The Chevette was variously referred to as an engine surrounded by four pieces of drywall; a plywood matchbox with no redeeming qualities; and a throwaway from the word go.

The 1979 Chevette four-door hatchback listed at $3,914 in 1979, or just over $14 grand in 2017 dollars. The cheapest possible Chevy Nova four-door had an MSRP of $4,290, and it was much thirstier.

The Chevette's demise and now infamous reputation came from Chevy's inability to change the car in any meaningful way. Chevrolet made the car from 1975 to 1987 and changed very little.

The Chevette’s downfall and mixed reputation resulted from the car mainly remaining unchanged between 1975 to 1987 while more competitors entered the market. Read Full Story.

Our most recent fifth-wheel stats for a production Chevette (13.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, 19.1 seconds for the quarter-mile; C/D, November 1979) are laughable in comparison. The 60-degree V-6 is ...