1984 Chevrolet Citation II 2.8 V6

Summary:

If I could keep her running forever, I would never buy another car

Faults:

The only major problem I have had with this car is overheating. Replacement of the radiator and the water pump fixed my problem for quite a while.

I have replaced my battery, alternator, and belts.

Shocks need replacing, but after 30 years I think that is more than acceptable.

General Comments:

My Citation has been extremely dependable and fairly easy to fix. I love the four door hatchback. Perfect little family car, with plenty of power for playing as well.

The only drawbacks now are it's too old for most mechanics to find parts easily, and not quite old enough for a classic car restoration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2014

22nd Feb 2014, 10:47

You are extraordinarily lucky to have gotten a good one. The Citation and the rest of the X car class are infamous for being among the worst junkboxes that GM ever built.

In reply to 22nd Feb 2014, 10:47

24th Feb 2014, 14:34

Notice that this review is an 84 model year; by then the problems of all the X-cars were resolved, but its reputation was already tarnished.

In reply to 24th Feb 2014, 14:34

25th Feb 2014, 15:32

Chevrolet tried to overcome that reputation by borrowing a tactic from Ford (who, coincidentally, had previously used the name Citation as the top model of the Edsel in 1958-59): in 1984 the "Citation" became the "Citation II".

1984 Chevrolet Citation 2.8 V6

Summary:

Very reliable and cost efficient

Faults:

Other than the required maintenance, nothing really went wrong on this car.

Only thing I had to replace was the alternator, and the starter.

I think it was worth the $1500.00 I paid for it.

General Comments:

The seats are very comfortable goes great in the snow, very reliable work car.

The car gets 24mpg on the highway, and 20mpg in the city, not bad for a 20 year old car, with a V6.

I plan on restoring the car, replacing some of the body parts, try to make it look sporty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2004

18th Nov 2004, 15:37

Sounds like a nice car! Aint seen one of those in a long time. The "X" body! From what I remember they were well liked, but had some kind of a weakness with the brakes. I could be wrong. Have a good one!

19th Nov 2004, 20:07

I have an 85 (last year for the X) Buick Skylark, and mine gets about the same mileage as yours. Even though GM apparently fixed the rear brake problem, my 85 still exhibits premature rear wheel lockup, especially when cold. I'm currently trying to sell it and not having much luck. Junkyards won't even take it because it's too old.

In reply to 19th Nov 2004, 20:07

1st Apr 2016, 22:07

Never heard of a junkyard refusing a car for being "too old".

The car crusher doesn't care if it's 2 years or 22 years old -- it will get them all eventually anyway!

1984 Chevrolet Citation CL 2.8L V6

Summary:

The smartest thing I have ever bought

Faults:

My wheel bearing had to be replaced.

The front oil seal had to be done.

The rear motor mount had to be done.

The seats are starting to look worn and torn.

My headliner is starting to sag.

General Comments:

I have had this car since I was 16 I bought it for $1000 Canadian from a auction. I have had many cars while I had this one and it is the best car I have ever own, i have taken it across Canada 4 times and to California and it has never broken down on me leaving me stranded it has a lot of power and handles great.

It always makes people look when I hammer it to the floor and it peels out and takes off like it's on steroids.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2003

1984 Chevrolet Citation II 3.8L V6 Prototype

Summary:

The restoration of this car was well worth the time and money

Faults:

I have changed nearly everything I can think of to make it faster and more reliable whether or not it was going wrong.

Needed new radiator and water pump recently.

Gave the car some TLC when I first got it.

General Comments:

I have put so many performance parts into this vehicle that it has been racing Japanese Import Cars and is know to be a very feared car.

I look at it and see one of the last true American Muscle Cars in my area willing to travel without fear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2003

18th Jul 2003, 23:21

Yet another happy Citation owner!! I am always so happy to see many people who own/owned a Citation or another GM X-Car and loved it!!

Keep it running as long as you can. Oh and keep in mind.. GM used a type of carpet that will not let moisture through and dry the metal on the floor. The result??? A wet floor allows rust to start!!! I lifted the carpet and saw that it has a rubbery backing on it and the floor was wet!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

18th Jan 2006, 14:06

I just bought a 1984 Citation II (1/16/2006). It is a one owner, and believe or not, by a little old granny!. The service records go back to 1999. It is immaculate, inside and out, with original everything. Even the dash clock works! The only problem I see is that the rear brakes sound like a rivet dragging on the drum. Very load and irritating. Has anyone else had this problem? On inspection, there is no apparent problem. It must be the material the shoes are made of maybe??? Other than that, It drives like a new car.

26th Apr 2006, 08:11

Your brake drums are too tight!

26th Apr 2006, 15:33

Yes, if it sounds like the rear brakes are dragging, inspect the brake drums for grooves. You may need to have them turned down (machined). When you inspected the shoes, there weren't actually any rivets showing above the rivet holes? Perhaps the shoes do need to be adjusted so they don't ride against the inside of the brake drum. On most cars with brake drums, there is a slot in the back with an elongated rubber plug. That gives access to the sprocketed wheel that lets you adjust your brake shoes. Turn it one way, and it forces the pads against the brake drum. Turn it the other way and it relieves the pressure, so the brake shoes can float away from the inner surface of the brake drum. Also, if the brake drum has been worn down too far, the brake shoes may have worn a broad groove into the metal, and the side of the shoe could be rubbing on the drum.

1984 Chevrolet Citation 2 2.8 liter V6

Summary:

This was and is my first car, and I love it

Faults:

The muffler needed to be replaced.

The headliner fell.

It runs hot.

The control module went out twice.

General Comments:

My father was worried about me getting it, it actually had a lot more pep than he thought it would have.

It is a easy car to drive and very comfortable. It allows me a lot of hauling room because of the hatchback and fold down seats.

This car did 0-60 in ten seconds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2001

18th Jan 2003, 22:06

If your car runs hot, then try replacing the thermostat. The thermostat is easy to replace and I can replace mine in 20 seconds!!

Make sure you have lots of anti-freeze in the car too.

1984 Chevrolet Citation 3-door 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder

Summary:

Worthless junk!!!

Faults:

Alternator.

Brake rotors (twice within 10,000 miles).

Water pump.

Master cylinder.

Leaks from every door and window seal possible when it rains.

Ugly as hell, with rust to go with it.

Radiator.

Instrument panel layout sucks!!

Wiring problems.

1. Wipers come on by themselves or don't work at all.

2. Dash lights fail a lot.

3. Constantly blows fuses.

4. Heater controls work once in a while.

General Comments:

The engine is the only thing on this car close to being reliable, and you can thank Pontiac for building that! My grandpa pampered this car, and it still is a worthless piece of crap that always breaks down!!!

Seats are comfy, when not soaked with rain!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th May, 2001

13th Dec 2002, 02:13

You say that your grand pa pampered this car? Give the readers a break. Leaks from every door and window seal possible when it rains. With rust to go with it. Any person can tell that this car was poorly maintained in the first place. Need I say more? P. S you say the 2.5L L4 (151CID) engine was a better engine then the 2.8L V6 (173CID) engine? HAHAHA.

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