[rickmichaels]

With a few exceptions here and there, American cars of the late 70’s and early 80’s were complete pieces of shit.

[redfreedom]

“With a few exceptions here and there, American cars of the late 70’s and early 80’s were complete pieces of shit.”

Yes, yes and yes! IMO that’s how the Japanese got their strong start in the market. Their little cars of that era were good for well over a 100,000 miles.

We bought a brand new Ford Bronco in 1980. Timing chain went at 39,000, broken piston at 42,000. Oil always changed, never hot rodded. I know many other Ford owners with similar luck, including my dad’s 1979 Econoline that broke a piston. Forensic work on both engines proved the cylinders were over bored & crank journals were cut too small.

[1Old Pro]

With a few exceptions here and there, American cars of the late 70’s and early 80’s were complete pieces of shit.

Agree, back then the Europeans made better cars. The BMW's were terrific, Imagine a brand new 2002 without all the regulations - Let's not forget that it's not just fuel standards, it's safety standards like mandatory airbags etc that also drive up prices.

[ETL]

With a few exceptions here and there, American cars of the late 70’s and early 80’s were complete pieces of shit.

There were some beautiful cars in the luxury and sport luxury categories in the mid to late 70s. ie, Caddy Coupe DeVille, Lincoln Mark IV and Mark V. Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevy Monte Carlo, Olds Cutless Supreme, Buick Riviera, etc. Not sure how good they were mechanically, but they sure looked and road real nice.