1978 Chrysler Newport from North America - Comments

Front-end wore out. (control arm bushings)

Power steering box started leaking badly.

Steel brake lines rusted and developed leaks. (that could’ve been dangerous)

Oil leaked onto the spark plugs causing them to wear prematurely.

Blower motor quit working.

This was by far the most comfortable car I ever owned. The crushed velvet seats were so comfortable they made me want to drive it all day long. The heat was incredible even when the blower motor went on the blink, it felt like being wrapped in a blanket. Even though it never got the best gas mileage I would drive it around for no reason at all just because it was such an experience.

Chrysler really got their styling right in the late 70's, using tons of chrome and smooth yet distinctive body lines to give the Newport a character all it's own.

One of the best features of the car was that it came with a mish-mash of options that made it simple and economical, but at the same time luxurious. It had manual crank windows, manual seats and manual mirrors, but it still came with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning (which actually worked), cruise control, power trunk release, a digital “chronometer”, and an ashtray and lighter for every occupant. It also had a full gauge cluster including (in addition to the speedometer) engine temperature, volt meter, oil pressure and of course the fuel gauge.

The fact that it was a four-door hardtop (no pillar between the windows and all four windows roll ALL THE WAY DOWN) was great not only for getting in and out of the car dukes of hazzard style, but it also made the rear-view mirror shake with only the factory 6x9's and a $20 tape deck.

Obviously another bonus was the cavernous interior. I once fit, no joke, 17 people in the car (including the trunk) and drove around the parking lot of my high school. It was actually my teacher's idea. Even with that many people in the car it still had plenty of power and nobody in my class would ever complain that they never got a ride in my Newport.

In terms of actual performance it handled very well, stopped impressively for such a huge beast, and accelerated with the best of them. The steering was silky smooth and never required the effort of more than one hand, let alone one finger.

The best part as I've already mentioned was the incredibly comfortable ride. The suspension was so supple on this car that I once blew my tire on the highway and would not have noticed if it hadn't been for the sound of the tire actually popping.

I have many good memories of my Newport, but sadly it was written off when a drunk driver made a premature left turn and smashed up my fun-mobile.

If you have one of these cars I envy you as I've been searching for another one ever since. If you're reading this review because you're considering purchasing a Chrysler Newport then I hope I've convinced to you to take the plunge and buy it. This car was not only comfortable and reliable, but driving it was an experience all its own.

Sounds like a nice car. I always liked the lines on those cars. I especially like the late 70's Chrysler New Yorker with the hidden headlights and grille. Nice design and that interior looks very comfortable. I own a Chevy Caprice myself.

You've got yourself a really nice car, I'm a big fan of the luxury cruisers of the 60's/70's and I like the idea that your friends from school really liked your car, last spring I saw a brown mid 70's Chrysler Newport on sale for $800 and it appeared to be in decent condition, it didn't have a lot of rust or any physical body damage, it had a 360 V8 engine, power windows, A/C, I still wish that American can make cars this good today.

I have a 1978 Chrysler Newport myself. I live in Coquitlam, B.C.

I bought the car from a friend of a pastor who lived on Thetis Island. It only had 38K on it, and sat for 17 years.

I was looking for a "family" car and came home with this $700 gem. I wish I had a picture of my wife's face when I pulled in the driveway with this bad boy. She didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.

After I got it running smooth I totally fell in love with the car. What I love about it the most is it is so versatile. I can pack my 5 kids in it, and the trunk is big enough to put just about anything.

The gas mileage sucks big time, but I honestly don't care, it is totally worth it. I love this car so much I am now pulling the motor and having my friend in Langley do up my 400 cubic inch motor withe the Edlebrock performer package.

Once that is done I am getting painted the new bronze/brown color you see on the new cars nowadays. After that I am going to tint the widows slightly, put in a DVD console for the kids and a killer stereo system.

With all those goodies and the low K's this car is going to be absolutely killer, and I know anyone who would be honored enough to drive it would be tempted to get their check book out (if they had enough money)

If you live in the lower mainland B.C. watch out for the bronze Newport turning heads everywhere.

These cars rule, and I believe everyone should have one. I love it so much and believe everyone else will who drives it, I am thinking about getting into the business of doing them up, putting them on propane and selling to the high rollers who love to roll in style.

Take care everyone.

D.H.

What do you mean by putting the car on propane? Can you explain what that involves? I have never heard of that. Thank you.

To the previous comment, it's not uncommon for fleet vehicles like taxicabs to be converted to propane from gasoline. If you've ever ridden in a Dodge Diplomat taxi, chances are that it had been converted to run on propane. It involves adding an LP tank and running the engine off that instead of gasoline. I think it also means adding some more piping with valves and meters, and doing away with the carburetor. The disadvantages are that the propane doesn't have the power of gasoline, and they can be really doggy when it's cold. Maybe somebody else knows the details?

Update from Coquitlam,

It is Feb 2nd 2007 and "Big Rex" is almost out of the paint shop.

From there it is going to a place called Creationz in Langley to get a custom interior.

Everyone working on the project loves Rex. He is definately going to be the coolest car in B.C.

I am going to do a website on the car soon. I have been filming and doing photos all the way through.

Talk to y'all soon,

D.H.

I bought a 1978 Newport in Buffalo in 1987 with just 20k miles on it. The carpeting was like new. I moved to New Zealand in 1988, and I've missed that car ever since. Always a Chrysler fan, I believe that that car was Chrysler's best... and last good car of that millennium.

For all the praises already mentioned and more, it was the one car I wish I never lost.

The only problem I ever had with it was the lean-burn, which never worked, and shortly after purchase, I had it ripped out and conventional ignition installed.

The technology was too green.

After that, it would drag that three tons of cast iron up to 80 mph faster than all but the most expensive sports cars, and it wouldn't even flinch.

Despite the speed-o and gas gauge being inversely proportional (I used to say "listen to it flush" when I floored it) I'd rather drive that lead-sled for hours over any other form of relaxation!

I sooo miss it!