1974 Dodge Coronet Custom Wagon review from North America
"Built for family use without reservation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Timing chain at about 89,000 miles.
Rear axle ring and pinion gear at about 75,000 miles.
General comments?
This was the family truckster that I grew up with, learned to drive in and learned auto mechanic basics on.
The body was attractive for a station wagon, the only detraction was the horrible fit and finish from all Chrysler products of the day. The bumpers took amazing abuse and never showed wear.
The interior was roomy, gigantic by today's standards, mid-size by 1970's standards.
The 318 engine and torqueflite tranny gave amazing performance and durability considering the size and weight of this car. Pulled a trailer without any trouble using a plain bumper hitch. The rear axle was undersized for a car this heavy and gave out at relatively low mileage. Easily replaced with a good used unit from the boneyard.
A gas guzzler by today's standards getting about 12 mpg around town and 17 mpg on the highway. Left my friends '68 289 Mustang for dead on the highway.
Overall it was a cost effective vehicle that was made to be used and it was. Easily serviced for routine tune-ups and oil changes. The timing gears were nylon, as many cars of it's day, and gave up after 12 years. We installed a new steel set and sold it running strong at 90,000 miles.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1974 |
| Year of manufacture | 1974 |
| First year of ownership | 1974 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1986 |
| Engine and transmission | 318 cu. in. 2 Barrel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 90000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge N/A |
| Date of Entry | 14th November, 2004 |