Slotted above the Corsair, the exterior of the Citation was distinguished by additional stainless steel trim and a gold-anodized aluminum cove panel (emulating the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser).

When Edsel debuted for the 1958 model year, in place of a brand-specific body and chassis, its lower-cost model lines (the Ranger and Pacer, and all Edsel station wagons) shared their chassis with the Ford Fairlane, while its premium lines (Corsair and Citation) shared their underpinnings with the Mercury Monterey and Montclair.

For 1959, Edsel consolidated its model offerings to Ford-based vehicles, including the Ranger, Villager wagon, and Corsair (shifting to a Ford chassis).

[1][4] Using a body-on-frame layout,[5] the Citation shared design commonality with Mercury and Ford, using a leaf-sprung rear axle and independent ball-joint front suspension with coil springs.

In contrast to other Edsels, the Citation was fitted with the most exterior stainless steel trim and a gold-anodized aluminum cove panel.