American Car Spotters Guide - 1980

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In 1980, the American automobile industry started a recovery from the paralysis produced brought about by the anti-pollution regulations and fuel and economic crises. Buyers' attention turned towards compacts, while even the "standard" models became lighter, less-bulky, and above all, less-thirsty.
1980 AMC AMX
USA

AMC AMX

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Eagle
USA

AMC Eagle

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Eagle
USA

AMC Eagle

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Eagle 4WD Wagon
USA

AMC Eagle 4WD Wagon

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Eagle Limited
USA

AMC Eagle Limited

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Eagle Wagon
USA

AMC Eagle Wagon

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Pace Car
USA

AMC Pace Car

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 AMC Pacer Wagon
USA

AMC Pacer Wagon

  Also see: AMC Car Reviews | The History of Rambler
 
1980 Buick Century
USA

Buick Century

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Century
USA

Buick Century

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Electra Limited
USA

Buick Electra Limited

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Electra Limited
USA

Buick Electra Limited

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick LeSabre Limited Coupe
USA

Buick LeSabre Limited Coupe

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan
USA

Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Regal
USA

Buick Regal

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Regal Somerset
USA

Buick Regal Somerset

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Riviera S Type
USA

Buick Riviera S Type

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Skylark
USA

Buick Skylark

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe
USA

Buick Skylark Sport Coupe

  Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick
 
1980 Cadillac Eldorado
USA

Cadillac Eldorado

  Also see: Cadillac Car Reviews | The History of Cadillac
 
1980 Chevrolet Camaro
USA

Chevrolet Camaro

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
USA

Chevrolet Camaro Z28

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
No Image
USA

Chevrolet Camaro

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
   
1980 Chevrolet Caprice
USA

Chevrolet Caprice

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Caravan
USA

Chevrolet Caravan

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Caravan Brazil
USA

Chevrolet Caravan Brazil

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Chevette
USA

Chevrolet Chevette

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Citation
USA

Chevrolet Citation

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Citation Club Coupe
USA

Chevrolet Citation Club Coupe

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Corvette
USA

Chevrolet Corvette

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Diplomata
USA

Chevrolet Diplomata

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Diplomata
USA

Chevrolet Diplomata

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Kadett Brazil Model
USA

Chevrolet Kadett Brazil Model

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Luv
USA

Chevrolet Luv

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu
USA

Chevrolet Malibu

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Landau Coupe
USA

Chevrolet Malibu Classic Landau Coupe

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Sport Coupe
USA

Chevrolet Malibu Classic Sport Coupe

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Wagon
USA

Chevrolet Malibu Classic Wagon

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe
USA

Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Wagon
USA

Chevrolet Malibu Wagon

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
USA

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Monza
USA

Chevrolet Monza

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Opala Sedan
USA

Chevrolet Opala Sedan

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Opala SS Wagon
USA

Chevrolet Opala SS Wagon

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chevrolet Suburban
USA

Chevrolet Suburban

  Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet
 
1980 Chrysler 150
USA

Chrysler 150

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Cordoba
USA

Chrysler Cordoba

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Lancer
USA

Chrysler Lancer

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Lancer
USA

Chrysler Lancer

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler New Yorker
USA

Chrysler New Yorker

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler New Yorker
USA

Chrysler New Yorker

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Scorpion
USA

Chrysler Scorpion

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Sigma
USA

Chrysler Sigma

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Sigma GE
USA

Chrysler Sigma GE

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Sigma GE
USA

Chrysler Sigma GE

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Chrysler Valiant CM Regal
USA

Chrysler Valiant CM Regal

  Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler
 
1980 Dodge 1500
USA

Dodge 1500

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge 1500 M18
USA

Dodge 1500 M18

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge Challenger
USA

Dodge Challenger

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge Charger RT
USA

Dodge Charger RT

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge Diplomat
USA

Dodge Diplomat

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge Magnum XE
USA

Dodge Magnum XE

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge Mirada
USA

Dodge Mirada

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
1980 Dodge St. Regis
USA

Dodge St. Regis

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodge
 
Dodge Aries
USA

Dodge Aries / Plymouth Reliant

  Also see: Dodge Car Reviews | The History of Dodgeand Plymouth Car Reviews
 
The Chrysler Corporation, deep in financial trouble by 1980, announced its front-drive 'K Cars', seemingly late in the day for the small US car race, but there was little doubt the corporation was depending very much on the new downsized models to get back in the black. America's No. 3 manufacturer had opted for a compromise wheelbase, aimed between the Ford E and the General Motors' X, the actual length being 8.30 ft (2.531 metres). Chassis layout was conventional by 1980 standards - MacPherson struts at the front, and a tubular dead axle at the rear on coil springs. Rack and pinion steering (with power on option) has been adopted, and braking is by discs and drums. For their first front-drive car Chrysler followed fashion, mounting the engine transversely with gearbox mounted at the end of the crankshaft, but their four-cylinder motor was entirely new. With cast iron block and light alloy head the engine had an overhead camshaft driven by a flexible cog-belt, and the parallel valves had hydraulic tappets for minimum attention. With 'under square' bore/stroke dimensions of 87.5x92 mm, the 2213 cc engine was obviously designed to have good combustion characteristics, and with a modest compression ratio of 8.8: 1 developed 85 bhp SAE (about 63.38 kW). For the buyer who fancied more power, Chrysler also offered an optional 93 bhp (69.35 kW) Mitsubishi four-cylinder motor of 2555 cc, availlable with four-speed manual gearbox or three-speed automatic. The 1980 K cars were marketed in the USA through the Dodge and Plymouth dealer network, and initially were offered as four-door 'notchback' saloon (sedan), two-door coupe, and five-door station wagon. Both the Aries and the Reliant were 14.66 ft (4.47 metres) long, weighed from 2231 Ib (1012 kg) to 2390 Ib (1084 kg), replacing the Volare/Aspen models. Chrysler's claimed city fuel consumption figures of 30.05 mpg Imp (9.4 lit/1 00 km) and highway consumption 3t 48.87 mpg Imp (5.78 lit/100 km) helped give impetus to sales.
1980 Ford Club wagon
USA

Ford Club Wagon

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
 
No Image
USA

Ford Escort / Mercury Lynx

  Also see: American Motors Car Reviews
 
'Erika' may be Ford's first 'world car', but the Company was quick to evolve US versions of the new front-drive, all-independently-sprung model, marketing them as Escort and Lynx through Ford and Mercury dealers. Differences between the 'European' and US cars were slight (unlike the Chrysler Horizon) for the 'Made in the USA' Ford used the same chassis and suspension, but in the American manner power steering was an option. Engines for the US Escort and Lynx were manufactured in America, the then new four-cylinder CVH motors having hydraulic tappets, and capacities of 1.3 or 1.6 liters. The compression ratio was lower for both motors at 8.8: 1, and with three-way anti-pollution catalytic converter, plus exhaust gas recirculating valve, their maximum power outputs were reduced to around 58 bhp SAE and 69 bhp respectively (43.25 and 51.45 kW). The US cars differed from the 'Europeans' in that they utilised the four-speed transaxle made by Toyo Kogyo of Japan (for their Mazda 323), with the option of a Ford built three-speed split-torque automatic that was subsequently used for European Fords in 1981. Designated 'Split Torque' the new Ford automatic incorporated a complex series of clutches and planetary gears which gave a claimed mechanical torque ratio of 62 per cent in second gear, and 93 per cent in third - much improved figures over a normal torque-converter automatic. Ford claimed their new automatic gained 2-4 mpg (0.5-1.0 lit/100 km) compared to a 'conventional' automatic. Ford and Mercury ranges were offered with four levels of trim and equipment, two types of body being used. There was a three-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon, and both differed from their European counterparts. Drag figures were notably inferior at 0.43, allthough superior to US rivals. Another difference with the US-built cars was to be found in the bodyside panels which were not stamped from a single steel sheet as in Europe, the reason being that the US presses could not carry out such an operation. At 13.68 ft (4.17 metres) the US cars were 7.87 in (20 cm) longer than the European Escort, but they weighed some 500 Ib (227 kg) less than the Pinto and Bobcat which they replaced. Sporting derivatives were designated Escort SS and Lynx RS, but the differences were merely cosmetic, both cars having the standard engines.
1980 Jeep Cherokee
USA

Jeep Cherokee

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Jeep Cherokee Chief
USA

Jeep Cherokee Chief

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Jeep CJ-7
USA

Jeep CJ-7

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Jeep Honcho
USA

Jeep Honcho

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Jeep J10
USA

Jeep J10

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Jeep Wagoneer
USA

Jeep Wagoneer

  Also see: Jeep Car Reviews | The History of Jeep
 
1980 Lincoln Continental
USA

Lincoln Continental

  Also see: Lincoln Car Reviews | The History of Lincoln
 
1980 Lincoln Versailles
USA

Lincoln Versailles

  Also see: Lincoln Car Reviews | The History of Lincoln
 
1980 Lincoln Versailles
USA

Lincoln Versailles

  Also see: Lincoln Car Reviews | The History of Lincoln
 
1980 Mercury Bobcat
USA

Mercury Bobcat

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Bobcat Wagon
USA

Mercury Bobcat Wagon

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Bobcat Wagon
USA

Mercury Bobcat Wagon

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Capri
USA

Mercury Capri

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Capri
USA

Mercury Capri

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Capri ASC Convertible
USA

Mercury Capri ASC Convertible

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Capri Turbo RS
USA

Mercury Capri Turbo RS

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Capri Turbo RS
USA

Mercury Capri Turbo RS

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Cougar XR7
USA

Mercury Cougar XR7

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Cougar XR7
USA

Mercury Cougar XR7

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Grand Marquis
USA

Mercury Grand Marquis

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Marquis Brougham Coupe
USA

Mercury Marquis Brougham Coupe

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Monarch
USA

Mercury Monarch

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Monarch
USA

Mercury Monarch

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Zephyr 2-Door
USA

Mercury Zephyr 2-Door

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Zephyr Ghia Sedan
USA

Mercury Zephyr Ghia Sedan

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Zephyr Z-7
USA

Mercury Zephyr Z-7

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Zephyr Z-7
USA

Mercury Zephyr Z-7

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Mercury Zephyr 2-Door
USA

Mercury Zephyr 2-Door

  Also see: Mercury Car Reviews | The History of Mercury
 
1980 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
USA

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Brougham
USA

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Brougham

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Brougham
USA

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Brougham

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Holiday Coupe
USA

Oldsmobile Delta 88 Holiday Coupe

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale
USA

Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight LS Sedan
USA

Oldsmobile Ninety Eight LS Sedan

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Omega
USA

Oldsmobile Omega

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Omega SX
USA

Oldsmobile Omega SX

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham
USA

Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Oldsmobile Toronado XSC
USA

Oldsmobile Toronado XSC

  Also see: Oldsmobile Car Reviews | The History of Oldsmobile
 
1980 Plymouth Volare 2-Door
USA

Plymouth Volare 2-Door

  Also see: Plymouth Car Reviews | The History of Plymouth
 
1980 Pontiac Acadian
USA

Pontiac Acadian

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Coupe
USA

Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Coupe

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Bonneville Safari
USA

Pontiac Bonneville Safari

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
USA

Pontiac Firebird Esprit

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Firebird Formula
USA

Pontiac Firebird Formula

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Limited Edition Turbo
USA

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Limited Edition Turbo

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Grand Am
USA

Pontiac Grand Am

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Grand LeMans
USA

Pontiac Grand LeMans

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Grand Prix
USA

Pontiac Grand Prix

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ
USA

Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac LeMans
USA

Pontiac LeMans

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Phoenix LJ
USA

Pontiac Phoenix LJ

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Coupe
USA

Pontiac Sunbird Sport Coupe

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Hatchback
USA

Pontiac Sunbird Sport Hatchback

  Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac
 
1980 Stutz Blackhawk
USA

Stutz Blackhawk

  Also see: Stutz Car Reviews
 
1980 Stutz Diplomatica
USA

Stutz Diplomatica

  Also see: Stutz Car Reviews
 
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