1980 Chevrolet Citation: Motor Trend Car of the Year
GM’s front-drive compact X cars the Chevrolet Citation, the Buick Skylark, the Oldsmobile Omega and the Pontiac Phoenix went into production in April 1979. The much famed X body was supposed to be the General Motor’s products that would defeat the tidal wave of cars coming from Japan. The Citation was produced for only five years (1980 to 1985). There was a two door coupe, three door hatchback and a five door hatchback. Unlike other Chevrolets, the Citation was front wheel drive. There were two engines available – a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder and a 2.8 litre V6. The Citation was 800 pounds lighter than its predecessor the Nova. It sold over 800 000 vehicles the first year. Due to poor build quality, poor mechanical reliability and numerous manufacturer recalls, there was a massive decline in sales. The Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant (K cars) stole sales from the Citation. Another sales deterrent was the target of a law suit by the US traffic safety administration that cited problems regarding loss of control under heavy breaking (brakes would lock) and power steering problems. At first car magazines gave the Citation rave reviews but changed them when it was learned that they had been duped by GM by loaning them specially modified versions.
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