Car of the Year award winners from the 1980 through 1989.
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An entire new nameplate for Chevrolet, the Citation would replace Chevrolet's Nova. The Citation was sold in three body styles: a three door, five door hatchback and a two door notchback coupe. Chevrolet sold over a staggering 800,000 models in 1980 alone - making it one to Chevrolet's most successful product launches ever. The production of the Citation would run from 1980 to 1985 and sold a combined 1,642,587 units. Even though the Citation was a sales success, it would be replaced by the Beretta/Corsica.
Chrysler dropped their rear wheel drive Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare replacing them with the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. The Aries and Reliant were both produced from 1981-1989 and sold over a combined whopping 2 millions units. The Dodge Aries was replaced by the Spirit while the Plymouth Reliant was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim.
The third generation Camaro Z28 featured either a 5.0L-4V or an optional 5.0L Cross Fire Fuel Injection. All Z28 models models featured lightweight fiberglass hoods, unique front valances, side valances and a real spoiler. Aside from being the Car of the Year, the Camaro Z28 was also the 1982 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Chevrolet sold 173,000 Camaros in 1982 - over 50% chose the optional V8 engine.
1983 would mark the first and only year in which Renault would win Car of the Year Award. The Alliance was actually manufactured, marketed and sold by AMC from 1983 through 1987 when production was discontinued after Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987. Renault held a controlling stake in AMC. Photo: Renault Jim.
After skipping the 1983 model year, Chevrolet introduced the C4 Corvette, which replaced the Zora Arkus Duntov C3 (1968-1982). Returning to the Corvette was the convertible as well as high performance engines, including the Corvette ZR-1's LT5. The last Corvette C4 would end production in 1996.
1985 would mark the first time that Volkswagen would earn top honors with the GTI paving the way. The GTI featured a 1.8L engine producing 119 horsepower, which might seem like a lot by today's standard but was quite the pocket rocket for 1985.
After an eleven year absence, Ford would return to take top honors with their new Ford Taurus. Launched on 26 December 1985, the all-new Taurus was a departure from the traditional domestic lineup. Over 200,000 were sold in its first year with more than 2,000,000 having been sold by the end of the first Taurus generation's life in 1991.
The Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe would retain the 2.3L turbo charged engine, but would gain an intercooler. When accompanied with a manual transmission, the Thunderbird pumped out an impressive 190 horsepower. The Turbo coupes were also equipped with four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, automatic ride control, 225/60VR tires and an aerodynamic front fascia. The Turbo Couple lived on another year before being discontinued in 1988. Photo: Mr. Choppers.
1988 would mark a radical departure for the Grand Prix as the fifth generation would switch from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive. All Grand Prix models would feature GM's 2.8L V6 MPFI engine, which would produce 130 hp and 170 lb⋅ft of torque.
Replacing the 1987 Car of the Year Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, the Super Coupe featured a 3.8L super charged engine producing 210 horsepower at 12 psi. The SC's would also feature 16" x 7" alloy wheels, traction lock rear axles, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, variable assist steering and Tokico shocks.
