1974 AMC Pacer 258 from North America

Summary:

Just a fun, oddly designed automobile. Save them!!!

Faults:

Usually stuff like, water pump, hoses, tune up, brakes....

General Comments:

First of all, the cars are not ugly in my opinion. I own all types of American classics like Camaros, Fbirds, Javelins, GTOs, El Caminos, etc... and have owned much of the sought after stuff like Cuds, Challengers, Chargers etc... I even own a few Gremlins, not ugly. If the Gremlin was SO ugly then why were the Corolla and Civic in similar styles such hits? The Gremlin was a big seller so many many people do not think they were ugly. Different, yes. Fun looking? Yes. Heck we could easily say the VW Bug is ugly, but they sold like hot cakes. Not everyone wants "cool", some want "fun" and "quirky". Same with the Pacer, what an INTERESTING design? Full vision in every direction.

Would you rather go sight seeing in a 71 Mach 1? I have two and I can tell you the visibility is SO bad that you wouldn't. If you are just out for vanities sake and want to be seen as cool, then drive the Mach 1. If you are out to speed on country roads, then drive the Mach 1. If you are out and about just to enjoy a beautiful day and want light in your car, then drive the fishbowl. If you want to stand out and be different, and don't give a s**t what a few "go with the flow" types think, then drive a Pacer. It is about automotive design, it is about loving automobiles. I even had a YUGO once, and I loved it for what it was designed for. Don't knock American history, love it. I put a 4V intake on mine and better exhaust system and it is plenty peppy. Terrible fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2017

6th Nov 2017, 14:14

Seems like the reviewer should know that the Pacer did not show up until the 1975 model year.

Also neglects to mention AMC's well-known propensity to rust, much worse than its competition, which were bad enough.

In reply to 6th Nov 2017, 14:14

7th Nov 2017, 00:10

Yet I had a 73 Gremlin X 5 Litre V8 purchased new, rare today, and it was very solid, great paint and did not have rust issues. Even with winter. Granted I washed it twice weekly and waxed it constantly. Not a Pacer, but an AMC from that period. Wish I had it today.

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1975 AMC Pacer B 258 I6 from North America

Summary:

I have no doubt that it will last another 238,000 miles

Faults:

Exhaust manifold needed to be replaced.

Overdrive pushbutton switch needed to be replaced.

Brake master cylinder went about 1000 miles after I acquired the car.

Interior is definitely starting to show its age.

General Comments:

This is one of the few Pacers with the 3 speed manual with overdrive.

The car get's excellent economy (21 MPG City, 34MPG Highway).

The engine is a strong runner and has never been rebuilt, and it doesn't leak or burn oil.

Car is extremely comfortable with great visibility.

Lots of cargo room with rear seat folded down.

Seats 4 full sized adults comfortably.

It has RWD, and combined with the limited slip differential, it never spun the wheels or got stuck during the winter on icy roads.

I bought this car as a novelty, and ended up using it as my daily driver (as a commuter car) because of its comfort and reliability. I have driven it in heavy city traffic daily, and have never had one problem with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2010

1976 AMC Pacer Base 4.2L Inline Six from North America

Summary:

Has a few quirks here and there, but overall it's a very well built car

Faults:

Trunk lifts wore out and had to be replaced.

Brake light switch had to be replaced.

General Comments:

The Pacer has been the most comfortable car I have ever driven.

It may lack acceleration power (0-60 takes 14 seconds), but I have had no trouble getting it up to about 80+MPH on the freeway.

The handling on it is absolutely wonderful.

Fuel economy is also very good. It averages around 20 MPG in the city, and about 26 highway. However if I am not lead footed I have gotten it to get 31 MPG highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2009

26th Sep 2009, 18:25

Hmm, I enjoyed my 2 Pacers but wasn't impressed with their MPG. If you take into account the car's weight (over 3,000 pounds), it's easy to understand why the old AMC power plant didn't sip fuel. The car was an engineering compromise but had an outstanding design.