With the Traction Avant, Citroën was 40 years ahead of the Americans!
- Published on 05/12/2025 17:19
- Modified on 05/12/2025 17:22
Today, front-wheel drive seems natural on almost all cars. But it took time for Americans to adopt it.
In 1966, the Oldsmobile Toronado made a spectacular entrance with a big V8 engine and a front-wheel drive architecture. On paper, it was a small revolution in Uncle Sam’s country. In reality, it was certainly a remarkable technical achievement, but above all a commercial flop. Too expensive, too complex, it failed to attract the general public and remained a cult model for enthusiasts, but with no lasting impact on the market.
It wasn’t until 1977 that front-wheel drive finally found its audience in the United States. On December 5th, Chrysler launched the Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni. Smaller, more accessible, these cars combined practicality, maneuverability, and comfort. For the first time, Americans discovered a front-wheel drive that delivered on its promises. Optimized interior space, safer driving on slippery roads, and a car that was easy to live with every day. Finally, front-wheel drive ceased to be a curiosity and became a true solution for the American driver.
Not bad, right? It’s French!
But when we compare this breakthrough to what was happening in Europe, the contrast is striking. As early as 1934, the Citroën Traction Avant was establishing its style and technique: engine at the front, front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and independent suspension. It sat lower, handled better, and offered comfort and safety that few cars could match at the time. In short, while America was still smoking rear tires, Citroën had already written the rules of automotive modernity.
You might be interestedin this article:
This gap illustrates well the slowness with which certain ideas cross the Atlantic. Front-wheel drive, though tried and true, had to wait over forty years to massively appeal to the American market. The Horizon and Omni are thus the true pioneers of front-wheel drive in the United States, but they owe a lot to the bold and visionary example of the Citroën Traction Avant, a true precursor of its time.
ALSO READ: The day Citroën tried to fit a V8 into the Traction!
This page is translated from the original post "Avec la Traction Avant, Citroën a devancé les américains de 40 ans !" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
