Dodge Omni
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| Dodge Omni | |
|---|---|
| Dodge | |
| aka | Omni GLH ("Goes Like Hell") |
| Production | 1978-1990 |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body Style | 5-Door Sedan |
| Length | 163.2" |
| Width | 66.8" |
| Height | 53" |
| Wheelbase | 99.1 in |
| Weight | 2400 - 2700 lb |
| Transmissions | 4-Speed Manual, FWD 5-Speed Manual, FWD 3-Speed Automatic, FWD |
| Engines | 1.6L (98 cid) I4 (1983-1986) 1.7L (105 cid) I4 (1978-1982) 2.2L (135 cid) I4 (1981-1990) 2.2L (135 cid) Turbo I4 (1984-1986) |
| Power | 64-176 hp |
| Similar | Plymouth Horizon |
| Platform | L |
Dodge introduced the Omni in 1978 along with its Plymouth Horizon twin as Chrysler's first domestic subcompact cars. Its timing couldn't have been better as another fuel crisis was on the horizon (no pun intended), and up until then Dodge had been relying solely on the Mitsubishi-produced Dodge Colt to carry its subcompact banner. The Omni was based on a European design from Simca, which itself was almost a dead ringer for the Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.). Contrary to popular belief, the the Omni was not a K-car design, it was an L-body (the K-cars wouldn't be introduced until 1981, 3 years after the Omni). It also was the first mass-produced domestic car with a transverse-mounted engine.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Dodge Omni Review.
Contents |
Main Competitors
- Chevrolet Chevette
- Ford Escort
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Excel
- Isuzu I-Mark
- Mazda 323
- Mercury Lynx
- Pontiac 1000
- Renault LeCar
- Subaru GL
- Toyota Tercel
- Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit
Generations
1978
The Omni and Horizon debut this year, and immediately received rave reviews from the general public and automotive press (Motor Trend naming the Omni/Horizon twins "Car of the Year"). The sole engine was a 75 hp 1.7L I4 that used a Volkswagen block. Transmissions were a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Roof luggage racks and faux-wood side paneling was available too if the owners were so inclined. Chrysler had hit a home run as far as timing was concerned for these cars, as the only other domestic subcompact cars at this time were the humdrum Chevrolet Chevette and the Ford Pinto. 189,000 of these were sold this year (well over half of those were Horizons).
1979
Even though the 1978 models had a several recall issues, the Omni/Horizon twins still were strong sellers in 1979 (the Horizon again handily outselling the Omni). Sunroofs were a new option this year, and the L-body platform was expanded to include a new coupe model, initially called the 024, while Plymouth called its version TC3. Engine and drivetrain choices remained the same as before.
1980
There were no appreciable changes to the Omni and Horizon for 1980.
1981
The Omni/Horizon twins received an optional engine this year, the 84 hp 2.2L I4 that debuted in the K-cars. This gave the cars a much needed power boost - no longer did their 0-60 times have to be measured by a sundial. The base cars were called Miser now, intended to compete more directly with the Chevrolet Chevette Scooter and Ford's new Escort, which replaced the Pinto. A 5-speed manual became available for the first time this year, and was available on both the 1.7 and 2.2 engines.
1982
Not much news to speak of this year, other than the introduction of the Dodge Rampage and Plymouth Scamp neo-pickups that were based on the 024 and TC3 coupes (which were based on the Omni and Horizon).
1983
The base Volkswagen 1.7L I4 engine was replaced by a 64 hp Peugeot-built 1.6L I4. The 024 and TC3 coupes are renamed Charger and Turismo respectively. The rest of the line remain largely unchanged. The 2.2L I4 received a 10 hp boost to 94. The Plymouth Scamp would be discontinued this year after only a 2 year run.
1984
Things started getting interesting for the Omni in 1984. The Misers were dropped, and a new GLH model became available (GLH meant "Goes Like Hell", and was the brainchild of none other than Carroll Shelby), doing wonders for the Omni to shed its otherwise staid, conservative image. The GLH had a high-output 110 hp 2.2L I4 and was available only with a 5-speed manual. It was available only in black, and also borrowed the Shelby Charger's 50-series tires and 15" rims. Special ground effects along with Bosch fog lights were also added. All models also got revised dashboards, but the basic shape remained unchanged. The GLH package was not available on the Horizon. The Dodge Rampage neo-pickup also would die at the end of this year.
1985
The GLH got even hotter this year with the addition of a 146 hp turbo option, and revised ground effects made the car look more serious. Colors were expanded this year to include silver, blue, maroon and gold in addition to the standard black. Turbo models got an off-center blacked-out rectangular vent in the passenger side of the hood. The 110 hp engine remained standard. The 1.6 and base 2.2 engines carried on as before in the lesser models.
1986
This year the ultimate GLH was produced, and was called the GLH-S. This had a 175 hp turbo intercooled 2.2 engine, along with adjustable Koni shocks and Goodyear Gatorback tires. Only 500 of these were made, and (of course) were all black. To put things in perspective, this GLH-S put out 100 more horsepower than the base engine did in 1978. Regular GLHs and Omnis (and Horizons) continued otherwise unchanged, but all models received the mandatory Center High Mounted Stop Lamp.
1987
The party was over as far as the GLH was concerned, as that model was dropped. The base 1.6L I4 engine was dropped too, the only engine available this year was the 96 hp 2.2L I4, and would remain so throughout the rest of the Omni's production. Omnis and Horizons were now offered in value-oriented "America" packages, which made alot of previously optional items such as power steering, brakes, AM/FM stereo and rear window defroster now standard - as well as a substantial price cut. All instrument panels gained a tachometer, oil pressure and volt meter gauges this year as well as revised gauge graphics.
1988
Fuel injection is made standard this year, but the horsepower rating dipped slightly to 93 from 96. The Charger and Turismo coupes were dropped this year, and the America value packages made their way to the Aries and Reliant in addition to the Omni and Horizon. Despite their now advanced age, the Omni and Horizon continue to be strong sellers, even with new competition from GM and Ford, as well as Nissan and Toyota.
1989
The Omni and Horizon stand pretty much pat this year, other than some minor engine tweaks to further quiet its operation.
1990
Even though this was the Omni and Horizon's final year, there were nonetheless some significant changes. A driver's side airbag was made standard, and the rear seats gained shoulder safety belts. The climate control system was also revised. Other than that, the cars remained the same as in 1989 but the America name was dropped - as was the car itself after this year. There was no direct successor to the Omni or Horizon.
