Chevrolet Celebrity
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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, 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 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 the effect of the Fortune article, relating "how a single magazine cover photo changed the course of auto design at GM in the Eighties."<ref name="ref52"/> Embarrassed by the incident, GM subsequently recommitted to development of divisional brand identity.<ref name="ref52">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="forbes2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="curbside2">Template:Cite web</ref>
Model overview
General Motors first used the Celebrity nameplate in the early 1960s, denoting a pillared sedan version of the Oldsmobile 88.<ref>Witzenburg, Gary. "The Name Game", Motor Trend, April 1984, p.82.</ref>
Introduced in January 1982,<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref> 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.
Chassis
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 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.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite news</ref>
While not as extensive of a downsizing as the 1977 Impala/Caprice, the 1978 Malibu, or 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.Template:Citation needed
Powertrain
For its 1982 launch, the Celebrity was offered with three engines. A Template:Cvt 2.5 L inline-4 was standard, with an optional Template:Cvt 2.8 L V6; an Template:Cvt 4.3 L diesel V6 (effectively, Template:Fraction of the Oldsmobile diesel V8) was also offered as an option.<ref name=":5" /> All three engines were paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
For 1984, the standard 2.5 L engine was retuned to Template:Cvt, with the Template:Cvt 2.8 L H.O. V6 (from the Citation X-11) becoming an option.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" />
For 1985, the Template:Cvt 2.8 L H.O. V6 switched from a 2-barrel carburetor to multiport fuel injection.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> In a revision, the H.O. V6 was no longer offered with a manual transmission, but the 4-speed automatic remained for both V6 engines.<ref name=":1" />
For 1986, the 4.3 L diesel V6 was dropped, with the H.O. V6 retuned to Template:Cvt.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> The three-speed automatic remained, paired only with the 2.5 L engine.<ref name=":3" />
For 1987, the powertrain line underwent several revisions. The carbureted 2.8 L engine was dropped, leaving the 2.5 L I4, retuned to Template:Cvt, and fuel-injected 2.8 L V6, retuned to Template:Cvt.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
For 1988, the Template:Cvt 2.5 L engine was fitted with balance shafts, with the 2.8 L V6 retuned to Template:Cvt.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref>
For 1989, the five-speed manual transmission was dropped. As a running change, the 2.5 L engine was retuned to Template:Cvt.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref>
For 1990 (station wagons only), the 2.8 L engine was replaced by a Template:Cvt 3.1 L V6.<ref name=":7" />
| Years | Name | Power | Torque | Displacement | Bore | Stroke | Compression Ratio | Fuel System | Valvetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | LR8 I4 | Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm | Template:Cvt at 2,800 rpm | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | 8.3:1 | TBI | OHV |
| 1983 | Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm | Template:Cvt at 2,800 rpm | 8.2:1 | EFI | |||||
| 1984 | 9.0:1 | ||||||||
| 1985–1986 | Template:Cvt at 4,400 rpm | ||||||||
| 1987–1989 | Template:Cvt at 4,800 rpm | Template:Cvt at 3,200 rpm | 8.3:1 | ||||||
| 1990 | Template:Cvt at 5,200 rpm | Template:Cvt at 3,200 rpm | TBI | ||||||
| 1982–1983 | LE2 V6 | Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm | Template:Cvt at 2,800 rpm | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | 8.5:1 | 2bbl | |
| 1984–1985 | Template:Cvt at 4,800 rpm | Template:Cvt at 2,100 rpm | |||||||
| 1986 | 8.0:1 | ||||||||
| 1984 | LH7 V6 | Template:Cvt at 5,400 rpm | Template:Cvt at 2,400 rpm | 8.9:1 | |||||
| 1985 | LB6 V6 | Template:Cvt at 4,800 rpm | Template:Cvt at 3,600 rpm | 8.9:1 | MPFI | ||||
| 1986 | Template:Cvt at 4,800 rpm | Template:Cvt at 3,600 rpm | 8.5:1 | ||||||
| 1987–1989 | Template:Cvt at 4,500 rpm | 8.9:1 | |||||||
| 1990 | LH0 V6 | Template:Cvt at 4,400 rpm | Template:Cvt at 3,600 rpm | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | 8.8:1 | MPFI | |
| 1983–1985 | LT7 Diesel V6 | Template:Cvt at 3,600 rpm | Template:Cvt at 1,600 rpm | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | 22.8:1 | Diesel |
Body
The Celebrity shares its roofline with the 1982–1988 Pontiac 6000, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and Buick Century and 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.<ref name=":0" /> For the first time since 1977, a mid-size Chevrolet station wagon was available with a third-row seat.<ref name=":0" />
Throughout its production, Chevrolet introduced few updates to the model line, with minor exterior updates in 1984, 1986, and 1987.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> For 1987, 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).
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1984 Chevrolet Celebrity 2-door -
1984 Chevrolet Celebrity 2-door rear -
1986 Chevrolet Celebrity 4-door sedan in police cruiser configuration, on display at the Phoenix Police Museum -
1984–1985 Celebrity station wagon -
1987–1990 Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon, rear view
Trim
Template:AnchorDuring its nine-year run, 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.
Celebrity Eurosport
One of the most notable versions of the Chevrolet Celebrity is the Celebrity Eurosport.<ref name=":0" /> 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, 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).<ref name=":0" /> 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 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.
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1984–1985 Chevrolet Eurosport two-door -
1986 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport, rear -
1987–1989 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport
Celebrity Eurosport VR
Based on the 1986 Chevrolet Eurosport RS concept car, Chevrolet offered the Celebrity Eurosport VR limited edition option package for 1987 and 1988.<ref name=":4" /> Converted by Autostyle Cars, near Oklahoma City Assembly, 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 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.
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Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport VR -
Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport VR rear view -
interior view, Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport VR
Discontinuation
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.<ref name=":6" /> Outliving the two-door Caprice by a year, the two-door Celebrity gave way to the Chevrolet Beretta and the two-door Chevrolet Lumina (the latter intended 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.<ref name=":7" /> As consumer demand for family vehicles shifted from station wagons to minivans, the Lumina APV served as the functional replacement for the Celebrity wagon. As of 2025, it was the last mid-sized Chevrolet station wagon.
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.
Production
During the 1980s, within Chevrolet, 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.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> As of current production, this remains the last time a Chevrolet vehicle (or any GM-brand vehicle) has done so.
| Coupe | Sedan | Wagon | Yearly Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 19,629 | 72,701 | - | 92,330 |
| 1983 | 19,221 | 120,608 | - | 139,829 |
| 1984 | 29,191 | 200,259 | 79,838 | 309,288 |
| 1985 | 29,010 | 239,763 | 86,149 | 354,922 |
| 1986 | 29,223 | 291,760 | 83,900 | 404,883 |
| 1987 | 18,198 | 273,864 | 70,462 | 362,524 |
| 1988 | 11,909 | 195,205 | 51,342 | 258,456 |
| 1989 | - | 162,482 | 39,179 | 201,661 |
| 1990 | - | - | 29,205 | 29,205 |
| Total | 156,381 | 1,556,642 | 440,075 | 2,153,098 |