The first Chevette offered two engines: 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter overhead cam layouts. A four-door sedan was added in the '78 model year, as was a high-output version of the 1.6L engine. Buyers could choose from automatic transmissions, air conditioning, tilt steering, and multicolor sport stripes-all luxuries that many small cars of the day didn't offer.
The next step for the automotive sales leader involved the Impala/Caprice line in 1977. Chevrolet received a lot of bystander criticism for finally succumbing to the smaller trends, but the remarks proved to be just that-remarks. The new models were met with such public enthusiasm that they unseated the Oldsmobile Cutlass as the best-selling nameplate, helping Chevrolet capture 25 percent of total domestic sales.
The new fullsize vehicles measured 11 inches less in overall length, 5 1/2 inches less in wheelbase, and four inches less in width. Yet nothing was compromised in overall legroom-while the models actually gained headroom and space in the trunk. The car was more than 600 pounds lighter and earned fuel economy figures of 17 mpg city, 22 highway; unbelievable for a car its size at the time. Standard under the hood was a 4.1L L6, with two optional V-8s. No manual transmissions were available.
Styling was much more elegant and more angular, with fender-high horizontal lines and a crisp definition to the hood, roof, and decklid. GM stylists felt it reflected the modern look of architecture in the '70s. But to many buyers, it had a more distinguished appearance than any previous fullsize Chevrolet. It was just one of the reasons why Caprice accounted for 30 percent of standard-size car sales by 1979.
Monte Carlo received a more formal look in the late-'70s. "Monte" had become essential to Chevy dealers nationwide-it was the second best-selling Bow-Tie nameplate, and number four overall in domestic sales. The new look gave a sculptured, formal statement to the rear decklid and roof lines, adding to the feeling of personal luxury. It, too, came down in size, losing 12 inches in overall length and 817 pounds.
The final major change of the decade occurred in April 1979, when the Nova nameplate bowed out of the Chevy lineup and the newest Chevrolet compact appeared-Citation.