1982 Chevrolet Chevette problems
The Chevrolet Chevette is a front-engine, rear-drive subcompact manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet for model years 1976–1987 as a three-door or five-door hatchback. Introduced in North America in September 1975, the Chevette superseded the Vega as Chevrolet's entry-level subcompact, and sold 2.8 million units over 12 years. The Chevette was the best-selling small car in the U.S. for model years 1979 and 1980.
The Chevette employed General Motors' global T platform which was co-developed by Opel and Isuzu in 1973. The first T-car model produced was the Brazilian Chevrolet Chevette released in the same year. Six months later the Opel Kadett C was released in Europe. Worldwide, GM manufactured and marketed more than 7 million T-cars – either as rebadged models or locally-built versions in different countries. T-car variants were sold internationally as the Pontiac Acadian in Canada; Pontiac T1000/1000 in the United States (1981–1987); K-180 in Argentina; Vauxhall Chevette in the United Kingdom, Austria, France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and Uruguay; Opel Kadett C in Germany; Isuzu Gemini in Japan, Holden Gemini in Australia; AYMESA Cóndor in Ecuador (from 1978); Saehan Gemini and Daewoo Maepsy in South Korea; and as a coupe utility (pickup), the Chevy (or GMC) 500 in Brazil and South America. A T-car variant remained in production in South America through 1998.
Introduced on a full-color nationwide campaign in 140–150 of the country's largest daily papers, the New York Times said the "little American car holds its own with the foreigners." Looking back on the Chevette in 2011, the same publication called the Chevette "haphazardly made, sparsely trimmed and underpowered." Consumer Guide described the Chevette as “unimaginative to an extreme.”
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Common 1982 Chevrolet Chevette problems
The Chevrolet Chevette, manufactured between 1976 and 1987, was a subcompact car that faced several common problems based on complaints from its owners.
- Fuel Efficiency: Although the Chevette was marketed for its fuel efficiency, the 1982 diesel engine, which produced 51 horsepower and 72 ft-lb torque, was even slower, taking 21.2 seconds to reach 60 mph.
- Lack of Modern Features: The Chevette's design remained largely unchanged throughout its production run, making it outdated and less competitive compared to newer models from other manufacturers. It lacked modern features and amenities, which affected its appeal to buyers.
- Reliability Issues: Despite being marketed as a reliable car, the Chevette had its share of reliability issues. The car's simple design meant that there was not much to go wrong, but when problems did occur, they could be challenging to fix due to the car's outdated design.
- Weak Sales: The Chevette suffered from weak sales, particularly in its later years. By 1982, the car's sales had declined significantly, and it was eventually discontinued in 1987 due to the growing popularity of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Poor Build Quality: The Chevette was known for its poor build quality, with many owners reporting issues such as rattles, squeaks, and leaks. The car's interior was also criticized for its cheap materials and lack of comfort.
- Safety Concerns: The Chevette's safety features were limited, with no airbags or anti-lock brakes available. This made the car less safe compared to newer models, which had more advanced safety features.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Chevette faced several common problems, including poor performance, fuel efficiency issues, lack of modern features, reliability concerns, weak sales, poor build quality, and safety issues. These problems affected the car's appeal to buyers and contributed to its eventual discontinuation in 1987.
Why did they stop making Chevy Chevette?
They where so bad on take off that you could be run over in traffic. Just terribly slow. But GM moved on and the Chevette became history. Due to declining sales and the fact that Chevrolet was producing the Nova subcompact in a joint venture with Toyota at a plant in Fremont, Calif.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Chevette get?
In addition to being the smallest, most fuel-efficient car marketed by Chevrolet, the Chevette was the lightest car marketed in the U.S. The EPA rated the base 1.4-liter engine at 28 miles per US gallon (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp) city and 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp) highway.
How much was a Chevy Chevette 1982?
The Chevette started in the low-to-mid $5,000 range in 1982, equivalent to about $14,000 in today's money.
What was the last year Chevette was made?
-1987
It was ultimately built for model years 1976-1987. To no one's surprise, the Chevette was the best-selling small car in America from 1979 and 1980.
Why did they stop making Chevy Chevette?
They where so bad on take off that you could be run over in traffic. Just terribly slow. But GM moved on and the Chevette became history. Due to declining sales and the fact that Chevrolet was producing the Nova subcompact in a joint venture with Toyota at a plant in Fremont, Calif.
What kind of engine does a Chevette have?
The Chevette originally appeared with a 1.4-liter inline-four of Isuzu origins, albeit with a single overhead cam rather than the pushrod model originally used in the United States. In 1981 this was augmented by a locally developed 1.6-liter version, it too with a single carburetor.
How much was a Chevy Chevette 1982?
The Chevette started in the low-to-mid $5,000 range in 1982, equivalent to about $14,000 in today's money.
What was the last year Chevette was made?
-1987
It was ultimately built for model years 1976-1987. To no one's surprise, the Chevette was the best-selling small car in America from 1979 and 1980.
1982 Chevrolet Chevette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Chevette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Chevrolet Chevette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Chevrolet Chevette complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Chevrolet Chevette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1AB68C1CY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAN'T GET IT TO BUCKLE IT IS HARD TO LOCK. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-18
- VIN: 1G1AB68C4CY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE SMOKES AND MELTS WIRES AND HARNESS BOX TO EACH OTHER AGAINST FIREWALL WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. *SKD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-16
- VIN: 1G1AB68C4CY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS THAT LIES AGAINST FIREWALL SMOKES/BURNS/MELTS WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. *AW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-05
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY STALLING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE SMOKES/MELTS ELECTRICAL WIRES. *AW
1982 Chevrolet Chevette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1982 Chevrolet Chevette.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CARBURETOR FUEL PLUG MAY COME OUT AND FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE CARBURETOR.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT IT FROM DISLODGING, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CARBURETOR FUEL INLET HOUSING PLUG IN THE SIDE OF THE CARBURETOR MAY COME OUT.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Other years of Chevrolet Chevette
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