Was the VAZ-2106 the most successful model in the Zhiguli line? If not the absolute champion, then certainly one of the best. It was produced 28 years — from 1976 to 2004, and during this time they assembled more than 4 million units. This is a cult car that surpassed even the more prestigious “seven”.
How did the “six” appear?
Initially, the VAZ-2106 was not planned as a mass model. The designers developed it “for the soul” — with a more comfortable interior and thoughtful design. But everything changed when the Soviet “Autoexport” demanded a modern car for sale abroad.
The best materials were used for export versions:
✔ Headrests and seats with lateral support
✔ Wooden trim dashboard and door panels
✔ High-quality paints and primers
✔ Additional lighting and improved headlights
They even developed catalytic converters and reinforced bumpers with hydraulic buffers for Canada. As a result, 12 thousand “sixes” were sold to Canada alone, and they were also supplied to Europe and even right-hand drive versions were produced for Great Britain.
Why did the “six” become a hit in the USSR?
Why did the “six” become a hit in the USSR?
The first batches of VAZ-2106 were equipped with an 80-horsepower engine from the “Niva” (1.6 l). By Soviet car standards, it was a real “rocket” — it accelerated much faster than other Zhiguli. Even with weaker engines (69–77 hp), it remained a desirable purchase.
But the main thing was the status. Until the mid-1980s, the “six” was considered a “Mercedes for the poor” :
? Did bosses, managers, doctors, and professors drive it
? On the black market, they overpaid for it by 30–40%
? It was even used in rallies – in 1976, a Soviet crew in a converted “six” took 6th place at the “Acropolis”
What killed the “six”?
By the end of the 1980s, exports ceased, and the car was simplified – the “extra” comfort was removed in order to reduce the price. But its reputation remained high until the collapse of the USSR.
Interesting fact: for Brezhnev they even prepared a luxury version with the interior of the “seven”, but they never managed to give it to him – the car mysteriously disappeared.
Production was finally stopped in 2004, although there was still demand. The reason is simple – the “six” competed with new “tens” and used foreign cars.
Conclusion
The VAZ-2106 became a legend thanks to:
✅ Export quality (the best assembly in its class)
✅ Powerful engine (especially in early versions)
✅ Status (a car for the “elite” of ordinary people)
✅ Longevity (28 years on the conveyor!)
This was the last truly popular legend of the USSR.
