NEW WAVE MOTORS     Since 1978 "When I get real bored, I like to drive downtown and get a great parking spot, then sit in my car and count how many people ask me if I'm leaving." -- Steven Wright
		Advanced search

1987 Celebrity Wagon
1988 Celebrity Eurosport 2 Door
1988 Celebrity 4 Door

Part of GM's mid-size A-car quartet, Celebrity uses the same engines as Pontiac's 6000. Interior space and running gear are the same as compact Citation, but Celebrity is trimmed and equipped better. Power steering/brakes and automatic transmission were standard in 1982-83; automatic optional later. Most used cars have all three. A roomy 5-door wagon debuted for 1984. So did a Eurosport handling/ appearance package. Base 2.5-liter four lacks power to haul a full load. A high-output fuel-injected V-6 became optional for '85, but carbureted version had fewer driveability woes. Diesel power departed after '85. Generation II engines, reworked for 1987, have fuel injection, and a new Getrag-designed 5-speed manual shift became available with the V-6. Balance shafts were added to the Tech IV engine for '88. The 4-cylinder engine gained 12 horsepower late in the 1989 model year. Two-doors sold poorly and were dropped for '89. Only the station wagon remained for the 1990 model year, with a new optional 3.1 liter V-6 engine. Celebrity is more spacious than a bigger Malibu, with front-wheel-drive traction and responsive handling. Mileage is no better, though. Workmanship has been good, so these cars have bettered the dismal recall record of their X-car parents. There have been some driveability problems with the computerized engine control system in 1982 models, and deterioration of the upper engine-torque strap causes engine/transaxle vibration. Verdict: a capable, pleasant, and modern family car.