Some of the people who wrote definitions here are wrong! A Nova is not a Vauxhall made from 1983-1993, it's a Chevy made from 1962-1979 (later from 1985-1988).
Originally called the Chevy II (the Nova
name was used for the highest trim level), all trim levels were named "Nova" by 1968. There are 4 different generations of the original Nova: 1962-65, 1966-67, 1968-
74, and 1975-79.
Other milestones include the addition of Chevy's famous
SS package in 1963 (renamed "Nova Rally" in 1977), and a 9C1
police package in 1975.
For 1985, the Nova name was used on a rebadged Toyota Corolla & continued until 1988.
Personally, I prefer the Novas of the 70's, but
whatever your preference, the Nova is an awesome car. Not only does it look
cool, but it has performance to match (especially the
SS models), so you can own just about any ricer out there today!
(ricer with Honda Civic): Yo yo yo, you wanna race, homeboy?
(
guy with '76 Nova SS): Please, go screw yourself.
(ricer): You
chicken, sucka?
(Nova
guy): (sigh) OK, fine.
(the light goes green. No contest here, the Nova leaves the Civic in the dust.)
(ricer): Aw shit, my VTEC didn't kick in, yo!