Yugo GV

Yugo introduced its hatchback sedan in the United States in the summer of 1985. At the time, it was the cheapest car sold in the United States. Selling for $3,990, the small hatchback measured just 139 inches in length and was powered by an overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that displaced 68 cubic inches and offered 55 horsepower. The engine was matched to a four-speed manual gearbox and there were disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. Standard equipment included reclining front seats, rear seats, rear wiper/washer, front vent wings, fabric upholstery, open-up rear quarter windows, and bodyside moldings.

The Yugo continued to be sold in the United States until the early 1990s. The US importer was Malcolm Bricklin who went into bankruptcy in early 1989. This was part of the reason for the loss of Yugo sales in the US. The other main reason was the car's reputation, which was plagued with mechanical flaws and problems. The insurance industry faulted the car's crash resistance, which further hindered the car's reputation.

The Yugo was one of only 3 Communist-built cars officially sold in the USA. The others were the Wartburg and Skoda which were imported by Willy Witkin in the late 1950s. Both were Czech-built.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012