A Guide to 1974 Cars
From reliable sedans like the Chevrolet Impala to practical hatchbacks like the Simca 1100 Ti, here are the best cars from 1974.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Any true car enthusiast knows how awesome the 1970s were for the automotive industry. New styles were introduced, and cars were manufactured with exciting new technologies that made them safer on the road and more fun to drive.
Ready for a trip down memory lane?
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, is here with a guide to 1974 cars. From family cars to luxury vehicles, here are some of the best cars of 1974. 
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The best cars of 1974
In 1974, the automotive industry released several standouts. While most can’t be found on the road today, they were influential in shaping the industry and spawned the next generation of cars.
Here are five of the best cars of 1974 that are worth remembering.
The best car of 1974: Ford Pinto
Original MSRP: $2,771
Powertrain: 80-horsepower, 2.3L I-4 engine with 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
In its heyday, the Ford Pinto was praised for its reliability and low repair costs. Plus, this subcompact got 20 mpg, which was considered quite good for the mid-’70s.
But it didn’t win over everyone. Critics complained about its lack of quality, even though defects were few and far between.
The popular Pinto was safe (by most accounts) and boasted an innovative exterior and nice handling. Consider yourself lucky if you ever got the chance to drive one of these iconic beauties.
The best hatchback of 1974: Simca 1100 Ti
Original MSRP: N/A
Powertrain: 82-horsepower I-4 engine with 4-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
When people think of hatchbacks, they often think of
Volkswagen
. Most people don’t realize that the Golf
debuted two years after the release of the somewhat forgotten Simca. French automaker Simca had been around since 1967. At the time, its vehicles were quiteadvanced, thanks to disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and all-round independent suspension.
Upon release, the Simca 1100 was a huge hit, and Volkswagen used it as a case study to create the Golf.
1974 saw the launch of the Ti model with a 1.3-liter engine. It could reach a top speed of 105 mph and go 0 to 60 in 12 seconds, sealing its fate as one of the best cars of 1974.
The best luxury car of 1974: Lamborghini Countach LP 400 Periscopio
Original MSRP: $52,000
Powertrain: 345-horsepower, 3.9L V12 with 5-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
It’s probably not a huge surprise to most people that Lamborghini made the best sports car of 1974. The Countach played a big part in launching the global popularity of the supercar.
Its wedge-shaped body set a trend that other supercars would follow for decades. The most iconic version came in Argento silver with a tobacco brown interior. These two style choices combined to create a stunning look inside and out.
If you ever get the chance to drive this classic, do not hesitate to take it.
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Start earning nowThe best family car of 1974: Chevrolet Impala
Original MSRP: $4,229
Powertrain: 145-horsepower, 350 Turbo Jet V8 engine with 3-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
In 1974, the
Chevrolet Impala
could be found in many suburban driveways. It was reliable, had a spacious interior, and held its value well. The ‘74 Impala wasn’t just a popular car, it ingrained itself in American culture. Its unique body and lowered stance made it stand out from rivals.
While many car lovers will go on and on about its style and drivability, the fact it was proven to be especially safe on the road made it popular among families.
Unsurprisingly, modern versions of the Impala are still selling well in the United States today.
The best full-sized muscle car of 1974: Dodge Monaco
Original MSRP: $4,259
Powertrain: 220-horsepower, 5.9L V8 with 3-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
Granted, the
Dodge
Monaco is too big to be a “true” muscle car. That said, it had enough power to keep pace with the best of them.The Monaco was redesigned in 1974 with a unibody platform and all-new sheet metal. The fact it didn’t sell well is partly attributed to the 1970s oil crisis. Bigger cars suffered the most, and Chrysler took some flack for still producing them.
The Dodge Monaco was fast and aggressive—barreling down the road, often scaring other drivers. It also induced a lot of awe.
What cars came out in 1974?
There is no doubt that 1974 was a great year for cars. During this period, cars were being built better, faster, sturdier, and with more consideration for drivers. Here are some of the other cars that could be found cruising the roads in 1974.
Model | Vehicle type | Engine | Fair market range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Muscle car | 100-hp V6 | $2,400–$4,730 | A noted rival to the Mustang that appealed to younger drivers with its performance. | |
Economy car | 60-hp 1.6L 3-cylinder | $388–$1,017 | Over 21 million units sold. | |
Chevy van | Van | 5.7L V8 | N/A | Featured an enormous amount of cargo space. |
Plymouth Valiant | Compact luxury car | 250-hp 5.9L V8 | $4,500+ | Was well known for its durability and reliability. One of Chrysler's best-selling automobiles in the 1970s. |
AMC Hornet | Compact car | 5.0L V8 | $8,140+ | Replaced the compact Rambler American line. |
Chevrolet Chevelle | Coupe | 3.0L V6 | N/A | Had a top speed of 99 mph. |
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FAQs
What was the most popular car in 1974?
The Ford Pinto was the best-selling car in 1974 with 360,688 units sold.
What was the fastest car in 1974?
The AMC Hornet X Hatchback was the fastest car in 1974 by many accounts.
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