| |
| Chevrolet Celebrity | |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet | |
| Production: | 1982-1990 |
| Class: | Intermediate |
| Body Style: | 2-Door Coupe 4-Door Sedan 5-Door Wagon |
| Length: | 188.3" |
| Width: | 69.3" |
| Height: | 54.1 |
| Wheelbase: | 104.9" |
| Weight: | 3100-3300 lbs |
| Transmissions: | 5-Speed Manual 3-Speed Automatic |
| Engines: | 2.5L (151 cid) I4 (1982-1989) 2.8L (173 cid) V6 (1982-1989) 3.1L (191 cid) V6 (1990) 4.3L (262 cid) Diesel V6 (1982-1985) |
| Power: | 90-140 hp |
| Similar: | Buick Century Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Pontiac 6000 |
| Platform: | A |
The Chevrolet Celebrity was introduced in 1982 as an eventual replacement for the larger, rear-drive Malibu, which departed after 1983. The Celebrity was based on the X-body Citation chassis, but it was not affected by the dismal repair record of the Citation nearly as much. The Celebrity, along with its corporate mates including the Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and Pontiac 6000, were A-bodies (the previous rear-drive A-bodies now became G-bodies this year) and rode on a 104.9" wheelbase. The coupe and sedan would last until the end of the 1989 model year, while the wagon would survive into 1990. The Celebrity would be superceded by the Lumina.
Here's a quick rundown:
1982-1990[]
The Celebrity, like the Citation, was available with a standard 92 hp fuel-injected 2.5L I4, with a 112 hp 2.8L V6 and a 90 hp 4.3L diesel V6 as an option. A 3-speed automatic was standard for all engines. Naturally the Celebrity drove and handled like the larger X-car it really was. Its styling was very upright and boxy (almost Volvo-like), and was available as a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan. 1983 models differed by no longer having a separate amber turn-signal lamp in its taillight assembly. New grilles came along in 1984 along with a couple of new colors. A station wagon model was also new for 1984, in 6- or 8-passenger variations. 1984 was also the debut of the Eurosport model, which had blacked-out trim, Goodyear Eagle GT tires and alloy rims. The Eurosport was sort of like a Chevy version of the Pontiac 6000 STE, but unlike the 6000 STE, the Celebrity Eurosport was available with either the 4- or 6-cylinder engine, whereas the 6000 STE had only the V6.
The big news for 1985 was the availability of a high-output 130 hp 2.8L V6 option for all models in addition to the lesser 2.8, which was still available. The 2.5 I4 was still standard. In 1986, the V6 finally recieved fuel-injection, the diesel was dumped, and the body sported a revised nose with new flush composite headlamps, a smaller grille and revised taillights in the rear, styled somewhat like the larger Caprice's design. In 1987, Chevrolet offered an interesting VR model, available in black, white, silver or a special Code 81 red from the Camaro and Corvette and as a 2-door, 4-door or wagon. The VR had ground effects, a blanked-off grille, body-colored rims and special decals and was only available with the high-output 2.8L V6. The VR was not well received with buyers or car magazine testers, most dismissing it as being "all show and no go". 1988 Celebrities remained unchanged, but the 1989 model year spelled the end of the 2-door coupe model, as well as the Eurosport VR. The end of 1989 would also spell the end of the Celebrity sedan as well; only the wagon model would survive into 1990, and the 2.8L V6 would be replaced by a 140 hp 3.1L V6. The Celebrity was succeeded by the Lumina.
Competitors[]
- AMC Concord
- Chrysler E-Class
- Dodge 600/Dynasty
- Ford Fairmont/LTD/Taurus
- Mercury Zephyr/Marquis/Sable
- Plymouth Caravelle
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Quantum
