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Where did the model names come from?

The names, for the most part, come from GM's H-Body cars of the 1970's. Sunbird was replaced by the J2000, but the J2000 name was later replaced with Sunbird again. The Oldsmobile Firenza name comes from the sporty version of the old Oldsmobile Starfire, "The Starfire Firenza" H-Body. The Buick SkyHawk name moved from the H-Body car to the J-Body car. Cadillac Cimarron was a new name, as there had never been a Cadillac H-Body. The Chevrolet Monza changed into the Cavalier when it became a front wheel drive car. Originally GM had planned to call it the Chevrolet Version Corsair, but luckily the name Cavalier was chosen instead.

The Sunbird name has even been used on more than just the J-body car. Here's a quick breakdown for you:

RWD H-Car	FWD J-Body Replacement
Chevrolet Monza & Monza Spyder	Chevrolet Cavalier
Pontiac Sunbird & Sunbird Formula	Pontiac 2000/2000/2000 Sunbird/Sunbird/Sunfire
Olds Starfire & Starfire Firenza	Olds Firenza
Buick SkyHawk	Buick SkyHawk
(none)	Cadillac Cimarron

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Created:	01-01-2004
Modified:	01-28-2005
Rating:	(not rated)

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