1968 Dodge Polara 318 2 bbl from North America
Summary:
A True American Road Warrior
Faults:
Transmission failed, then the torque converter on rebuilt transmission failed.
Variety of electrical problems, including loss of dashboard lights and brake lights.
Exhaust system replaced twice.
General Comments:
For a first car, it will always be the best car. The car was 4 doors, army green with a flawless black vinyl top. The body had some rust spots on the rear quarter panel, but nothing major. The rear black vinyl seat were via a 1967 Dodge Monaco.
The car started almost all the time, even in winter. The car was driven every day to school and work. Steering was ridiculous, with the big, thin 20 foot steering wheel, but transmission fluid doubled as power steering fluid.
The car initially burned a little oil, and in hard acceleration (like a race) would crop dust like a corn farmer in the Midwest.
The car ALWAYS got complements from co-workers, neighbors, friends and strangers. The end came when car started leaking oil excessively, then the oil light stayed on even when the car was full of oil. Drove the car for 3 months with the oil light on. Used to put a oil can under the car to catch leaking oil when car was parked, and pour it back in when it was going to be driven. Excessive oil leak got up 12 quarts a week (2 5 gallon containers of Sears oil and 2 quarts).
Junked the vehicle only because of it's age. The car ran perfectly, even on its way to the junk yard. RIP Polara!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2004
5th Nov 2005, 10:34
My father bought a 72 base 2 door Polara new when I was in the service. It was dark green with a 2 tone green interior. I think he paid $ 3,400 for it. It didn't even have a radio in it. I put a radio in the dash around 1978, along with full hub caps. It came with small caps.
Whitewalls and full hub caps classed that car up 100%. Performance was always great with the 318 V-8. We owned the car til 1987, when it got hit. Totalled with 118K on the odometer. A really great car.
DPC.