Citroen Reviews
Citroën was created in 1919 as the maker of worthy, solid but ultimately quite dull cars. And then came the revolutionary Traction Avant in 1934 with its front-wheel drive and modern styling. That established Citroën as a forward-thinking carmaker, which was capable of building mould-breaking cars, such as the supremely clever 2CV and the Hydropneumatically-suspended DS, the Maserati-engined SM, the futuristic CX and the novel GS.
A takeover by Peugeot in 1975 initially killed off some of Citroën’s quirkiness – although 1982’s BX and '89's XM was in the marque's best mad traditions – but individuality and daring have returned again in recent years… thanks to the ill-fated C6 and subsequent DS-line of cars to supplement that company's more mundane products.
.jpg)
Good:
Tin Snail is a economy motoring icon, comfortable, long-legged, limpet-like grip and a roll-back canvas roof
Bad:
Lack of outright performance takes a little getting used to
.jpg)
Good:
Amazing ride quality, space ship looks, advanced specification which in some ways is still contemporary
Bad:
Horrible when structural corrosion takes hold
.jpg)
Good:
Like a DS but with even more room inside
Bad:
Generally led a harder life, so more rare, and surviving examples more likely to suffer from problems
.jpg)
Good:
Effortlessly stylish four-seater cabriolet
Bad:
Genuine ones cost a fortune, so watch out for fakes
.jpg)
Good:
Additional performance and room over a 2CV, fastback and estate versions very practical
Bad:
Frankly bizarre styling of reverse-rake Ami 6
.jpg)
Good:
More power makes the DS even more irresistible
Bad:
The complexity of hydraulics, and hidden structural corrosion
.jpg)
Good:
Like a 2CV, but bigger, a little plusher and with a more useful hatchback
Bad:
Not as cool as the 2CV, and therefore harder to justify its failings
.jpg)
Good:
Simple basic fun
Bad:
Not so fun in Scotland. In the winter
.jpg)
Good:
Supreme high-speed cruiser, off-beat Maserati V6, superior steering and brakes, idiosyncratic styling, superbly comfortable
Bad:
Not a DIY proposition, engine rebuild costs, tough to restore
.jpg)
Good:
Soft ride and self levelling suspension, excellent steering, visibility and brakes
Bad:
Not as economical as it should be, flat-four engine is very vocal, rare and hard to find parts for
Good:
Otherworldly ride comfort, effortless long distance cruising, roomy interior, head-turning looks
Bad:
Complex mechanics for the uninitiated, ultra-sensitive controls take some getting used to, structural rust can be a show-stopper in terms of difficulty fixing
.jpg)
Good:
Roomy, comfortable, characterful flat-twin, interesting dashboard, sporting models go well, Decapotable version is a cheap fun convertible
Bad:
Rust, poor parts and specialist support, almost extinct
.jpg)
Good:
Magic carpet ride, easier to maintain and service than you might think, all models go well for their engine sizes due to low weight
Bad:
Some parts getting hard to find, plastic panels and a rust-free body can hide corrosion nightmares underneath, still considered a banger by those who don' get them
.jpg)
Good:
Fast and fine handling, effectively a five-door Peugeot 205GTI
Bad:
Rare as hen's teeth, flimsy, rusty and ugly
.jpg)
Good:
Great performance and roadholding without too much loss of ride quality
Bad:
Rare, parts availability, hidden corrosion issues, engines still in demand from 205GTI owners
.jpg)
Good:
We're struggling with this one
Bad:
Interesting twin-pots were never sold in the UK
.jpg)
Good:
Light and efficient, brilliant diesels, all are economical
Bad:
Lightweight build can be mistaken for shoddy quality
.jpg)
Good:
Brilliant to drive, huge amounts of fun, great handling and fast with a mere 85bhp
Bad:
Fragile and far from reliable
Good:
Roomy, comfortable and clever
Bad:
They don't respond well to abuse and neglect
.jpg)
Good:
Dirt cheap to buy now, superb blend of assured handling and comfortable ride, Volcane and Furio versions are brilliant hot hatchbacks
Bad:
Limited luggage space, mechanical problems persist, can be hard to resell
.jpg)
Good:
Cheap to buy, height-adjustable suspension delivers a smooth ride and safe handling, good rear legroom, distinctive looks.
Bad:
Care needed to find a good one these days, a wide range of potential reliability problems.
Good:
Good value and one of Citroen's most reliable cars. VTS is quick, the 1.1 very economical.
Bad:
Offset driving position and narrow driver's footwell. Poor crash test rating. Fared badly in JD Power Customer Satisfaction surveys.
Good:
Seats up to eight. Sliding doors give easy access to the airy, well-designed cabin. Frugal 110bhp HDI diesel.
Bad:
Many have led a hard life. Not as enjoyable to drive as a Galaxy, Alhambra or Sharan. Some mechanical problems.
Good:
Quirky looks and the versatility to swap from coupe to cabrio, full convertible or pick-up. Roomy for four adults. Four-star crash test rating.
Bad:
Many reports of leaks and build quality problems. You'll have to put up with rattles.
Good:
Cheap to buy, spacious cabin with three full size seats across the back, comfortable cruiser, aerodynamic shape means 1.6 HDi can do 55mpg.
Bad:
Some quality problems. Not as good to drive as the Xsara on which it is based. DMFs can give trouble of 1.6 HDi, but were not fitted to 2.0 HDi.
