1980–1985 Chevy Citation X-11
GM finally introduced its first downsized front-wheel-drive cars in the 1980 model year with the X-body cars, which included such legends as the Oldsmobile Omega, Buick Skylark, Pontiac Phoenix, and the Chevy Citation. The Citation got the X-11 performance package, which turned out to be more than just an average sticker and spoiler package. It came with an HO 2.8-liter V-6 rated at 135 hp, wider 215/60R14 tires, and a "sport" suspension system. That wasn't too bad for a small car in the early '80s. And to our eye, the X-11s actually looked pretty cool too.
The problem was, even though the ideas behind the sporty version of the Citation were okay, the Citation itself was not. The car gained a wide reputation as a poorly built pile of junk needing numerous factory recalls. Perhaps worst of all, Citations had a tendency to lock their rear wheels under hard braking, causing the cars to spin. Yikes.
