GM A platform (FWD)

:seealso|GM A platform (RWD)Infobox Automobile platform
name = GM A platform (FWD)
aka =
manufacturer = General Motors


production = 1982–1996
class = Mid-size
similar = Chrysler C platform
Ford D186 platform
predecessor = GM A platform (RWD)
successor = GM W platform
GM N platform (Long wheelbase)
GM U platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
4-door station wagon
engine =
transmission =
front_suspension =
rear_suspension =
wheelbase =
related =
vehicles = Buick Century
Chevrolet Celebrity
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser
Pontiac 6000

The General Motors A platform (commonly called the A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform. The A-bodies evolved from rear wheel drive compact cars to front wheel drive mid-size cars over the course of 35 years. The switch in drive layout in 1982 spawned the G-body.

The first front-wheel drive A platform was built from 1982 to 1996. This A-body consisted of 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé and 4-door station wagon bodystyles. It was updated in 1989 with a slightly longer wheelbase. It also briefly saw duty as an All Wheel Drive platform for the Pontiac 6000. Later GM FWD platforms shared many components and systems with the A-Body, in particular the GM W platform midsize cars and U-body minivans.

The A-body came to an end in 1996, with its two remaining members getting redesigned atop other GM platforms the following year. The Oldsmobile Ciera was effectively replaced by the Oldsmobile Cutlass (N-platform), a twin of the Chevrolet Malibu, while the Buick Century crossed over to the slightly larger W-platform alongside the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Intrigue, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chevrolet Lumina.

Applications:
* 104.5 in wheelbase:
** 1982-1990 Chevrolet Celebrity
** 1982-1991 Pontiac 6000
** 1982-1988 Buick Century
** 1982-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
** 1984-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser (station wagon)
* 104.9 in wheelbase:
** 1989-1996 Buick Century
** 1989-1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
** 1989-1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser (station wagon)
** 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera (final year of the Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Cruiser, sold without the "Cutlass" name)
**1990-1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV
**1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
**1990-1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette

External links

* [http://www.a-body.net/ A-body.net - 82-96 GM A-body Website & Forum]