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In the late 70s and early 80s, the political situation intensified, and everybody was discussing the “energy problem”. While Japanese manufacturers so far had covered only a small segment with their affordable and energy-saving compact cars, they became attractive to the whole nation.
Chevrolet was one of the first American manufacturers to react. In the 1960s, the Chevy II line was a success, now the Chevette was to follow. When GM announced a downsize strategy for the whole company, the Chevette had already been built. The smaller family car was a winner. “Car and Driver” magazine called it “the most trouble-free machine we’ve ever encountered”. Managers considered it “the vanguard of the future American automobile”. The Chevette was small, light, fuel efficient, and it sold well.
Sales figures declined in the 1980s, a trend that was not limited to Chevrolet and GM, but rather prevalent throughout the US automobile industry. The trend toward smaller vehicles made the design of American cars similar to that of non-US brands. The home market became more competitive. The company had great success in the 1980s with its SUV line (Blazer), such models as the Malibu, Impala/Caprice, Cavalier and the super-seller Citation (180,000 vehicles in the first 6 months alone). Chevrolet again focused on its international roots and prepared to finally launch the label as an international brand.