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38-609: The Chevrolet Celebrity is a front-drive, mid-size passenger car line, manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet for model years 1982–1990, over a single generation. Marking the transition of the mid-size Chevrolet range to front-wheel drive, the Celebrity succeeded the rear-drive Chevrolet Malibu line. Initially marketed between the Citation and the Impala within the Chevrolet model line,

76-587: A vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars . "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans , coupes , station wagons , hatchbacks , and convertibles . Compact executive cars can also fall under

114-430: A High-Output version of the 6000's optional 2.8 L V6. Like that engine, it sported a 2-barrel carburetor , though it delivered 135 hp (101 kW), rather than the usual 112 horsepower. Although intended to compete with similar entries from BMW , Audi , Toyota and Nissan , the 6000 used older technologies by comparison. The fuel system was carbureted (competitors had fuel injection ) and gauge cluster lacked

152-482: A rear seat cup holder. For 1988, two-door versions were produced as well and were produced with interiors from a standard Celebrity or Celebrity CL. Following the 1987 model year, General Motors ended regular updates to the Celebrity, concentrating on development of the Chevrolet Lumina . Coinciding with declining sales of sedan-based coupes, the two-door Celebrity was dropped after the 1988 model year. Outliving

190-403: A revised tachometer, steering wheel mounted audio controls (the first of their kind) and a new 4-speed automatic transmission became available. Following this was a two-position memory seat for the 8-way power drivers seat for 1987. New for 1988 was an optional All Wheel Drive system. It was mated to a new 3.1 L LH0 V6 (the first use of GM's then-new 3.1 L in a production car) but only

228-404: A revision, the H.O. V6 was no longer offered with a manual transmission, but the 4-speed automatic remained for both V6 engines. For 1986, the 4.3 L diesel V6 was dropped, with the H.O. V6 retuned to 125 hp (93 kW). The three-speed automatic remained, paired only with the 2.5 L engine. For 1987, the powertrain line underwent several revisions. The carbureted 2.8 L engine

266-584: A tachometer. The 1984 6000STE featured a digital gauge cluster featuring a bar-graph tachometer. The STE featured a driver information center with a system which monitored functions such as lights, doors, tune-ups and tire rotations. For 1984, Road & Track called the 6000 STE one of the top twelve enthusiast cars. Special steering rack, and suspension tuning with a self-leveling rear air suspension yielded handling performance comparable to European vehicles. Four wheel disc brakes improved stopping as did standard Goodyear Eagle GT tires, size 195/70R14 (large for

304-437: Is distinguished from other A-platform vehicles by its coved rear fascia. For 1984, Chevrolet introduced a five-door Celebrity station wagon with a liftgate and hatchback rear window. For the first time since 1977, a mid-size Chevrolet station wagon was available with a third-row seat. Throughout its production, Chevrolet introduced few updates to the model line, with minor exterior updates in 1984, 1986, and 1987. For 1987,

342-646: The Ford LTD II and the Plymouth Fury . A comparison test by Popular Science of four intermediate sedans (the 1976 AMC Matador, Chevrolet Malibu , Ford Torino, and Dodge Coronet ) predicted that these will be the "big cars of the future." By 1978, General Motors made its intermediate models smaller. New "official" size designations in the U.S. were introduced by the EPA , which defined market segments by passenger and cargo space. Formerly mid-sized cars that were built on

380-509: The G-body ), the A platform was the first mass-market American mid-size architecture to adopt front-wheel drive. To maximize development and production efficiency, the chassis was a derivative of the compact GM X platform , with the Celebrity sharing its 104.9 wheelbase with the Chevrolet Citation. While not as extensive of a downsizing as the 1977 Impala/Caprice, the 1978 Malibu, or

418-609: The 1980 Citation, the 1982 Celebrity lost approximately 4 inches in length and 2 inches of width over the Malibu. Though derived from the X-body chassis, the A-body platform would not share entirely in its controversial recall issues. There were drivability problems with the computerized engine control system in 1982 models, and deterioration of the upper engine mount (also called a dogbone) caused engine/transaxle vibration. For its 1982 launch,

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456-757: The 1988 model year, the Olympic Eurosport edition was offered in Canada as a tie-in to the Calgary Winter Olympics. Offered only in monochrome white, with all blackout trim exterior painted white to match the body. The only interior colour trim was saddle, with an Olympic logo mounted on the B pillar. Based on the 1986 Chevrolet Eurosport RS concept car, Chevrolet offered the Celebrity Eurosport VR limited edition option package for 1987 and 1988. Converted by Autostyle Cars, near Oklahoma City Assembly ,

494-435: The 2.8 L V6 retuned to 125 hp (93 kW). For 1989, the five-speed manual transmission was dropped. As a running change, the 2.5 L engine was retuned to 110 hp (82 kW). For 1990 (station wagons only), the 2.8 L engine was replaced by a 135 hp (101 kW) 3.1 L V6. The Celebrity shares its roofline with the 1982–1988 Pontiac 6000 , Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and Buick Century and

532-476: The August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune magazine as examples of genericized uniformity, embarrassing the company and ultimately prompting GM to recommit to design leadership. The 6000 was manufactured by GM at Oshawa Car Assembly ( Oshawa, Ontario ) from 1981 to 1988; subsequently, it was manufactured at Oklahoma City Assembly ( Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ). The 6000 was replaced for 1992 as Pontiac fully phased in

570-573: The Caprice two-door by a year, the two-door Celebrity gave way to the Chevrolet Beretta and the two-door Chevrolet Lumina (the latter, developed as the successor to the Monte Carlo). After 1989, Chevrolet discontinued the Celebrity sedan (marketing it alongside the 1990 Lumina), offering only the station wagon for 1990. As consumer demand for family vehicles shifted from station wagons to minivans,

608-475: The Celebrity competed with the Cavalier as the highest-selling car of the brand. Along with becoming the highest-selling Chevrolet car for 1986 and 1987, the Celebrity would be the highest-selling car in the United States for 1986. As of current production, this remains the last time a Chevrolet vehicle (or any GM-brand vehicle) has done so. Mid-size car Mid-size —also known as intermediate —is

646-637: The Celebrity was available with various trim/option packages including CS, CL, Estate (which added exterior simulated woodgrain applique on wagons), Eurosport, and Eurosport VR. One of the most popular versions of the Chevrolet Celebrity is the Celebrity Eurosport . Introduced in 1984 as an option package, the Eurosport is both a cosmetic and performance option package for the Chevrolet Celebrity. Distinguished by its black window trim and red emblems,

684-580: The Celebrity was later marketed between the Corsica and Caprice sedans. The Celebrity shared the front-wheel drive GM A platform with the Buick Century , Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera , and Pontiac 6000 in two-door notchback coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon body styles. After the 1989 model year, the Celebrity sedan was replaced by the Chevrolet Lumina; the Celebrity station wagon

722-470: The Celebrity was offered with three engines. A 90 hp (67 kW) 2.5 L inline-4 was standard, with an optional 112 hp (84 kW) 2.8 L V6; an 83 hp (62 kW) 4.3 L diesel V6 (effectively, 3 ⁄ 4 of the Oldsmobile diesel V8) was also offered as an option. All three engines were paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. For 1984, the standard 2.5 L engine

760-472: The Chevrolet Celebrity was offered in two-door and four-door notchback sedan body styles. Chevrolet was the first GM division to transition its mid-size sedans to front-wheel drive, producing the Celebrity alongside its Malibu predecessor for both 1982 and 1983. The Celebrity is based on the GM A-body platform , introduced for 1982. The successor to the rear-wheel drive A-body intermediate chassis (renamed as

798-500: The Eurosport VR was fitted with ground effects, body decals, a blacked-out grille, and aluminum wheels. The Eurosport VR was produced in only four colors: red, silver, black, and white. For 1987, the VR was offered for the four-door sedan and station wagon and are distinguished by their interior, which includes red carpeting, special tri-color door panels, bucket seats with thigh bolsters, and

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836-455: The Eurosport was offered with the 2.8 L H.O. V6 from the Citation X-11 as an option (along with any Celebrity powertrain). Other parts of the Eurosport package include a heavy-duty F41 suspension, black steering wheel and 14" Sport Rallye wheels (which became an option for all Celebrity sedans/wagons). The interior was given model-specific red emblems on the door panels and dashboard. For

874-585: The Lumina APV served as the functional replacement for the Celebrity wagon. As of current production, the Celebrity remains the final mid-size station wagon offered by Chevrolet in North America. The Pontiac 6000 was discontinued after 1991, with the Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera continuing in production nearly unchanged until the end of the 1996 model year. During the 1980s, within Chevrolet,

912-476: The discontinuation of its full-size namesake, the 6000 Safari was the final Pontiac to use the nameplate, becoming the final Pontiac station wagon in 1991. For 1984, the 6000 became the highest-selling Pontiac line (with over 122,000 sold). As part of their legacy, together the 6000 and the other A-bodies became enormously popular — as well as synonymous with GM's most transparent examples of badge engineering , highlighted almost indistinguishably on

950-554: The effect of the Fortune article, relating "how a single magazine cover photo changed the course of auto design at GM in the Eighties." Embarrassed by the incident, GM subsequently recommitted to development of divisional brand identity. General Motors first used the Celebrity nameplate in the early 1960s, denoting a pillared sedan version of the Oldsmobile 88 . Introduced in January 1982,

988-493: The four-door sedan version of the Grand Prix (introduced in 1990) as a successor. By 1984, Pontiac was in the midst of a resurgence as the division began to reassert its 1960s role as GM's performance brand. The 6000STE (Special Touring Edition) was introduced for the 1983 model year. 5-passenger seating with front captain seats and power windows were standard on this trim level (optional on some other trim levels). It featured

1026-660: The front-wheel drive GM A platform . Sharing a platform with the Buick Century , Chevrolet Celebrity (replacing the Malibu), and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera (replacing the Cutlass Supreme sedan), the 6000 shared its roofline with the Cutlass Ciera. The 6000 STE was a sport-tuned model unique to Pontiac; the STE was named to the Car and Driver Ten Best three times (from 1983 to 1985). Following

1064-525: The full-size cars of a decade or so ago ... best sellers include Ford Torino , Chevrolet Chevelle , AMC Matador , Plymouth Satellite ..." The domestic manufacturers began changing the definition of "medium" as they developed new models for an evolving market place. A turning point occurred in the late 1970s, when rising fuel costs and government fuel economy regulations caused all car classes to shrink, and in many cases to blur. Automakers moved previously "full-size" nameplates to smaller platforms such as

1102-407: The hoodline was lowered slightly, distinguished by the introduction of composite headlamp lenses and a smaller grille design. In 1986, the rear fascia was revised, adding wraparound taillamp lenses and a center-mount brake lamp ( CHMSL ). To comply with passive-restraint regulations, the model line received door-mounted seatbelts for 1990 (in place of airbags). During its nine-year run,

1140-509: The mid-size category. The automobile that defined this size in the United States was the Rambler Six that was introduced in 1956, although it was called a "compact" car at that time. Much smaller than any standard contemporary full-size cars, it was called a compact to distinguish it from the small imported cars that were being introduced into the marketplace. By the early 1960s, the car

1178-594: The mid-size market for decades. Mid-size cars were the most popular category of cars sold in the United States, with 27.4 percent during the first half of 2012, ahead of crossovers at 19 percent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, mid-size cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 110–119 cu ft (3.1–3.4 m ). Pontiac 6000 The model line utilized

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1216-414: The mid-size market segment as the line of cars themselves kept increasing in size. By 1965, these GM "A platform" mid-size models matched the size of 1955 full-size cars. During the 1970s, the intermediate class in the U.S. was generally defined as vehicles with wheelbases between 112 inches (2,845 mm) and 118 inches (2,997 mm). Once again, the cars grew and by 1974 they were "about as large as

1254-654: The same platform, like the AMC Matador sedan, had a combined passenger and cargo volume of 130 cubic feet (3.68 m ), and were now considered "full-size" automobiles. Cars that defined the mid-size market in the 1980s and 1990s included the Chrysler K-Cars ( Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant ), the Ford Taurus , and the Toyota Camry , which was upsized into the midsize class in 1991. The Taurus and Camry came to define

1292-400: The time). In 1985, the carbureted engine was replaced by a multi-port fuel injected version of the 2.8 L V6, still delivering 135 hp (101 kW). Although the 3-speed automatic remained standard (a Getrag 5-speed manual was a no charge option), the new engine accelerated faster than the previous engine. For 1986, a revised front fascia with composite headlamps, anti-lock brakes,

1330-545: Was discontinued after 1990, with the Chevrolet Lumina APV minivan serving as its replacement. The Celebrity and its A-body counterparts became widely known as one of the most transparent examples of corporate product rebadging in the American automotive industry. The four model lines were highlighted on the August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune as examples of genericized uniformity. Hemmings Motor News would later cover

1368-423: Was dropped, leaving the 2.5 L I4 (retuned to 98 hp (73 kW)) and fuel-injected 2.8 L V6 (retuned to 135 hp (101 kW)). Both engines were fitted with a three-speed automatic as standard equipment; the 2.8 L V6 was offered with an optional four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. For 1988, the 98 hp (73 kW) 2.5 L engine was fitted with balance shafts, with

1406-506: Was renamed the Rambler Classic and while it retained its basic dimensions, it was now competing with an array of new "intermediate" models from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The introduction of the 1962 Ford Fairlane was viewed by consumers as too close to the compact Falcon in size and performance as well as too close to the full-sized Ford models in price. It was the introduction of General Motors " senior compacts " that grew

1444-482: Was retuned to 92 hp (69 kW), with the 130 hp (97 kW) 2.8 L H.O. V6 (from the Citation X-11) becoming an option. A four-speed manual was offered with both the 2.5 L I4 and the H.O. V6; a four-speed automatic (with overdrive) was optional with either 2.8 L engine. For 1985, the 130 hp (97 kW) 2.8 L H.O. V6 switched from a 2-barrel carburetor to multiport fuel injection. In

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