The WORST Cars of the 1970s

Discover the 7 Most Forgettable Cars from the Most Forgettable Decade!

Remembering the WORST cars of the 1970s - Did your old ride make the list?

Buckle up for a journey back in time as we unveil the automotive nightmares that defined the 1970s. In this eye-opening video, we'll take you through the design disasters, performance pitfalls, and all-around automotive calamities that marked this iconic era.

We've meticulously curated a list of the seven cars that epitomize the term "regret on wheels." From questionable design choices to infamous mechanical issues, these cars left an indelible mark on automotive history for all the wrong reasons.

Time-Tested Disasters: Explore the unique challenges and trends that shaped the automotive landscape of the 1970s. From oil crises to experimental designs, we'll delve into the context behind these ill-fated rides.

It's a journey through the past that will leave you shaking your head and wondering, "What were they thinking?"

Whether you're a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone with a penchant for the bizarre, this video is a must-watch. Join us as we navigate through the wreckage of automotive history, exploring the seven cars that dared to be different but ended up as cautionary tales.

#1970s #vintagecars #lifeinamerica

[veteranga]

I had a 1974 Chevy Vega, my engine expired after 52, 000 miles, plus my frame broke in two right behind the driver seat.

[donsailing]

My wife’s very first car was a brand new ‘71 Ford Pinto……. 2, 000 cc German engine….. manufactured in Mexico…. Two door with trunk, Grabber Blue……bought it right after we were married. Drove it 12 years….112, 000 miles….. it was actually excellent. Bought new for $2, 500…… sold to a friend for $1, 250…… half of what it was new… after 12 years!

[jimglassford]

These cars were introduced because Americans wanted fuel efficient cars. In the early 70s, the large V8 powered cars were just sitting on dealer lots. None of the fuel efficient imports were exciting to drive. There was a limit to 70s technologies. SO to badmouth 4 cylinder performance in the 70s is coming from someone you never experienced the era. Chevrolet had the Chevette for 12 years and built 2.8 million of them. Is that really a failure?

[lessismore]

I owned three of the listed vehicles. Pinto, Vega and Chevette. Of the three, the Chevette was the most reliable.

[bps]

No regrets for the 70’s, the most amazing decade of all time.

[bondsons]

I was an owner of a 71 Pinto. Trust me, you do not want to own one of these cars. It couldn't get out of it's own way. I used to get nervous entering any interstate highway because the entrance ramps weren't long enough for me to get the speed up to a safe level.

[veteranga]

I had a 1982 Chevy Chevette 2-Door, boy it was small, I had to remove the Driver Seat, and sit in back seat to drive it. I was 6ft 6in then. I also fixed it up, I removed the 2.0L engine and transmission, remove the Rearend to. I did a Small Block V8 327 swap, 4-Speed Saginaw Tranny and a Ford 9” Rear Axle. I put Hoosier 50’s in rear and Hoosier 7’s in front with CRAGAR Wheels and Traction Bars. I was a HAM Operator then, I installed a 108” rooftop antenna. Everyone in town said my car look like an RC Car, lol. It was Fun & Fast after I got done with it.

[TheJstewart]

I guess that I'm one of the minority who thinks that the Gremlin looks pretty cool. I remember a friend that had one with the blue jeans denim upholstery for the seats. It was pretty unique.

[MM-d]

My first car was a used (8 yr old), pumpkin colored 1978 Chevrolet Chevette. No power anything and no AC. My Dad bought it, and took me to pick it up. I drove it home and nearly panicked, because the brakes were dangerously gone. He got the brakes fixed right away. Lots of good memories. A few years later, I had a 1980 Chevette that had AC and leather seats, but I never liked that car as much as the first one. I remember driving it out of town to a location that had hills. I would have to lay down on the gas pedal and pray that God would help her make it to the top. That was nerve-wracking!

[mikemancini]

I got a 1970 monte carlo that i still have today. All originally restored in perfect condition 👌. Will never part from it. A true classic.

[raylowe]

Ah the memories. I had a fairmont. It was OK for a first car. A friend had a chevette. Her engine exploded at just 89 miles. A family member had a leg amputation due to a wreck in a Mustang 2

[scot]

My dad had an AMC Hornet, my brother an AMC Javelin and my sister had an AMC Gremlin. They were basic but worked well for my family

[lavapix]

I didn't know anyone that was excited about the Pinto. The Gremlin had one of the best commercials. Hey lady, where's the rest of your car? The Pacer (Spaceship) with a transplanted V8 and wheelie bars was a beast. Ford redeemed itself with the Fox body 79 Mustang. My first new car.

[karrpilot]

I think one of the worst cars from the 70's was the Ford Maverick. Especially the one with the 200 sick cylinder.

I had one with the 3 on the tree. The linkages broke, and I had to install a floor shifter. On a transmission with no synchronization.

I put a floor jack under the frame to jack it up and change a flat tire. The frame was so rusted, my jack went up through it.

[bertvosburg]

I had a 1971 Gremlin in 1978 I was 20, and the head went bad on it and an old mechanic told me I could take one off a rambler which I did on a 1964. It fit of course same engine. it was a lot of fun at that age and we'd go to lake Michigan with it and stow our gear for the outing in the back.

[chadhaire]

The Gremlin was a good car for the money

[kwebster]

Ugh. My dad drove a 1972 Vega (which later became my first car). My mom drove a 70s Pinto, which she replaced with a 1976 AMC Pacer. They knew how to pick them.

[arthurfoyt]

The Pinto was actually a fairly good car, produced for 10 years and 3.3 million sold. Pretty much ALL small cars of that era had the gas tank in the same location as the Pinto. Like the Corvair, the Pinto sold well for a long time but an undeserving bad rap ended it prematurely.

[jerrisikel]

My first car was a metallic green 1978 Chevy Chevette! I got it in 1985 & it literally fell apart everyday! I remember turning a sharp corner & my entire wheel popped off! It also was very gutless, didn't excellerate hardly at all but hey, it was my first car & got me back & forth from home to high school! 😂

[classicmoviesvault]

I love the 1970's cars. They are really cool. Thank you so much for posting this great video. I love the Chevy Vega!