Chevrolet Chevette
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The Chevrolet Chevette was Chevrolet's version of GM's worldwide T platform of the 1970s, which was also sold as the Vauxhall Chevette, Opel Kadett, Isuzu Gemini and the Holden Gemini, among others. The T-car was actually first launched in Brazil under the Chevette name in 1974, as a two-door sedan — the Brazilian Chevette line eventually included a 3-door hatchback and a 2-door station wagon (named Marajó), as well as a pickup (named the Chevy 500), and was produced until 1994.
Production of the Chevette in the USA started in late 1975 for the 1976 model year; initially there was a 3-door hatchback with a 1.4 or 1.6 L gasoline engine, and a 4-speed manual transmission. A 3-speed automatic transmission was optional with the 1.6, and "Rally" or "Woody" option packs could be had, as well as a loss-leader "Scooter" which was a 2-seater with painted instead of chromed headlight bezels and very basic trim inside and out. The Canadian market also received a Pontiac clone named the Acadian. Very early Chevettes can be identified by a hood that wraps down to the bumper, round headlights and a slightly curved tail with tri-color taillights rimmed in chrome. The Chevette was one of the last car models offered that did not have power steering standard.
The Chevette essentially replaced the ill-fated Vega as Chevrolet's import-fighting small car. Though the Chevette lacked the technological advances bestowed on the Vega and based on relatively outdated small engineering techniques, it was a far more reliable vehicle than its predecessor.
Annual changes
- 1978, Slightly modified grille with a grid design, grille and headlight frames chromed, a 5-door model on a longer wheelbase was added, gas cap door added, the Scooter could be had with a back seat (extra cost), and the 1.4 L engine and "woody" pack were dropped.
- 1979, Holley 2-barrel carburetor now standard on all models. Front fascia facelifted. Hood now flat, no longer wraps down to bumper; large chrome grille with new-style square headlights.
- 1980, Rear fascia facelifted. Squared-off hatch, wraparound taillights with black frames, turn signals built in with brake light. Round gas filler door now made from plastic.
- 1981, New style steel wheels, "dog dish" hubcaps discontinued. US models received a new Computer Command Control feedback system on gasoline engines. Pontiac T1000 introduced — identical to the Acadian except for fender badges — becomes available in the US and is essentially a rebadged Chevette, sharing rear lights and trim with Chevette with standard chrome trim around the windows. Diesel engine first listed as option in late 1981. 3.36 axle ratio introduced.
- 1982, Diesel engine now optional (1.8 L Isuzu unit). 5-speed manual transmission now optional on gasoline-powered cars (standard with diesel). Painted exterior trim on Scooter changed from dull silver to dull black; 5-door Scooter optional for the first time. GM THM-180C (THM-200C for diesel model) is now offered as the standard automatic transmission which includes a locking torque converter for greater fuel mileage.
- 1983, Makeover for the front and rear fascias of the car including the addition of Chevette CS introduced. Chrome grille and trim discontinued and replaced with black trim. Scooter and base Chevettes sport a black grille and end-caps for the bumpers while Chevette CS models offer white trimmed grille. Chevette "S" model offered with red instead of white highlights. Chevette CS options include: chrome bumpers, full wheelcovers, black-and-chrome trim around windows, deluxe interior (the last two, oddly, also available separately). New seats introduced and new interior colors. Dashpad no longer available in colors (standard black only) and all interior trim also relagated to black. Control knobs updated from white on black to white on aluminum. Automatic shifter updated with locking safety feature. Rear cardboard insert smaller and carpet now attached to it instead of a solid removable covering. Base Chevette now offers the Scooter cardboard cargo panels instead of plastic. Updated seat belt systems with different style interlocks.
- 1984, Scooter Dropped.
- 1985, Chevette Base dropped. Also Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) added, 3rd brake light unit mounted on rear hatch glass.
- 1986, No Changes.
- 1987, Diesel dropped. Final model year for Chevette. The Chevette, along with the Chevrolet Sprint were replaced by the Geo Metro in 1989, and by the Chevrolet Spectrum (introduced for 1985). In the United States, the T1000 was replaced by the Pontiac LeMans in 1989, and in Canada, the Acadian was replaced by the Firefly (introduced in 1985).
External links
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