Novas get a bad rap?

I have always (for some reason) thought Novas were slow and the name recognition never really appealed to me. Now a lot of people are telling me that I should get a Nova as my first muscle car because they're so great. I went snooping around and found some really good pictures of Novas and I love the look but I STILL can't get over the name recognition. I still think "Nova" and it doesn't affect me like "Camaro" or "Chevelle" in the same way. When I think "Camaro" I think of it as the American Muscle that it is, but when I think "Nova" I think of a little crappy car - despite the pictures I've seen of some awesome Novas. I had almost gotten over it when today I asked my friend what he thought of Novas. He said, "My dad used to have a Nova, it was hella slow. You should get a Chevelle." For me, one of my criteria is name recognition. I want to say to someone I have ______ and for them to immediately think I have a fast car. Why do Novas get such a bad rap?

novas arent slow wtf? ok so ur sayin a a 70 SS nova with a 402 (bored out 396) is slow. i would love to have a nova.They are good cars to start out with they have a good amount of power. yeah and ur friends dad's nova was slow? what kind of engine did it have and what year was it? and why go buy a chevelle gettin somthin different for once.

I heard that Chevrolet once tried to advertise the Nova in some foreign country but it never took off because "No va" meant "does not go" in that language. (Not that it didn't of course ;))

the only novas that really sucked were the ones made after 74 and they became econo box 4 bangers

I always thought of Novas as the cheap go-fast car. Only problem is that they look like ass IMO.

A Nova is a good idea because it's a tiny little lightweight car with a big motor. Very fast!

It is true that Novas never really got much respect, even though though could be faster than a comprable Camaro if optioned right. They are a good sleeper car.

A nova is by no means a slow car. Definetly go with a '70 Nova. Novas and Chevelles were made at the same time and its just Chevelle's cost more so people assumed they were better when in actuallity they are very very similar.

Whether they are slow is dependent on the engine, transmission and differential, of-course! They did not have the go-fast styling of Chevelles and Camaros. Also most were bought as economical grocery getters, and so they never were seen as the go-fast car to have. But, with a good drive train, paint job and wheels, a Nova would make a nice, good looking, fast car!

Early (mid-60s) Novas > *.nova

http://www.musclecarnationals.com/gallery/nova/66nova01.jpg

Novas Get A Bad Rep.by Word Of Mouth From People Who Don't Know Cars And Pretend They Do. Anyone Who Tells You A Nova Is Slow Or The Worst Muscle Car U Can Buy,ask Them Why! They'll Tell U! Thats What I Heard. Take The FORD *h*tstain Opps I Mean Mustang. Why Does Everybody Praise The 5.slow???