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What year did the Chevy Citation come out?

The Chevy Citation, a compact car produced by General Motors, made its debut in 1980 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Nova. This innovative vehicle was a significant departure from the larger, more traditional models that had dominated the American automotive market for decades.


The Arrival of the Chevy Citation


The Chevy Citation was introduced in 1980 as a 1981 model year vehicle. It was the first front-wheel-drive car produced by General Motors, a major shift in the company's design philosophy. The Citation was part of GM's X-body platform, which also included the Pontiac Phoenix, Oldsmobile Omega, and Buick Skylark.


The Citation was designed to be a more fuel-efficient and maneuverable alternative to the larger, rear-wheel-drive cars that had dominated the American market for decades. It offered a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.8-liter V6, and was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a four-door hatchback.


The Impact of the Chevy Citation


The Chevy Citation was a significant success for General Motors, with over 800,000 units sold in its first year of production. The vehicle's combination of fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and affordability made it a popular choice among American consumers, who were increasingly seeking more practical and economical transportation options.


However, the Citation was not without its problems. The vehicle was plagued by quality control issues and mechanical problems, leading to a series of recalls and a tarnished reputation. Despite these challenges, the Citation remained a popular choice throughout the 1980s, with production continuing until 1985.


The Legacy of the Chevy Citation


The Chevy Citation was a groundbreaking vehicle that helped to usher in a new era of compact, front-wheel-drive cars in the American automotive market. While it faced its share of challenges, the Citation's impact on the industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for the development of many of the compact and mid-size cars that would dominate the market in the decades to come.


Today, the Chevy Citation is remembered as an important chapter in the history of the American automobile industry, a vehicle that helped to shape the future of the industry and the driving habits of millions of Americans.

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.



How much horsepower does a 1980 Chevy citation have?


Powertrain

Chevrolet Citation (1980-1985) powertrain details
EngineDesign configurationOutput
LE2 V6173 cu in (2.8 L) OHV 12-valve V61980: 115 hp (86 kW) 1981: 110 hp (82 kW) 1982–1986: 112 hp (84 kW)
LH7 V61981–1984: 135 hp (101 kW)
L44 V6130 hp (97 kW)



What happened to the Chevy Citation?


Discontinuation. After 1.6 million units assembled of the model line, Chevrolet discontinued the Citation after the 1985 model year.



What is the fastest Chevy ever?


2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is now the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. At a test track in Germany, General Motors President Mark Reuss drove a 2025 Corvette ZR1 233 mph, setting a top speed record unrivalled by any current production car priced under $1 million.



What Chevy engine lasts the longest?


The Chevrolet Gen III/IV Small Block is the engine that will help you get the most out of your vehicle. It's durable, not having to replace for nearly 300,000 miles. The engine utilizes contemporary engineering and metalworking to create a durable product. In their stock configuration, these engines can last very long.



How many miles per gallon does a Chevy citation get?


GM EASY ON GAS. 24 EPA ESTIMATED MPG. 38 HIGHWAY ESTIMATE. That's with Citation's standard 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.



How many miles is a Chevy engine good for?


On average, drivers should expect to get somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles out of their pickup, but with precision care that's always completed on time, may be able to extend its life up to 250,000 miles.



What was the first year of the Chevy 427?


The highly successful and versatile 427 cu in (7.0 L) version of the Mark IV engine was introduced in 1966 as a production engine option for full-sized Chevrolets and Corvettes.



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 years did they make the Chevy citation?


1980 and 1985
One of Chevy's most influential, though long-forgotten cars is the Citation. Manufactured between 1980 and 1985, the Chevy Citation was a best-seller, and among the first X-body compact cars offered as mainstream front-wheel drive vehicles to consumers.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.