1969 AMC Ambassador SST review from North America
"Classic and under-rated"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission failed every ~15k miles or so.
Window knobs sheared off all four doors.
Unique door lock 'flip' handles snapped off.
General comments?
This car had a lot of miles on it when my dad gave it to me. A lime plant near his work had ruined the paint and vinyl wood-grain siding, but it had no rust.
AMC used an automatic transmission designed for the V-6 for this small V-8. It never lasted beyond three months.
The motor ran sweet and it got 15mpg around town and 19 highway. This in a full-size 60's era station wagon!
It was comfortable and roomy. Rode seven adults (three row seating) comfortably.
My first girlfriend loved it too. The exhaust fell off and it had a distinctive tone. She was always waiting at the curb. Her dad had me fix it so I would come to the door like a gent.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1970 - Ambassador DPL 5.0 304 cid V8 A real budget "sleeper". |
| All around awesome car! Fun to drive! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1969 |
| First year of ownership | 1978 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1980 |
| Engine and transmission | 293 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 95000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 6th December, 2004 |