There have been two X-body automobile platforms from General Motors. All X-bodies were small entry-level models.
Rear wheel drive
The rear-wheel drive X-body underpinned the Chevrolet Nova and similar cars of the late 1960s and 1970s. It was also the basis for the Cadillac Seville's K platform. The wheelbase was 111 in and many components were shared with the contemporary F platform.
Applications:
- Buick Apollo (1973–1974; 1975 sedan only)
- Buick Skylark (1975 coupe only; 1976–1979)
- Chevrolet Nova (1968–1980)
- Oldsmobile Omega (1973–1979)
- Pontiac Ventura (1971–1977)
- Pontiac Phoenix (1977–1980)
1968–1974 GM X-bodies positioned the steering linkage behind the steering gear ("rear steer"), whereas 1975–1979 models had the steering linkage forward of the steering gear ("front steer").
In the early 1970s, it was noticed that the first letter of each X-body model name (Nova, Omega, Ventura, Apollo) spelled out "NOVA", the cheapest model of the quartet.
Front wheel drive
The front-wheel drive X-body was used for compact cars from 1980 to 1985. They were among the first mainstream front-wheel drive models introduced into the North American market, and initially saw great sales success. However, the X-body developed a poor reputation for quality, with a large number of safety recalls and eventually an unsuccessful NHTSA lawsuit. [1][2][3]
The GM A-body, L-body, and N-body were derived from the X-body, but did not suffer the same reputation issues.
Vehicles using the X-body include:
- 1980-1985 Buick Skylark
- 1980-1985 Chevrolet Citation
- 1980-1984 Oldsmobile Omega
- 1980-1984 Pontiac Phoenix
References
- ^ "Chevrolet Citation by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide". How Stuff Works. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/chevrolet-citation.htm/printable. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
- ^ John Pearley Huffman (2008-11-25). "10 Cars That Damaged GM's Reputation: 1980-1985 X-Cars". Popular Mechanics. http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/reader_rides/4293188.html?page=2. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
- ^ Reginald Stuart (1987-04-15). "Judge Supports G.M. on Brakes in 1980 X-Cars". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/15/us/judge-supports-gm-on-brakes-in-1980-x-cars.html. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
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