What was the problem with the Chevy Citation?
The Chevy Citation, introduced by General Motors in 1980, was a compact car designed to revolutionize the American auto industry. It was GM's first front-wheel-drive compact car and part of the X-body platform. While it initially garnered attention and strong sales, the Citation quickly became infamous for a host of issues that tarnished its reputation. In this article, we’ll explore the problems that plagued the Chevy Citation and why it remains a cautionary tale in automotive history.
Initial Popularity and Promise
When the Chevy Citation debuted, it was marketed as a modern, fuel-efficient vehicle that could compete with imports like Honda and Toyota. It featured a spacious interior, innovative front-wheel-drive technology, and a variety of engine options. The car was even named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" in 1980, which boosted its early sales. However, the honeymoon period didn’t last long.
Major Problems with the Chevy Citation
Despite its promising start, the Chevy Citation faced numerous issues that led to its downfall. Here are the primary problems that plagued the vehicle:
- Poor Build Quality: The Citation suffered from inconsistent manufacturing standards, leading to issues like misaligned body panels, rattling noises, and subpar interior materials.
- Brake Problems: One of the most notorious issues was with the brakes. The Citation's rear brakes were prone to locking up, especially during sudden stops, which posed a significant safety risk.
- Transmission Issues: Many owners reported problems with the car's automatic transmission, including slipping and premature failure.
- Rust and Corrosion: The Citation was highly susceptible to rust, particularly in regions with harsh winters and road salt usage.
- Steering and Handling Concerns: The car's steering system was criticized for being unresponsive, and its handling was considered subpar compared to competitors.
These issues not only frustrated owners but also led to a series of recalls and lawsuits, further damaging the car's reputation.
The Impact on General Motors
The problems with the Chevy Citation had a lasting impact on General Motors. The car's rapid decline in quality and reputation highlighted systemic issues within GM's manufacturing and quality control processes. It also contributed to the growing perception that American automakers were falling behind their foreign competitors in terms of reliability and innovation.
Lessons Learned
The Chevy Citation serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control and customer trust in the automotive industry. While it was an ambitious project that introduced new technology, its execution fell short, leaving a legacy of missed opportunities and lessons for future car designs.
Today, the Chevy Citation is often remembered as a cautionary tale, but it also played a role in shaping the evolution of compact cars in the United States. For car enthusiasts and historians, it remains a fascinating chapter in automotive history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Chevrolet Citation a good car?
I found the Citation to be a well designed vehicle with MAJOR flaws in turning the engineering drawings into a useful and reliable car. On the pleasant side, the Citation delivered the stated gas mileage and it handled and rode very well and we loved the Hatchback for storing things.
What happened to the Chevy Citation?
By 1985, Chevy had no choice but to discontinue what was once America's best-selling car. Despite being pulled from production and having yet to make a comeback, the Chevy Citation was extremely important to Chevrolet and remains a crucial chapter in Chevy's history.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Citation get?
24 mpg (city), 38 highway. California EPA estimated figures not available at time of printing. Check dealer for that information.
How much horsepower does a 1980 Chevy Citation have?
This car has the optional 2.8-liter V6 engine, rated at 115 horsepower. The base engine was the harsh and clattery Iron Duke 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a sturdy-but-misery-inducing 90-horse unit that would have been more at home in a 1954 Bulgarian tractor than in a modern American family sedan.
What is the top speed of the Chevy citation?
| Chevrolet Citation Sedan 2.5 Performance | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed : | 87 Mph / 140 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) : | - s |
What was the best Chevy ever?
Our Top 12 Chevy Cars of All Time
- 4 – 1957 Chevrolet ('57 Chevy)
- 5 – 1958 Impala.
- 6 – 1961 Impala SS.
- 7 – 1963 Corvette Coupe.
- 8 – 1965 Chevelle SS Z16/ 1966 Chevelle SS 396/ 1970 Chevelle SS 454.
- 9 – 1967 Camaro.
- 10 – 1968 Nova L78.
- 11 – 2009 Corvette ZR1.
What was Chevy's mystery motor?
The “Mystery” engine came about under clocks of secrecy as Chevy made available to select NASCAR teams a canted valve cylinder head, Mark II 427 “Mystery” engine back in late 1962. These engines differed from the 409 design and featured a beefier bottom end, stronger crankshafts and better connecting rods.
What was the last year of the Chevy citation?
1985
1985 marked the final year for the Citation. Now only sold with the Buick Skylark, Chevrolet dropped the Citation II coupe, leaving only the hatchbacks. While in its final year, the interior underwent its most substantial revision since 1980, as Chevrolet introduced a new dashboard for the Citation.
What car is Chevy not making anymore?
Company says they're going to stop making the sedan at the end of the year to make room for electric vehicles the model was first introduced in 1964.
How many miles is a Chevy engine good for?
Generally speaking, a Chevy truck that receives proper maintenance should be able to last well over 200,000 miles.
