The Chevrolet Hatchback Fascination

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 01/29/2020 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

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Utilitarian and unusual ... this was how much of the American car buying public viewed the hatchback . However, t hose who bought into this practical body style were treated to a variety of cho ices in the compact and midsize segments over the years from an unlikely, forward thinking source: Chevrolet . Let’s look at the lineage:

Chevrolet Nova: 1973-1974

The compact Nova saw the introduction of a 3-door hatchback body style for 1973. Based on the 2-door coupe, the Nova hatchback featured increased cargo capacity and a fold-down rear seat. Additionally, the hatchback could also be had with the SS package. This was continued for the 1974 model year.

Chevrolet Nova: 1975-1979

The Nova was redesigned for 1975, and the 3-door hatchback remained in the lineup. This time around, i t was marketed to “People who like a touch of wagon with their car” . Like before, it was available with the SS package, but only through 1976. The hatchback continued on through 1979, when it was discontinued along with the rest of the RWD Nova lineup.

Chevrolet Citation and Citation II: 1980-1985

The Citation was a radical change for Chevrolet’s compact entry . The styling and packaging were no exception. The hatchback was now available in a 5-door configuration in addition to the 3-door configuration seen before on the Nova. The Citation was an ambitious project for Chevrolet/GM, and was not without issues. Still, it paved the way for future FWD Chevrolet/GM products.

Chevrolet Corsica: 1989 -1991

The Corsica was a massive step in the right direction from the Citation that preceded it. A 5-door hatchback version was introduced for 1989. It was not a popular option, with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! claiming that the sedan outsold the hatchback by 800%. Unsurprisingly, the hatchback was discontinued after the 1991 model year.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: 2004-2007

After a 13 year absence, Chevrolet once again offered a hatchback with their midsize ( formerly compact ) offering, a 5-door called the Malibu Maxx . The Maxx was similar in concept to the Opel Signum, which which it shared a basic platform. An SS version was offered, which was the first time an SS hatchback was available since 1976, and the first time it was offered on a 5-door hatchback. The Maxx was discontinued in 2007, and was not offered on future generations of the Malibu.

Chuckles > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 09:42

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This post needs more Chevy Chevette.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 09:54

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My family had the Pontiac Phoenix version of the Citation when I was under ten . I don’t particularly remember anything about it, I guess it was okay, but I think my parents replaced it with the Toyota van after about 4 years .

Boxer_4 > Chuckles 01/29/2020 at 09:56

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The Chevette doesn’t seem nearly as strange to me, probably because it’s at least a  size class down.

Chuckles > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 09:57

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I just have a soft spot for the Chevette because that's the car that my mom drove for the first 5 or so years of my life. I don't remember much from those days, but her bright red Chevette with matching bright red interior is seared into my brain. 

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 10:01

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I wonder why they didn’t offer the ‘73/’74 LeMans SC with a hatch on the restyle?

Boxer_4 > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/29/2020 at 10:09

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That would have been pretty neat, but I’d guess that ~5 people would have bought one. 

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 10:23

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Granted it would have been separate development from the Nova, where if they’d done it with the Ventura they could have shared some parts. Also, being on the midsize there was less need for improved access, and the lid would have been heavier.

If they *had* done it on the Ventura, we’d have had a chance at a ‘74 GTO-in-name-only with a hatch. Which would’ve been odd.

WilliamsSW > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 10:25

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Vegaaaaaaaaaa!

Chariotoflove > Chuckles 01/29/2020 at 10:33

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For sure. It was a huge part of Chevy’s hatch lineup. We had one for several years, after we got rid of the Vega. We gave up on Chevy after that. 

Chariotoflove > WilliamsSW 01/29/2020 at 10:35

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We had one before our Chevette. I was young , but I remember the rust colored rocker panels.

vondon302 > Chuckles 01/29/2020 at 10:37

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Came to post this.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 12:00

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I had no idea the corsica was offered in a hatch back. One of my high school friends had a brilliant blue Corsica and we would take it up into the hills to smoke weed, sit around listening to rap music for an hour then go back to his place. Good times.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 12:05

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Here’s an Olds Omega with a hatch:

Prettier than the Nova, IMO.

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/29/2020 at 12:29

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They were extremely rare; supposedly on ~42,000 of the 1.67 million Corsicas made were the hatchback.

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-follow-up/cc-follow-up-the-elusive-corsica-hatchback/

As for the sedan (and the Beretta), while uninspiring for the most part, I miss seeing them around. 

MrSnrub > Boxer_4 01/29/2020 at 12:56

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I find the Corsica 5-door oddly alluring