1975 Astre road test, said, "For $180 over the price of a Vega ($ in dollars ), the Astre features upgraded interior trim-primarily the items for which Chevrolet charges $134 in their custom interior ($ in dollars ). You also have the opportunity to go one big step up in luxury if you choose the SJ line which is available in hatchback and wagon body styles." Car and Driver in a 1977 Astre road test, said, "The Astre is the Vega-polished and refined and significantly improved, but still a Vega in perhaps its ultimate state of development..It remained for Pontiac to do what Chevrolet probably should have done in the first place: the substitution of the marvelous old Chevy II cast-iron four-cylinder econo-motor for the much-troubled aluminum-block Vega engine. Sliding in and starting the engine was a revelation because its so quiet and smooth compared to the Vega. Also the Astre's interior trim was judged more plush than Vega's. Car and Driver in its 35th anniversary issue in 1990, amusingly recalled the Astre U.S. debut: "Detroit Fights Back - The Pontiac Astre is introduced. It's a Vega with better decals." Production 1973–1974 (GM of Canada) N/A 1975 Panel Delivery - 131 (included in 1975 Total) 1977 Astre Formula - 67 (20 notchbacks and 47 hatchbacks) References External links 1973 Canadian Pontaic Astre sales brochure on oldcarmanualproject.com Astre Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Subcompact cars Coupés Station wagons Cars introduced in 1974 Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States