Buick Skyhawk
Encyclopedia
The Buick Skyhawk are automobile
s produced by the Buick
division of General Motors
in two generations for the 1975 through 1989 model years. 1975 through 1980 models, all 2-door hatchbacks, were built on the subcompact, rear-wheel drive H-body platform
. 1982 through 1989 models were built on the compact, front-wheel drive J-car platform
that was available in four body styles: 2-door sedan or hatchback, as well as 4-door sedan or station wagon.
automobile that was introduced September 1974, and produced for the 1975 through 1980 model years. The first-generation Skyhawk is based on the Chevrolet Vega
, and shares its wheelbase
and width. The Skyhawk was produced with H-body
variants Chevrolet Monza, Oldsmobile Starfire, and Pontiac Sunbird
. It competed with other small sporty cars, such as the Toyota Celica
, Mercury Capri
, and the Ford Mustang II. The Buick Skyhawk was the smallest car to wear the Buick badge in more than 60 years.
and a 65.4 inches (1,661.2 mm) width. The Skyhawk, Chevrolet Monza
, and Oldsmobile Starfire
were among the first vehicles to adopt the newly approved quad rectangular headlamps. The body style is noted for having a resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4
. The Skyhawk is a rear wheel drive vehicle with a live rear axle
design. Throughout its production, the H-body Skyhawk would be offered only with the Buick-designed 3.8 liter (231 cid) V6 engine
using a 2-barrel carburetor that generated 110 hp at 4000 rpm. A 4-speed manual transmission
was standard; a 3-speed automatic
was offered as an option. The front suspension is short and long control arms with coil springs, and anti-roll bar; the rear suspension is a Torque-arm design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Its design was later incorporated into GM's third- and fourth-generation F-bodies (Camaro
and Firebird
). Variable-ratio power steering was standard of a recirculating ball
design. The brake system features standard power assist including front disc brakes with solid rotors, and rear drum brakes.
Following the introduction of the Skyhawk, in mid-1975 it was joined by a lower-priced and less well-equipped Skyhawk ‘S’.
In 1976, a five-speed manual transmission became available as an option. Starting with the 1976 models the front disc rotors were of the vented type. Another new option was the Astroroof, which was a large heavily tinted overhead glass roof combined with a wide aluminum band that extended from one B-pillar across the roof to the opposite B-pillar. Starting with the 1976 models the front disc rotors were of the vented type. In 1977 a conventional sliding sunroof became optional and was also often ordered with the aluminum band.
For the 1979 model year, the Skyhawk would receive a face lift that incorporated single rectangular headlamps replacing the previous dual rectangular headlamps that all previous models used. A new option was the Road Hawk package that included a Rallye ride and handling package consisting of larger front and rear stabilizer bars, larger tires, and special interior and exterior trim. There was also a Skyhawk Designers’ Accent Edition that was primarily an exterior trim package available in bright yellow or red with black trim.
There were few changes for the 1980 model, the last model year for the GM H-Body platform, most notably the discontinuance of the five-speed manual transmission as an option. Only the four-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions were offered for 1980.
The H-body Skyhawk was replaced in the spring of 1981 with the new front-wheel drive Buick Skyhawk built on General Motors’ J-body platform. However, this new second-generation was not a direct replacement for the original Skyhawk. While the original Skyhawk was a small sporty car, the second-generation model would be a line of compact cars that included 2 and 4-door sedans, a 2-door hatchback coupe, and even a 4-door station wagon.
H-body Skyhawk and Starfire production ceased on December 21, 1979, to allow for more production of Monza and Sunbird hatchbacks.
A total of 125,311 H-body Skyhawks were produced in six model years.
See also
Skyhawk (J-body
) debuted in February, at the 1982 Chicago Auto Show. The Skyhawk was originally available as a 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan and was very similar to the Chevrolet Cavalier
. The standard engine was a corporate 1.8 liter
"122" OHV
carbureted four-cylinder (88 hp), with a Brazilian-built 1.8 liter overhead-cam TBI four (80 hp) as an option. A carbureted, 90 hp SOHC 2-litre also appeared soon after the Skyhawk went on sale, along with an optional five-speed manual.
For 1983, the Brazil-built 1.8-litre gained four hp, while the OHV 1.8 and SOHC 2.0 were replaced by a Chevrolet-built OHV 2.0, also with 90 hp. A four-door Station Wagon
was also introduced, Buick's first front-wheel drive wagon. The next year there was a minor facelift, with bigger cooling openings and larger bumper rub strips. The 2.0 lost four hp, down to 86. Shortly after the introduction of the '84s, a turbocharged MPFI version of the Brazilian 1.8 became available on the T-Type
model, offering a hefty 150 hp. The Turbo T-Type was not available with the five-speed manual. The Skyhawk set a sales record in 1984 (134,076 built). There wasn't much change for 1985, but for 1986 a new two-door Hatchback
was added, in "Sport" or T-Type trim. Also, both 1.8s and 2.0s now claimed the same 88 hp.
The 1.8-litre engines were replaced by two SOHC multi-port injected 2.0 liter versions for 1987, one naturally aspirated (96 hp/71 kW) and one 165 hp turbocharged version known as RPO
LT3. The OHV 2-litre remained, now with 90 hp. For 1988, only Skyhawk Sports remained, and the hatchback was discontinued. There was also a "Sport S/E" 2-door coupé. The OHV and turbocharged engines were no longer available.
1989 was to be the last year of the Skyhawk, but nonetheless the car received certain updates such as standard electronic fuel injection, better acoustical insulation and body colored door and window frames on the station wagon. 23,366 '89s were built, for a total of 499,132 second generation Skyhawks.
The Skyhawk, along with variant Oldsmobile Firenza
, were built in Leeds, Missouri, (Kansas City)
from 1982 through 1988. 1988 was the last year of Oldsmobile Firenza production and Leeds Assembly
was then closed. For 1989, GM moved Skyhawk production to its Janesville, Wisconsin
, assembly plant. Production of the Skyhawk ceased after the 1989 model year. The Chevrolet Cavalier was also produced at Leeds for some of these model years.
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s produced by the Buick
Buick
Buick is a premium brand of General Motors . Buick models are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, and Israel, with China being its largest market. Buick holds the distinction as the oldest active American make...
division of General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
in two generations for the 1975 through 1989 model years. 1975 through 1980 models, all 2-door hatchbacks, were built on the subcompact, rear-wheel drive H-body platform
GM H platform (RWD)
The General Motors H platform or H-body is an automobile platform designation used for the 1971–1980 model year rear wheel drive line of subcompact cars...
. 1982 through 1989 models were built on the compact, front-wheel drive J-car platform
GM J platform
The J platform, or J-body, was General Motors' inexpensive front-wheel drive automobile platform from the 1980s and 1990s. The platform replaced the GM H platform. The J-platform is the only platform of GM to have a model in each of its "Original 5" passenger car divisions...
that was available in four body styles: 2-door sedan or hatchback, as well as 4-door sedan or station wagon.
First generation (1975–1980)
The Buick Skyhawk is a subcompact, four passenger, hatchbackHatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
automobile that was introduced September 1974, and produced for the 1975 through 1980 model years. The first-generation Skyhawk is based on the Chevrolet Vega
Chevrolet Vega
The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact, two-door automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1971-1977 model years. Named after the star Vega, the car was powered by a lightweight aluminum-block inline four-cylinder engine...
, and shares its wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
and width. The Skyhawk was produced with H-body
GM H platform (RWD)
The General Motors H platform or H-body is an automobile platform designation used for the 1971–1980 model year rear wheel drive line of subcompact cars...
variants Chevrolet Monza, Oldsmobile Starfire, and Pontiac Sunbird
Pontiac Sunbird
The Pontiac Sunbird, produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors, was Pontiac's second small-car offering of the 70's. The Sunbird model ran for 18 years and was then replaced in 1995 by the Pontiac Sunfire...
. It competed with other small sporty cars, such as the Toyota Celica
Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica name has been applied to a series of coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial"....
, Mercury Capri
Mercury Capri
-First Generation :See also Ford CapriThe Mercury Capri was built in Cologne, Germany, and was sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealers in North America. The European Capri was first sold in the US in April 1970 and carried the Mercury marque identification as Ford already had a Mustang for the same...
, and the Ford Mustang II. The Buick Skyhawk was the smallest car to wear the Buick badge in more than 60 years.
Overview
The Skyhawk has a 97 inches (2,463.8 mm) wheelbaseWheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
and a 65.4 inches (1,661.2 mm) width. The Skyhawk, Chevrolet Monza
Chevrolet Monza
The Chevrolet Monza is a subcompact, four-passenger automobile produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1975–1980 model years. The Monza is based on the Chevrolet Vega, sharing its wheelbase, width and 140 CID inline-4 engine...
, and Oldsmobile Starfire
Oldsmobile Starfire
Oldsmobile Starfire are automobiles produced by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors in two generations from 1961–1966 and 1975–1980. The Starfire nameplate was also used for the 1954–1956 Ninety- Eight series convertibles, and all 1957 Ninety-Eight series models. 1961 was the first year for...
were among the first vehicles to adopt the newly approved quad rectangular headlamps. The body style is noted for having a resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Ferrari 365 GTC/4
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was a 2+2 sports car produced from 1971-1972. It was based on the chassis of the Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona.-365 GTC/4:...
. The Skyhawk is a rear wheel drive vehicle with a live rear axle
Live axle
A live axle, sometimes called a solid axle, is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit....
design. Throughout its production, the H-body Skyhawk would be offered only with the Buick-designed 3.8 liter (231 cid) V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
using a 2-barrel carburetor that generated 110 hp at 4000 rpm. A 4-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
was standard; a 3-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
was offered as an option. The front suspension is short and long control arms with coil springs, and anti-roll bar; the rear suspension is a Torque-arm design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Its design was later incorporated into GM's third- and fourth-generation F-bodies (Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang...
and Firebird
Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro...
). Variable-ratio power steering was standard of a recirculating ball
Recirculating ball
Recirculating ball, also known as recirculating ball and nut or worm and sector, is a steering mechanism commonly found in older automobiles, and some trucks...
design. The brake system features standard power assist including front disc brakes with solid rotors, and rear drum brakes.
Changes
In 1976, a five-speed manual transmission became available as an option. Starting with the 1976 models the front disc rotors were of the vented type. Another new option was the Astroroof, which was a large heavily tinted overhead glass roof combined with a wide aluminum band that extended from one B-pillar across the roof to the opposite B-pillar. Starting with the 1976 models the front disc rotors were of the vented type. In 1977 a conventional sliding sunroof became optional and was also often ordered with the aluminum band.
For the 1979 model year, the Skyhawk would receive a face lift that incorporated single rectangular headlamps replacing the previous dual rectangular headlamps that all previous models used. A new option was the Road Hawk package that included a Rallye ride and handling package consisting of larger front and rear stabilizer bars, larger tires, and special interior and exterior trim. There was also a Skyhawk Designers’ Accent Edition that was primarily an exterior trim package available in bright yellow or red with black trim.
There were few changes for the 1980 model, the last model year for the GM H-Body platform, most notably the discontinuance of the five-speed manual transmission as an option. Only the four-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions were offered for 1980.
The H-body Skyhawk was replaced in the spring of 1981 with the new front-wheel drive Buick Skyhawk built on General Motors’ J-body platform. However, this new second-generation was not a direct replacement for the original Skyhawk. While the original Skyhawk was a small sporty car, the second-generation model would be a line of compact cars that included 2 and 4-door sedans, a 2-door hatchback coupe, and even a 4-door station wagon.
H-body Skyhawk and Starfire production ceased on December 21, 1979, to allow for more production of Monza and Sunbird hatchbacks.
A total of 125,311 H-body Skyhawks were produced in six model years.
See also
- General Motors H-platformGM H platform (RWD)The General Motors H platform or H-body is an automobile platform designation used for the 1971–1980 model year rear wheel drive line of subcompact cars...
- Chevrolet VegaChevrolet VegaThe Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact, two-door automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1971-1977 model years. Named after the star Vega, the car was powered by a lightweight aluminum-block inline four-cylinder engine...
Second generation (1982–1989)
The 1982–1989 front-wheel driveFront-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
Skyhawk (J-body
GM J platform
The J platform, or J-body, was General Motors' inexpensive front-wheel drive automobile platform from the 1980s and 1990s. The platform replaced the GM H platform. The J-platform is the only platform of GM to have a model in each of its "Original 5" passenger car divisions...
) debuted in February, at the 1982 Chicago Auto Show. The Skyhawk was originally available as a 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan and was very similar to the Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact automobile produced from 1982 to 2005 by General Motors. Built on the company's J platform, the Cavalier was one of the best-selling cars in the United States throughout its life.- Predecessors :...
. The standard engine was a corporate 1.8 liter
GM 122 engine
This engine family, produced by General Motors globally, was originally designed by Opel in Germany. In OHV form, it was available in the US beginning in 1982 for the GM J platform compact cars and S-series trucks, although originally in use from the 1970s globally. It is different than the engine...
"122" OHV
Overhead valve
An overhead valve engine, also informally called pushrod engine or I-head engine, is a type of piston engine that places the camshaft within the cylinder block , and uses pushrods or rods to actuate rocker arms above the cylinder...
carbureted four-cylinder (88 hp), with a Brazilian-built 1.8 liter overhead-cam TBI four (80 hp) as an option. A carbureted, 90 hp SOHC 2-litre also appeared soon after the Skyhawk went on sale, along with an optional five-speed manual.
For 1983, the Brazil-built 1.8-litre gained four hp, while the OHV 1.8 and SOHC 2.0 were replaced by a Chevrolet-built OHV 2.0, also with 90 hp. A four-door Station Wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
was also introduced, Buick's first front-wheel drive wagon. The next year there was a minor facelift, with bigger cooling openings and larger bumper rub strips. The 2.0 lost four hp, down to 86. Shortly after the introduction of the '84s, a turbocharged MPFI version of the Brazilian 1.8 became available on the T-Type
T-Type
The T-Type is a series of Buick automobiles that were popular during the 1980s.-History:These T-Type cars were built as performance-oriented models and the most famous of these cars was the Buick GNX, which was based on the Regal platform...
model, offering a hefty 150 hp. The Turbo T-Type was not available with the five-speed manual. The Skyhawk set a sales record in 1984 (134,076 built). There wasn't much change for 1985, but for 1986 a new two-door Hatchback
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
was added, in "Sport" or T-Type trim. Also, both 1.8s and 2.0s now claimed the same 88 hp.
The 1.8-litre engines were replaced by two SOHC multi-port injected 2.0 liter versions for 1987, one naturally aspirated (96 hp/71 kW) and one 165 hp turbocharged version known as RPO
Regular Production Option
A Regular Production Option is a General Motors standard coding for vehicle configuration options. These codes are a combination of 3 alphanumeric characters and refer to a specific option or modification to the vehicle...
LT3. The OHV 2-litre remained, now with 90 hp. For 1988, only Skyhawk Sports remained, and the hatchback was discontinued. There was also a "Sport S/E" 2-door coupé. The OHV and turbocharged engines were no longer available.
1989 was to be the last year of the Skyhawk, but nonetheless the car received certain updates such as standard electronic fuel injection, better acoustical insulation and body colored door and window frames on the station wagon. 23,366 '89s were built, for a total of 499,132 second generation Skyhawks.
The Skyhawk, along with variant Oldsmobile Firenza
Oldsmobile Firenza
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car produced by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird...
, were built in Leeds, Missouri, (Kansas City)
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
from 1982 through 1988. 1988 was the last year of Oldsmobile Firenza production and Leeds Assembly
Leeds Assembly
Leeds Assembly was a General Motors automobile factory in Leeds, Missouri . It was closed in 1988. The factory produced the A-bodies and J-bodies.-See also:* List of GM factories...
was then closed. For 1989, GM moved Skyhawk production to its Janesville, Wisconsin
Janesville, Wisconsin
Janesville is a city in southern Wisconsin, United States. It is the county seat of Rock County and the principal municipality of the Janesville, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 62,998.-History:...
, assembly plant. Production of the Skyhawk ceased after the 1989 model year. The Chevrolet Cavalier was also produced at Leeds for some of these model years.