General Motors X platform (FWD)

GM X platform (FWD)
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledX-body
Production1979–1985
Body and chassis
ClassCompact
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive
Body style(s)2-door notchback coupé
3-door hatchback
4-door notchback sedan
5-door hatchback
VehiclesChevrolet Citation
Oldsmobile Omega
Pontiac Phoenix
Buick Skylark
RelatedGM A platform (FWD)
Powertrain
Engine(s)
Transmission(s)3-speed TH 125 automatic
4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase104.9 in (2,664 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorGM X platform (RWD)
SuccessorGM N platform
GM L platform

The General Motors front-wheel drive X platform was used for compact cars from the 1980 through 1985 model years, superseding the earlier, similarly designated, rear-drive platform.

After front-wheel drive cars had become somewhat common in the North American market, first through foreign imports, and then by American-badged but wholly or partially foreign-developed cars (e.g., the Ford Fiesta and Dodge Omni), GM's X-bodies were the first American-developed front-wheel drive cars introduced for the high-volume, mainstream market. GM would subsequently migrate most of its mainstream platforms to front-wheel drive as well.

Where numerous earlier American front-wheel drive cars were aimed at the luxury market and manufactured in relatively small numbers, the GM X bodies offered an alternative to high volume imported front-wheel drive compacts — and initially met considerable sales success.

Ultimately, the X-bodies — which included the 1980–1985 Chevrolet Citation, 1980–1984 Oldsmobile Omega, 1980–1984 Pontiac Phoenix and 1980–1985 Buick Skylark — became synonymous with their design defects, and GM's mishandled response.[1]

The X platform was the basis for the intermediate FWD GM A-body that proved much more successful. The X platform was superseded by the L-body and N-body platforms, which were derived from the J-body platform.