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Unveiling the 1982 Chevrolet Citation: A Forgotten Innovator

The 1982 Chevrolet Citation doesn't just represent a model year; it embodies an era of bold attempts at revolutionizing the American automotive landscape. Born from the ambition of General Motors to create a compact car that could compete with the rising tide of fuel-efficient imports, the Citation was Chevrolet's answer to a changing market. With its front-wheel-drive layout—a novelty among American cars at the time—the Citation was a vehicle that stood out for its attempt to blend practicality with performance. Among its accolades, it was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1980, signaling a promising start that would later be marred by reliability issues.

Design and Innovation: A Glimpse into the Future

The exterior styling of the 1982 Chevrolet Citation was a departure from the more traditional rear-wheel-drive vehicles of its day. Its hatchback design provided a sleek yet functional profile, with clean lines that suggested both efficiency and space. Inside, the Citation offered a surprisingly spacious cabin, given its compact dimensions. The quality of materials reflected the era's standards, with a mix of durable plastics and fabrics designed to withstand daily use. Technologically, it featured innovations such as a transversely mounted engine and MacPherson strut suspension—features that are commonplace today but were cutting-edge at the time. Color options for the Citation ranged from understated earth tones to bolder hues, with shades like Bright Blue Metallic and Autumn Maple Firemist catching buyers' eyes. The most iconic body style was arguably the two-door hatchback coupe, which struck a chord with those seeking both practicality and a touch of sportiness.

Historical Significance: More Than Just Another Compact Car

The Chevrolet Citation's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. As one of GM's first forays into front-wheel drive for the American market, it paved the way for future models across all GM brands. The Citation's X-body platform would become a blueprint for subsequent generations of compact cars, influencing vehicle design well into the 1980s and beyond.

Performance and Handling: A Fresh Take on Driving Dynamics

Performance-wise, the 1982 Citation offered modest numbers by today's standards but was competitive in its time. With engine options like the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Iron Duke and the 2.8-liter V6, it delivered adequate power for everyday driving. Top speed and acceleration were not headline-grabbing figures; however, they provided enough zest to make highway merging and city driving far from mundane. Handling was one of the areas where the Citation aimed to shine. Its front-wheel-drive layout provided better traction in adverse conditions compared to its rear-wheel-drive counterparts. Drivers often noted that while it wasn't sporty per se, it handled bumps commendably and remained composed on windy roads.

Ownership Experience: Living with America's Compact Pioneer

The 1982 Chevrolet Citation found its niche as an all-rounder—a daily driver that could double as a weekend errand runner or occasional road trip vehicle. Maintenance and reliability were mixed bags; early models faced recalls and issues that tainted its reputation, but those who maintained their Citations well often spoke of their robustness and ease of repair.

Fun Facts: The Citation's Place in Automotive Lore

Despite its rocky history, there are fun tidbits about the Citation worth noting. For instance, there were special editions like the X-11 performance package that added sportier handling and appearance features. While not exactly celebrity favorites, Citations did find their way into pop culture through appearances in films and TV shows of the era. Common criticisms included build quality concerns and underwhelming performance compared to European competitors; however, these did not overshadow its initial sales success.

Collector's Information: Assessing Value in Hindsight

Today, finding a well-preserved 1982 Chevrolet Citation can be quite rare; production numbers were high during its initial years but few have survived in collectible condition. Values vary widely based on condition and originality; an average running example might fetch only a few thousand dollars while pristine models or those with desirable options like the X-11 package could command higher prices. As for appreciation potential, it largely remains a niche interest among collectors who value its historical significance over performance credentials.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Chevrolet's Bold Compact Car Experiment

The 1982 Chevrolet Citation stands as both a product of its time and a harbinger of changes to come in American automotive design. Its ambitious introduction set expectations high, only to be tempered by real-world challenges. Yet for all its ups and downs, this compact Chevy remains an intriguing chapter in automotive history worth revisiting for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1982 Chevrolet Citation Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1982 Chevrolet Citation Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1982 Chevrolet Citation Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1982 Chevrolet Citation Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1982 Chevrolet Citation Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1982 Chevrolet Citation Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top-WF 210Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top. 3/4" x 1-1/16". Each

1982 Chevrolet Citation Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1982 Chevrolet Citation Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each