AMC Matador Reviews from North America - Page 2 of 2

I too was once a proud owner of a Matador Coupe red with a black interior, basic model, with a 304, automatic, purchased in 1974. My wife learned to drive with that car and for the several years we owned it, provided trouble free trips. We used it a lot for camping, dragging around a small travel trailer, put a roof rack on it and also hauled a small boat for fishing. That was also back in the era of CB radios, which we installed in the car and home, which kepted us in constant contact with our friends.

In the 8 years that we had the car, the starter went 2 times. First was back in 1980, and then in 1985. In addition, other mechanical things went wrong, with the exception of back in 1987 when we got rid of it. What happened? Well, the transmission and the exhaust system all went at one shot.

When we got the car back in 1979, it was owned by a priest from a local church who told us that he at the time wanted a Cadillac. We paid $3000 for it. The car had only 14000 miles on it. The color? Sort of a burnt orangy color with tan vinyl seats that looked drab in texture.

The car was a beast! It had lots of room inside, and trunk was very big. We used it for flea markets, and back in 1981, we had a very close call with the car.

As we were starting the car at the flea market that we were at, we heard this loud grinding noise coming from the motor. It turned out that one of the fan blades from the motor broke off, and went right through the hood. Luckily, nobody was near the car when it happened! The problem was fixed in just a week.

There are days when we still talk about this car, and we still miss it. By now, the parts will be very hard to find for it. Back in the 1970's here in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, these cars were used as city an municipal cars.

Exhaust heat valve cracked.

Steering idler arm wore out.

Cargo area plastic cracking.

The car is 32 years old. It is amazing that it has been so reliable.

The cargo area plastic should have been designed to withstand impacts better.

The parts that it has needed, have been inexpensive and readily available.

It is very easy to service.

It seats six people comfortably.

It is not a performance car. It's a 4-door wagon. When used that way, it is a pleasure to drive.

The universal joints on the drive-shaft needed to be replaced.

About those universal joints -- who cares?! The car was over 20 years old.

I felt like a high roller in this 2-door coupe / chick magnet.

Very comfortable and stylish.

The AMC 360 is very powerful.

Truly a quality automobile.