Lada the Canadian History 1979-1998.

"Luc - The Acadian Oppo" (luc5) 12/18/2014 at 10:30 • Filed to: Lada Canada

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I was talking with my old man today when he told me something I never new about. Lada's where sold new here in Canada from 1979 up until 1998. I'm old enough to remember 1998 very vividly and the only Lada I ever remember seeing in Canada is the Lada Niva and I tough it was something that someone imported straight from Russia(or back then the U.S.S.R.). I was born in 1985 and being a car guy from a very young age you would think I would know this. So I decided to do some digging.

Lada first started importing cars in 1979. The first car to be imported into Canada was the Lada Signet known in other parts of the world as the 2106.

The Lada Signet was powered by a RWD 75hp 1500cc 4 cylinder. The Signet had quite the slogan "At $4,998 no other car in Canada comes with so much and sells for so little." That's right! At the time the Signet was the cheapest car you could buy in Canada.

Later on in the mid 80's Lada started importing the ever famous Niva the compact 4x4 that is still sold brand new today in Europe and Russia.

The Niva was powered by a 1.6L 4 banger and was quite the capable offroader due to its low weight,steep departure angles and high ground clearance.

The Niva was a relatively strong seller in Canada, selling over 12,000 units in the first year and kept being a decent seller moving roughly 12,000 units a year up until the mid 90's. According to my old man they were about $8000-$9000 brand new (I was unable to confirm this).

The Signet and Niva eventually were joined in Canada by a new compact car, the Samara. You could get the Samara as a sedan or your choice of a 3 or 5 door hatch.

The Samara was powered by a 75hp 1,499cc 4cyl powering the front wheels. The motor in the Samara was very special because what most people don't know is that the motor was developed by Porsche! (Not really. The head was developed in co-operation with Porsche, though most Western observers assumed Porsche's involvement went beyond just engines)

Lada sold cars(I'm assuming from peoples backyards) until 1998 when it could no longer compete with the low cost cars from Korea and finally pulled the plug.

I still find it strange that I have never once seen a dealership or any other cars other than the occasional Niva. I'm originally from a small hick town in southern New-Brunswick where everybody went nuts for very cheap cars. I grew up around Hyundai pony's but no Lada's? I'm even surprised we did not own a Lada in our family as my dad is extremely cheap and this would of been right up his alley.

bob and john > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 02:39

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APPERENTLY there is a small island on the Atlantic side that is still french. I've only ever heard of it onJalopnik, but they only have like 100? KM of road...but they get all of the french cars! Renault, Citroen, Peugeot...they have them all!

lonestranger > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 02:53

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I do remember Ladas being sold new in the '90s, but I assumed at the time that they were new to Canada. It wasn't until recently that I found out they were here much earlier.

I remember a little rinky-dink Lada dealer here in Kamloops in the early '90s, and we had an alignment shop that also sold Skodas.

Canada gets all the shitboxes, 'cuz our citizens are broke.

Svend > bob and john 11/02/2014 at 03:55

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There was a thread on here not so long ago. I love all these little islands. Until recently I thought cars on the U.S. Virgin Islands drove on the right and maybe also the British Virgin Islands too as the U.S.V.I. are larger group of islands of larger land mass and so on, but both the U.S.V.I. and the B.V.I. drive on the left like many former colonies, even though a lot of the cars are left hand drive as they are imported from the U.S. only very few are right hand drive.

Svend > lonestranger 11/02/2014 at 04:04

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I see an old Skoda Rapid there. It's a shame they don't still import the Skodas as I've heard a few on here saying they wished Skoda was available in the U.S.

The Rapid has come a long way since that yellow one in the picture all those years ago.

It's probably not the nicest of the Skoda family but still rather good.

AUDACIA > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 05:35

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If you do not search for them, you will not find LADA dealerships anyway.

In central europe, they are mostly combined with used car lots of the kind, where you may buy a 4th owner 1996 VW Polo. They are also mostly in industrial areas of cities and towns, in the outskirts rather. There are no huge signs or other marketing gadgets showing the cars, no flags neither. You'd have to walk across the yard through the rows of used economy cars and maybe some shady Mercedes or Alfa 156 with very unclear history, untill you reach the showroom containing maybe one car, but in most cases brochures only and a row of LADA Nivas right next to it, because they are the only product that sell even a bit well. Nothing better to buy for say...hunters or others working in the forests.

cayman2007 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 07:04

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I remember the first Lada's that went on sale in Canada, they were essentially Fiat 128's. I was a student and was tired of my old cars breaking down so I considered buying a Lada (thinking a new car with warranty for $5k made sense). I knew a guy that owned one, he told me they were complete pieces of shit that spent more time at the dealer than in his driveway. I quote: "a cloud passes overhead, car won't start". You get what you pay for..

ranwhenparked > bob and john 11/02/2014 at 09:05

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St. Pierre & Miquelon, last remaining piece of New France, and they only spot aside from Northern New Jersey where you can see new Peugeots and Citroens in North America.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > lonestranger 11/02/2014 at 10:10

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AWESOME. I had no idea the other cars where sold here as well. and the Samurai was exclusive to Canada? Those where extremely popular in my neck of the woods. I've seen hundreds if not thousands of them.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Svend 11/02/2014 at 10:10

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DAT Rapid Spaceback is fantastic!

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > cayman2007 11/02/2014 at 10:12

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They can't be that bad or else why would the russians still be making them? but I hear you on the you get what you pay for. Don't expect much for 5K.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > AUDACIA 11/02/2014 at 10:15

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Great info. Thanks for explaining it. I pretty sure it was probably the same type of setup in Canada because up until yesterday I did not even know they were sold in Canada. I wouldn't mind a brand new Riva (aka 2107). I'd take a chance on one for 5K-6K.

Svend > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 13:52

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Of the two Rapids the Spaceback is the better looker.

The Octavia VRs wins on looks and performance with it's 217bhp 2.0TSi petrol manual 6 speed or automatic gearbox, also available in 184bhp 2.0TDi diesel again manual and automatic in both 5 door and estate.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > bob and john 11/02/2014 at 14:15

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Ya there is, I have done a couple posts on it in the past.

They are called Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Svend 11/02/2014 at 14:53

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I'll take my spaceback with a 184hp diesel please!

Tohru > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 15:08

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The Sammy might have been exclusive at the time, but it was sold in the US as well.

Tohru > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 15:08

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Well, this is just logical.

After all, Communist cars are sold in Communist countries, right?

:P Just making a joke.

thebigbossyboss > lonestranger 11/02/2014 at 15:11

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they didn't get the Samurai in the USA??? That's unbelievable. Here they were everywhere.

Svend > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 15:30

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The 184bhp diesel is the Octavia VRs. The Rapid Spaceback SE Sport 1.6TDi 5 speed manual is 105ps/103bhp. Sorry. But can I tempt you into an Octavia VRs 184bhp 2.0TDi diesel with a 6 speed manual if I offered it in an estate form?

lonestranger > thebigbossyboss 11/02/2014 at 15:36

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The U.S. did get them from model year 1986 onward. The article was from March '85 in the Calgary Herald.

lonestranger > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 15:37

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Yea, I never knew the Innocenti was sold here until I read that.

The U.S. did get the Samurai from model year 1986 onward. The article was from March '85 in the Calgary Herald. I should've mentioned that when I posted it, but it was 1 AM and I was off to bed ;)

Rocas > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 17:51

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As far as i remember, Porsche wasn't involved in engine development, but was working on handling improvement . As legend says, the most notable result of Porsche participation was the small "outgrowth" on the back of the roof, that added some downforce.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 18:47

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Has Canadian market '96 Niva. Is interesting car.

 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 21:49

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Thanks for posting. I remember seeing a few Ladas in Ontario in the late 90's and I even recall passing by a Lada building. Sadly I can't remember where I saw it. Most likely somewhere in Toronto. Too bad there aren't more of these still left around. Early Fiat 124 based Ladas were actually decent cars(for a Lada).

Luc - The Acadian Oppo >  11/02/2014 at 22:31

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That's the Lada I would want. I still find the Riva a neat car and it was also Lada's cheapest car which makes it a win/win in my book.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/02/2014 at 23:26

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I would definetaly take a Signet or a Samara for rally purposes:

But my first choice for a communistical rally car would be a Skoda:

CB > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 00:02

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I actually knew this, because they appear in the Canadian Tire parts computer. It's really odd, honestly.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > CB 11/03/2014 at 00:13

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you can still get parts for it? I used to work in the Canadian Tire parts department in 2005/2006 and I never really paid attention to that stuff as most people looking for parts was for a Pontiac Sunfire or Chevy Tracker.

CB > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 00:16

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They're listed in the system, at least. I'll go fishing around next time I'm at work. We probably have plugs and brakes that'll fit it, but I imagine finding a radiator would be difficult.

We also have old Fiats in the computer. Anything sold after 1962 is in it.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > not for canada - australian in disguise 11/03/2014 at 00:18

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You could have a pretty good time exploring in a Niva as well.

But my heart sits with the Lada 2106/2107 those would be a total hoot on a dirt road or on a slushy country road.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > CB 11/03/2014 at 00:22

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When I was working there we rolled with the black and green MS dos type computer system now I see you guys have a new windows internet based system. Young whipper snappers with their new fangled technology. I would be curious to know that parts are still available. if they are I might start hunting for a Lada of sort.

cayman2007 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 00:23

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Research a Fiat 128, they were really bad (my brother had one for three months). Then let Lada get their hands on the design.. you know where this is going.

CB > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 00:30

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Haha you act like we still don't use the AS-400. We do. We just have some Windows stuff to complement it.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > cayman2007 11/03/2014 at 00:37

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from what I've been hearing these cars are so bad that they are good. I mean for the russians to still be using them today there must be a redeeming feature to them. they must be more durable than anything else or why would they bother?.

edu-petrolhead > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 09:47

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And in Brazil it was called the "Laika"

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > edu-petrolhead 11/03/2014 at 09:49

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Was it a popular vehicle in Brazil?

edu-petrolhead > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 09:52

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From what I recall from my childhood, not so much. They were dirt cheap, but unreliable as hell. Ladas made our national cars look like swiss watches. Brazilian best selling car mag, Quatro Rodas, road tested the Samara for 30,000 km, and the results were a disaster.

Lada sold the Laika, the Laika wagon, the Niva and the Samara here. Picture below is a Lada as we usually see around here

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > edu-petrolhead 11/03/2014 at 10:11

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all good info. I love learning about other countries car cultures. You would think it would of been a hit because of the low price over there. I met a guy from Cuba and he said that they keep these running with essentially no spare parts available He had a Moskovich 2140 and his brother had a Lada 2107.

Delusion77 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/03/2014 at 12:56

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This is all news to me. Iv seen one Niva up in the middle of nowhere Ontario before. I just assumed it was some nut who imported it.

Delusion77 > Svend 11/03/2014 at 12:58

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Skoda's are nice. Id much rather own one than a Golf. The Czechs do a lot of good because they don't want to just be the same

Svend > Delusion77 11/03/2014 at 13:09

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The idea is for people to start with Seat and Skoda and then as they get older and or wealthier they buy a VW or Audi, then if they get wealthier still, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, etc... But quite a few are moving not necessarily down but sideways to a Skoda as you get the same build quality, sometimes better performance for a lot less money or less money but more equipment. It was getting to affect VW sales and they started delisting some options or making what were standard equipment into optional cost extras. For such a great car for the money I won't be buying anything but Skoda unless I win the lottery but even then I'd buy a few Skoda's first.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Delusion77 11/03/2014 at 13:11

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Same here. I've seen maybe 4 nivas in my whole life and that's it. I never knew until last week that they were ever sold here.

thebigbossyboss > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 12/18/2014 at 00:06

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One guy near where I grew up had a Lada Niva. Although i never saw the dealership I did know Lada's were sold here.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > thebigbossyboss 12/18/2014 at 10:26

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The Niva is the only Lada I've ever seen in person. I actually saw one last week in Edmonton the guy had a downhill mountain bike on the back that was worth at least twice what the car was worth. I gave him a HUGE thumbs up it made my day completely.

I wish I could find myself a Signet to bomb around the city in.

cuts_off_prius > bob and john 12/18/2014 at 11:10

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http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/france-in-n-am…

thebigbossyboss > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 12/18/2014 at 11:20

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Same I have never seen a Samara or Signet. It's okay though in my opinion the Niva is the best Lada.

Redbulldidlo > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 12/18/2014 at 11:29

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I live in Ontario, don't think I've seen a single lada, however, I know that magna (Who make car parts for just about everyone) Are getting lada parts ordered

vicali > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 12/18/2014 at 11:56

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Highschool gf's mum had an 83 Signet just like this one;

it wasn't a reliable ride..

ranwhenparked > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 12/18/2014 at 17:18

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The Soviets supposedly had big plans to sell cars in the US at one time too. GAZ developed an automatic transmission for the Volga M21 in the early '60s specifically for the American market, but backed out - what with the Cuban Missile Crisis and all, the time just wasn't ideal. Gosplan looked at introducing Lada to the US at around the same time the brand launched in Canada in the late '70s, but again decided not to go ahead. Whatever PR value there was in it was more than offset by the expected financial losses. For the best, probably, since there were some stories of Canadians driving their Ladas south of the border and running into gas stations that refused to service them for driving Soviet cars.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > ranwhenparked 12/18/2014 at 18:10

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neat info! thanks!

alex > Delusion77 06/12/2016 at 22:19

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I've heard that Lada had many dealerships in the country, and as a result, good sells. If they sold 10k cars a year during 15 years or so, where are they all now?? Rusted, sold away, abandoned somewhere..? Personally, I've only seen two Nivas in Quebec: a green one, and another black, missing many parts but not rusted

alex > thebigbossyboss 06/12/2016 at 22:22

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Even in Russia, according to what I’ve heard, old Ladas like Samara and the classical ones (2101-02-03...) are slowly replaced by newer models (Kalina, Granta, Priora, Largus). In 2000s a lot of good old ones were still running.. And today's Ladas are a lot greater! XRAY, Vesta..

Delusion77 > alex 06/13/2016 at 11:04

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Perhaps a lot of owners fell for the retire your ride program(cash for clunkers)?

thebigbossyboss > lonestranger 06/13/2016 at 19:05

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Well the Samurai was awesome so there's that.

Ken > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 07/06/2016 at 18:13

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A few little corrections. The first Pass sold in Canada was the Lada 1500s (VAZ-2106), which is what the blue sedan in your first pic is, along with the Niva. The Signet’s came a little later, and were versions of the VAZ-2105 (Signet 1.5 or 1.3 sedan), VAZ-2107 (Signet GL; the sedan with the big chrome grille), and the 2104 (Signet Wagon). BTW, the Samara sedan was sold in Canada as the Sagona.

Art > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/15/2017 at 19:55

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I owned a Samara from 1989 till 1999, and I put 232,000 kms on it. I was a student at the time, and I wanted a NEW vehicle rather than a used one. The Samara cost me $7,500 including all taxes, and all the extras that came with it made my decision quite easy. It served me well, and the only reason I gave it up in the end was because it was close to needing a new clutch, and with Lada being gone out of Canada and most workshops being uneasy about servicing Ladas in general I decided to let it go.

As I said, most workshops were uneasy about servicing Ladas, and this required me to become half a mechanic myself (I never gave much for cars, and I could not have differentiated an oil filter from a fuel filter when I first bought the car - no joke! I am honest!) I never did regret buying the Samara as my first own car, and these days I do my own oil changes on every vehicle/farm mashine I own because of my learning experiences.

It must be mentioned that Lada also had a small Pick-up truck for sale here in Canada in the 1990s; the only problem I found it had was that the bed was square and smaller than the “usual” trucks sold by other companies.

So much from a previous, satisfied Samara owner.

Note: My knowledge about fixing common Samara problems helped a girl my age overseas when I was on my Europe trip in 1997. I was able to show her how to fix a plugged fuel cylinder after opening the carbureator etc. She was afraid of what it would cost her and I showed her what the problem was, and afterwards I forced her to show me that she would be able to perform this FIX by herself as my car had this exact problem on average every 12-18 months. She did, and I am sure she remembered me the next time it happened.

A from BC

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Art 01/20/2017 at 16:40

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Right on! I’ve met a guy just outside of Edmonton that is currently driving a 2104 wagon and his stories line up pretty much perfectly with yours. Must be a Lada thing.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/things-you-dont-see-everyday-lada-2104-wagon-1787456780

Thanks for filling us in on your adventures of Russian car ownership.

Steve > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/30/2018 at 21:07

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I had a samara, was a great little car. Drove that thing for almost 400k, with very little work being done to it. Have been lucky to find a 85 Skoda, car has been sitting for 8 years put some fresh gas and a battery and fired right up. Commie cars are awesome.

Krzysiek > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 03/13/2019 at 03:59

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I have got lada niva truck.I know that mine is 1993 year buil and send to Poland.Im looking for any information about this car.How many was build?How many exist???Is it true that lada truck was made in Canada on the base of typical car, by local coachbuilder?That may car

https://www.facebook.com/krzysiek.kotecki/media_set?set=a.2142609762464411&type=3

Rev Les Crowley > AUDACIA 08/28/2019 at 06:23

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“In central europe, they are mostly combined with used car lots of the kind, where you may buy a 4th owner 1996 VW Polo. “

Ah, got it.  In English we call those “Buy Here, Pay Here.”  This makes perfect sense.

Rev Les Crowley > ranwhenparked 08/28/2019 at 06:29

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My Canadian in-laws had Lada(s), and for a long time you couldn’t drive in them in the US because of trade sanctions against the USSR.

I think the ban lifted during the Yeltsin era, but by then they didn’t want to venture into the US because no dealer support.