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Chevrolet Citation

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Chevrolet Citation: A Comprehensive Guide

The Chevrolet Citation was a compact car produced by Chevrolet for the 1980 through 1985 model years. Part of General Motors' X-body family, which also included the Pontiac Phoenix, Oldsmobile Omega, and Buick Skylark, the Citation was GM's first front-wheel-drive compact car, designed to compete with the growing popularity of Japanese and European imports during the fuel crisis of the late 1970s.

Generations

First Generation (1980-1985)

  • 1980: Introduction of the Chevrolet Citation in three body styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door hatchback, and 4-door sedan. Engine options included a 2.5L Iron Duke inline-4 and a 2.8L V6. Notable features included front-wheel drive, MacPherson strut front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. Sales were initially very strong.
  • 1981: Minor changes. Early quality concerns start to surface.
  • 1982: A high-performance "X-11" package was introduced, featuring a higher-output version of the 2.8L V6, sport suspension, and unique trim.
  • 1983: Minor trim updates and feature shuffling. Sales begin to decline sharply due to negative press regarding reliability and safety.
  • 1984: Few changes. The Citation's reputation continues to suffer.
  • 1985: The final year of production for the Citation. GM introduced the Chevrolet Cavalier as a direct replacement, addressing the shortcomings of the X-body platform.

Reliability & Common Issues

The Chevrolet Citation, while initially promising, quickly gained a reputation for poor reliability. Several factors contributed to this:

  • Brake Problems: The Citation was plagued by braking issues, including premature brake wear, uneven braking, and even complete brake failure in some cases. The rear brake proportioning was a common culprit.
  • Engine Issues: Both the 2.5L Iron Duke and 2.8L V6 engines had their own issues. The Iron Duke was known for being underpowered and prone to oil leaks. The 2.8L V6, while more powerful, suffered from issues like carburetor problems, timing chain issues, and overheating.
  • Transmission Problems: Both the manual and automatic transmissions available in the Citation were prone to failures. The automatic was particularly notorious for slipping and harsh shifting.
  • Electrical Problems: Electrical gremlins were common, including issues with the charging system, lights, and gauges.
  • Build Quality: Overall build quality was subpar, with reports of rust, premature wear of interior components, and poor fit and finish.
  • Recall Issues and Class Action Lawsuits: The Citation was subject to several recalls for various safety and mechanical issues, and General Motors faced a number of class action lawsuits related to alleged defects, including brake problems that resulted in accidents. The negative publicity surrounding these lawsuits significantly damaged the Citation's reputation.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Chevrolet Citation was a mixed bag.

Pros:

  • Fuel Efficiency: The Citation offered relatively good fuel economy compared to larger, rear-wheel-drive cars of the era, particularly with the 2.5L Iron Duke engine.
  • Interior Space: The front-wheel-drive layout allowed for a spacious interior, especially for a compact car.
  • Handling (X-11): The X-11 package offered improved handling with its sport suspension and more powerful engine. However, standard Citations were often criticized for vague steering and excessive body roll.
  • Packaging: The hatchback body style was relatively practical and offered good cargo capacity.

Cons:

  • Underpowered (2.5L): The 2.5L Iron Duke engine struggled to provide adequate power, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo.
  • Poor Handling (Standard Models): Standard models suffered from poor handling, including excessive body roll and vague steering.
  • Unrefined: The Citation lacked refinement compared to its Japanese and European competitors. The ride was often harsh, and the interior was noisy.
  • Reliability Concerns: The biggest drawback was undoubtedly the Citation's poor reliability. Frequent repairs were common.

Buying Advice

Given the Chevrolet Citation's reputation for poor reliability, it is generally not recommended as a practical daily driver. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, and sourcing parts can be difficult due to the car's age and relative scarcity.

However, if you're considering purchasing a Citation as a classic car or for restoration purposes, keep the following in mind:

  • Condition is Key: Look for a Citation that has been well-maintained and preferably stored indoors. Rust is a major concern.
  • X-11 Models: If you're interested in a Citation, the X-11 model is the most desirable due to its more powerful engine and sport suspension.
  • Thorough Inspection: Have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the car before you buy it, paying close attention to the brakes, engine, transmission, and electrical system.
  • Expect Repairs: Be prepared to invest time and money in repairs. Parts can be difficult to find, and some repairs may require specialized knowledge.
  • Consider the Replacement: The Citation was quickly replaced by the Cavalier, which was considered to be a superior product. If you are looking for an 80's GM compact car, the Cavalier may be a better choice.

Years to Avoid: All years of the Citation suffered from reliability issues, but the earliest models (1980-1981) are generally considered to be the least reliable due to early production teething problems. However, consistent maintenance records are the best indicator regardless of model year.

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