Developed by Chevrolet, the architecture was initially unique in the U.S. to the Chevy II, first joined by the Pontiac Ventura in 1971, then a range of other GM products as its divisions expanded their compact model lines.

For 1980, the platform was discontinued and the X-body designation was reused for its downsized front-wheel drive successor, the first FWD compact car architecture produced by General Motors.

Sharing largely unchanged chassis underpinnings throughout its 17 model-year production, the X-body underwent body redesign for 1966, 1968, and 1975.

The rear-wheel drive X-body and its semi-unibody design would serve as a basis for two GM platforms through its production.

As the 1970s progressed, Buick and Pontiac would rename its X-body model lines (shifting nameplates from the A-body intermediates).