1982 Chevrolet Citation II from North America - Comments

1. The head gasket blew at 40,000 miles.

2. Oil Leak.

3.Brakes went out at 85,000, and at 200,000.

4.Fuel Leak.

5.Many hoses and lines went over time.

6.Blew rod in engine in 1991.

7. Power steering failure.

8.Exhaust rusted out and fell off by 1990.

9.Transmission went at 135,000 miles.

I bought the car brand new in 1982 for 4,995$

I wanted this car to last so I never drove it in the winter or during the rain, so thankfully the car has absolutely no rust on the body, however the under body had rust, and I got it completely redone in 1997.

I had the motor completely rebuilt in 1997 at 185,000 miles, I spent 2,000 dollars getting the car fixed up completely, its in great shape now, it runs like a dream.

Its never been in an accident.

I would never sell it, I love this car, and I'll keep it till the day I die.

I've raced it 4 times and have won 3 of those races (got beat by a riced out accord).

I'm thinking about getting it redone into a X-11.

The car starts up every time, its very reliable although I've had to do a lot to this car, what do you expect for a car that's gone nearly 300,000 miles?

I have never heard of a citation engine and transmission failing under 200,000 miles!

Yes, I am a Citation lover and I am the proud owner of a 1984 and a 1985 citation. Neither had problems such as yours. The only problem with my 1984 is it has a STUPID vertically mounted radio. I'm wondering, can you fit a 1985 dash into a 1984 Citation?

Oh believe me I know what it is like that vertical radio is a pain, on march 16th I'm paying 400$ for the citation body to be redone into an x 11, I'm keeping the old radio, but getting a 1980 dash put in, the dash doesn't have a vertical slot, but a horizontal one. yeah the motor went probably because I used to be hard on the car when I was a kid. but this is no ordinary citation its in great shape and I love it, its always done a better than stellar job and I'm glad to see you've also got a great car, some of these cars aren't of the horrible condition there said to be.

I have a real GM ruster Citation. The engine on mine has had the crap beat ou of it and it still runs like a purring kitten. The problem with this engine is it LEAKS OIL!! I can't see the actual engine because of the oil. I plan to remove the engine and put a new oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket soon.

The only other problem with this car is it is a rust magnet!! If I has a penny for every spot of rust on this car, I'd be richer than Bill Gates!!

I plan a FULL restoration of my car soon.

I love this car and WILL NOT PART WITH IT!!

Timothyap5vm@hotmail.com.

Chevy engine=oil leak. The most common leak on these engines were from the valve cover/valve cover gasket. I have a citation with the L4, the engine and auto trans WILL NOT DIE. Even with moderate tune ups (such as letting the oil changes get a little far between etc) the engine does not die. I have never heard of a head gasket failing on these engines, they have no timing belt or chain, just gears so that is good to last over 150,000 KMS. I am actually amazed at how well Chevy did with their first FWD car. Look at Ford's disaster (I think the escort was their first FWD.) either way, how many 80s escorts do you see that didn't die in a carburetor fire or didn't have major problems with rust or other major failures? I see citations from time to time and if they have any rust at all, it is only a tiny bit at the bottom of the doors (I have never seen big rust holes or parts of metal falling off on any chevy like happened with early 80s fords and hondas.) Any way you slice it, the citation was built very well in terms of "under the hood" components. But like any car from the 80s, they shaved off too much metal and the car feels like a tin can, I do not feel comfortable on the highway with it after driving a trailblazer and a cavalier on the HW. Around town, citations are the best.

I fully agree with you guys, citation engine leaks oil, but in general it is a wonderful car, I love it, I have a 1980 4 doors, I bought it last year from its original owner. Actually he parked the car for more than 15 years, it is in a BAD condition, but I'm working on it.

I bought a new 1980 Chevy Citation in July 1980 and put over 350,000 miles on it before retiring it and using it for a parts car because the floors and hatch were rusted out- I live in Illinois with lots of salt. The engine and trans-axle were never opened and I used Mobil 1 oil and changed it every 9,000 miles. The car was running perfectly the day I retired it, but without a frame I thought it might eventually break in half. My biggest gripe was the cheap PP plastics that faded and cracked from exposure to UV. Citations certainly weren't all bad. Dave