driver. Unfortunately design flaws coupled with frequent assembly flaws and failure to acknowledge defects made it the most expensive car per mile that I've ever owned --includingmy MB SL.

GM was "old reliable" I thought, based in part on my 1957 2dr hardtop 283 inch,270 dual carb chevy. And I wanted something akin to my old early 60s VW.

My experience was so miserable I swore never to buy another GM product and -- 34 years later I've haven't -- and won't. Maybe a vette, but it's got good non GM (and non-American) comp.

I've had two Toyotas that easily and cheaply hit 200K, Merc diesel with nearly 300K and acuras thar make every day easy. My non-GM American trucks have by contrast troublesome. The Vega was my wakeupcall and if I buy another truck, it won't be Big 3.

Vega, take a bow. You were such a piece of junk you pushed mecompletely away from GM and to some degree the others of the Big 3, junk or not.

Now GM and Ford are paying the price.