Compact car is a vehicle size class —predominantly used in North America—that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars . "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. However, before the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to 110 in (2.79 m) were considered "compact cars" in the United States.
97-525: The AMC Pacer is a two-door compact car produced in the United States by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1975 through the 1980 model year . The Pacer was also made in Mexico by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) from 1976 until 1979 and positioned as a premium-priced luxury car. Design work began in 1971. The rounded shape and large glass area were unusual compared with the three-box designs of
194-609: A "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the kei car . One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the Toyota Publica with an air-cooled two-cylinder opposed engine, the Datsun 110 series , and the Mitsubishi 500 . The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at
291-621: A 26 kW (35 hp) (at 3,000 rpm) motor, and the car was complete in every detail down to a gas heater . The electric Pacer wagon was one of the more expensive cars at $ 14,000. The Lead Industries Association (LIA) sponsored a tour for government and industry officials that featured an EVA Pacer wagon. Consolidated Edison in New York City purchased 40 modified AMC Pacers from EVA. The United States Army also included EVA Pacers in its inventory of special-purpose electric vehicles. Compact car In Japan, small size passenger vehicle
388-540: A 53-mile (85 km) range. Regenerative braking is used in conjunction with the standard hydraulic brake system which uses front-wheel discs and rear drums. Vehicle tests that focused on the electrical drive system including the batteries, controller, and motor "found that the Pacer performance is approximately equal to the majority of the vehicles tested in the 1977 assessment." Later, a station wagon version had twenty VARTA batteries housed in two-packs (front and rear), with
485-399: A comparatively small car, the Pacer was as wide as a full-size American car of the era. American Motors did not describe it as " cab forward ". Nevertheless, the Pacer's layout included wheels pushed to the corners (short overhangs), a relatively wide body, and A-pillars moved forward. The windshield was placed over part of the engine compartment, with the bottom edge of the glass forward of
582-502: A day was increased to 700 a day by April, and went up to 800 per day in September. Pacer sales success can be attributed to lack of competition from the other domestic automakers who had been blindsided by the oil crisis . Production passed 100,000 Pacers in less than eight months after production began. This was the first time a new AMC model achieved the 100,000 mark in less than one year. By way of comparison, it took more than two years for
679-503: A fairly nondescript side view." Most conventional C-pillars are rearward sloping, but reverse-angled have been used to differentiate their designs. Because many modern cars are similar in side view, the designs of the C-pillar have "become an area for stylistic whimsy." Designs of the D-pillar typically found on station wagons and SUVs have also undergone a transition from function to more of
776-510: A floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission was made available on the Pacers. Because of the requirement to use unleaded gasoline, a new "quench-head was incorporated in I6 engines for 1977 that pushed the air-fuel mixture closer to the spark plug, created more turbulence for better mixing, allowed an additional 3 degrees of spark advance without knock, and gain an extra one mile per gallon fuel efficiency. By
873-421: A greater hood to windshield angle as well as achieving a bigger field of view for the driver, but at the disadvantage of encroaching on interior space. The center B-pillar on four-door sedans (also known as a "post" ) is typically a closed steel structure welded at the bottom to the car's rocker panel and floorpan , as well as on the top to the roof rail or panel. This pillar provides structural support for
970-474: A large car by contemporary European standards. The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less. It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term. Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed
1067-404: A large inbuilt sun roof , real wire wheels , full rocker panel bright trim, color-matched integrated flexible front and fear fascia and bumper covers with black rubber guards and impact (nerf) strips as well as a full-width grille that also hid the headlights. Some AMC Pacers were converted to plug-in electric vehicles . Electric Vehicle Associates [ de ] (EVA) of Cleveland
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#17328479868801164-512: A license plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the Japanese government regulations , such as those in the 1951 Road Vehicle Act . In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that
1261-420: A licensing agreement with Curtiss-Wright to build Wankels for cars and Jeep -type vehicles. (The agreement also permitted Curtiss-Wright to sell rotaries elsewhere.) Later, AMC decided instead to purchase the engines from General Motors (GM), who were developing them for use in their cars. However, GM canceled development in 1974 for reasons that included durability issues, the fuel crisis, tooling costs (for
1358-406: A much smaller, aerodynamic, and purposefully distinctive exterior package. American Motors called it "Project Amigo" as a fresh design "featuring a body style not seen before, using the latest technology and exceeding upcoming safety regulations". Car and Driver magazine wrote, "It was the first car designed from the inside out. Four passengers were positioned with reasonable clearances, and then
1455-541: A new segment rather than as a substitute for AMC's continuing four-door Hornet station wagon. Some Pacer wagon models featured simulated woodgrain trim on the lower body sides and the liftgate. Increasing competition from the Big Three U.S. automakers and the rapid consumer shift to small imported cars during the late 1970s decreased demand for the Pacer models. Automobile buyers in the U.S. adjusted to smaller and lighter cars, mainly imports that offered better gas mileage;
1552-499: A potential market size of 275,000 cars. By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a convertible model became a success and was now available in station wagon , hardtop , and sedan body styles. During the Recession of 1958 , the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers. By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of
1649-583: A push toward compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the Studebaker Lark , Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon , and Plymouth Valiant . These models also gave rise to compact vans built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van, Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier , Ford Econoline , and Dodge A100 . During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of
1746-421: A radical departure from what was accepted by consumers as "good styling" was a risky strategy. Only the largest firms can stick with a radical element until it "grows", and the automaker's dominance in the marketplace may eventually establish it as a standard feature. However, by the late 1970s the styling research axiom no longer applied that if a car with some controversial styling was liked by at least half of
1843-489: A rear wiper and washer system was optional. General Motors , Ford , and Chrysler persuaded U.S. government authorities that modifying existing production cars to comply with the new regulations was not financially viable. They would face enormous expenses to produce new, safety-compliant vehicles. As a result of the lobbying, the requirements were reduced, including the deletion of several safety features. For example, production Pacers did not feature an actual roll bar over
1940-452: A unique feeling when inside the car, providing credence to the marketing phrase used by AMC: "You only ride like a Pacer if you're wide like a Pacer." The editors of The Motor opined the "more you study both the general layout and the detail features of the Pacer, the more convinced you become that the men who dreamed it up and decided to make it actually do drive around in crowded cities and consequently realize from their own experience that
2037-459: A visibly different car, maybe even controversial. It's an idea that represents a transition between what has been and what's coming. Today versus tomorrow." According to Popular Mechanics , "This is the first time in the history of the American automobile industry that a car manufacturer has said in advance of bringing out a new product that some people may not like." The Pacer was in sharp contast to
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#17328479868802134-530: Is a registration category that sits between kei cars and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, compact cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 100–109 cu ft (2.8–3.1 m ). The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were
2231-404: Is also different from all other AMC cars, with the coil spring between the two control arms seated on the lower wishbone arm at the bottom and in the suspension/engine mount crossmember at the top. The rear suspension was also isolated, requiring a unique tool to press the one-piece bushings in and out of the mounting brackets. Other aspects of the Pacer were designed for ease of service, including
2328-545: Is still controversial, while its engines did not contribute to fuel economy. Nevertheless, "the foresight by Teague and AMC was correct" with approaches to meet the evolving U.S. government regulations covering automobiles (such as the Highway Safety Act of 1970 and the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ). American Motors began the development of an entirely new car in 1971. It invested $ 52 million in tooling and $ 8 million in associated expenses to bring out
2425-638: The 1979 energy crisis . Moreover, AMC's partnership with Renault brought the Renault 5 named "Le Car" to the AMC dealers as a more economical model. Nevertheless, the design of the Pacer inspired the restyling of the Renault 5 to meet the needs and requirements of the American Market. The Pacer was first positioned in the marketplace as an economy car offering a big car ride with numerous comfort and convenience options. It
2522-624: The International Motor Sports Association circuit and provided body kits for Amos Johnson's Team Highball racecars. Pacers without the optional vinyl roof trim could be finished in several unique two-tone paint combinations, with front and rear scuff molding extensions on the body sides. The two-tone treatment was changed in 1977 to an "up and over the roof" accent paint scheme for the remainder of production. Moving toward more luxury features, power door locks became available in 1978, and in 1979, power windows were added to
2619-514: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave 16 mpg ‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg ‑imp ) in the city, but 26 mpg ‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg ‑imp ) or better on the highway (depending on driving habits and transmission), thanks to aerodynamic efficiency. Initially, the car was designed to have a Wankel rotary engine . In 1973, AMC signed
2716-509: The pony car , named after the Ford Mustang , which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models. Early definitions of vehicle size class were based on wheelbase, with models under 111 inches as compact, 111 to 118 inches intermediate, and over 118 inches as full size, at least until EPA classes based on interior volume of
2813-458: The "Concept 80" auto show circuit tour, it was voted the most appealing, receiving 31% of the votes. It never moved past the concept stage, but "inadvertently foreshadowed the minivan craze that would sweep America in the mid-1980s" as well as the "small worker van" market segment. American Motors was evaluating the Pacer as a compact personal luxury model with the Crown Pacer concept car that
2910-400: The "Pacer's primary competitive drawback is gasoline mileage: AMC offers only six-cylinder engines and the car gets only 18 miles per gallon in the city and suburban driving vs. 23 mpg or more for some four-cylinder competitors." The " outside of the box " thinking incorporated by AMC in the Pacer as the first "wide, small car" attempted to capture a revolutionary change in the marketplace, but
3007-433: The "bumblebee" theme, while the black door panels had yellow side cushions. The 1977 AM Van is a custom van on a three-quarter scale with Pacer lines. Designed by Richard Teague and based on an existing car platform, but without an interior and no mechanical components. Proposed features included four-wheel drive, and it had a "turbo" decal on the double side-opening rear doors. Displayed as one of seven vehicles making up
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3104-791: The 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions. In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo as well as the Chevrolet Cavalier. For the 2019 model year, the best sellers were the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. In Japan, vehicles that are larger than kei cars , but with dimensions smaller than 4,700 mm (185.0 in) long, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) are classified as "small size" cars. Small-size cars are identified by
3201-556: The 6-cylinder or V8-powered six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than compacts (and sometimes even mid-sizers) by European manufacturers, which were typically five-passenger four-cylinder engine cars. Nevertheless, advertising and road tests for the Ford Maverick and the Rambler American made comparisons with the popular Volkswagen Beetle . Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as
3298-451: The AMC Pacer could not match German and Japanese cars. Achieving about 22 mpg ‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg ‑imp ), the Pacer was not a top choice for customers during the 1979 energy crisis . Moreover, AMC's partnership with Renault brought the Renault 5 named "Le Car" to the AMC dealers as a more economical model. The design of the Pacer prompted changes to
3395-570: The D/L was available for the entire run of the Pacer production and became the base model in 1978. The package originally included a "Navajo design" seating fabric, a woodgrain instrument panel, and some interior features that were otherwise optional. The exterior had additional chrome accents, different wheel covers, and identification badging. "Limited" : Available in 1979–1980, the Limited had leather seats, extra soundproofing, and deeper-pile carpet (18-oz. vs.
3492-453: The EPA method can be used to compare fuel use by cars under identical conditions, and the EPA calculated the industrywide average of the 1976 model year cars tested to be 17.6 mpg ‑US (13.4 L/100 km; 21.1 mpg ‑imp ) in simulated city-plus-highway driving. None of the 1976 Pacer drivetrain configurations included catalytic converters and met California's more stringent antipollution standards. In mid-year 1976,
3589-546: The Gremlin to reach 100,000 units after production of it began in January 1970. The early demand outstripping production capacity affected the Pacer's build quality. In its first year of production, the Pacer sold well, with 145,528 units. The increased demand for compact, economy vehicles grew rapidly, and the other automakers were rolling out their small cars. Pacer sales fell after the first two years. The Pacer's unconventional styling
3686-686: The Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6, and the Changan Alsvin. Pillar (car) The pillars on a car with permanent roof body style (such as four-door sedans ) are the vertical or nearly vertical supports of its window area or greenhouse —designated respectively as the A, B, C and (in larger cars such as 4-door station wagons and sport utility vehicles ) D-pillar, moving from front to rear, in profile view. Car pillars are vertical or inclined components of an enclosed automobile's body that both support its roof and reinforce
3783-819: The Levi's Pacer had blue denim-like upholstery and door-panel trim, with small Levi's tags on the front seats. The copper buttons in AMC's other Levi's models were omitted, and a Levi's logo sticker was applied on the front fender. The version, which could be combined with the Pacer X package, did not sell in large numbers and it was dropped for the 1978 model year. Carl Green Enterprises (CGE) Pacers : these cars, modified by automobile designer Carl Green, had 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8 engines plus flares, air dams, and wings. The CGE Pacers appeared in Hot Rod , Popular Hot Rodding , and Car & Driver magazines. Green also built two Pacer pace cars for B.F. Goodrich to use in
3880-426: The Pacer. Production began in January and the Pacer was unveiled on 13 January 1975. Sales in AMC dealer showrooms began on 28 February 1975. The Pacer was designed to attract buyers of traditional large cars to a smaller package during a time when gasoline prices were projected to rise dramatically. The new car was well received and seen as futuristic by journalists and buyers. Pacer production, which started at 530 cars
3977-459: The Renault 5 to adapt it to some of the U.S. marketplace conditions. Similar to its mid-year introduction, on 3 December 1979, production of the Pacer ended at the Kenosha, Wisconsin , assembly plant where it had begun five years earlier. A total of 280,000 Pacers were built. Increasing competition from the Big Three U.S. automakers and the rapid consumer shift to imported cars during the late 1970s are
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4074-426: The U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars. By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space. Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made
4171-459: The United States were introduced in phases starting in 2009 that require enclosed passenger cars to be able to support from 1.5-times to 3.0-times the vehicle's unloaded weight on its roof while maintaining headroom (survival space) for occupants. This has meant designing thicker roof pillars that not only provide sufficient strength, but that also incorporate padding and accommodate airbags . However, because thicker A-pillars can somewhat limit
4268-492: The automatic transmission the Pacer's fuel economy was almost identical between the 232 and 258 cu in (3.8 and 4.2 L) engines. Additionally, a two-barrel version of the 258 cu in (4.2 L) engine was available with automatic transmission, which helped performance and the same fuel consumption rating as the one-barrel version. The EPA results noted the same fuel economy in actual on-the-road driving because in-use mileage depends on many factors. Nevertheless,
4365-807: The beginning of a downsizing of all vehicles so that cars such as the AMC Concord and the Ford Fairmont that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega (such as the Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier ) became classified as compact cars. Even after the reclassification, mid-size American cars were still far larger than mid-size cars from other countries and were more similar in size to cars classified as "large cars" in Europe. It would not be until
4462-400: The box-section members in the body floor curve up and continue past the rear wheel houses. The Pacer was designed from the start to meet the expected stringent safety specifications. The low beltline and window design afforded the driver outstanding visibility. The Pacer had laminated safety glass in the windshield. The articulated front wipers were hidden when in their parked position, while
4559-475: The conventional boxy and recliniar automobile body styles of the 1970s. Road and Track described the car's styling "with all those rounded corners, the lack of distinct edges, and acre upon acre of curvilinear surfaces". American Motors explored many futuristic ideas, but the automaker needed more resources to build components from scratch. Instead, they needed to use outside suppliers or adapt existing components and parts in their production facilities. Unique for
4656-458: The dashboard and instrument panel—using a minimum number of easily accessible screws and featuring a removable cover/bezel without the need to disconnect the speedometer cable—and access to the light bulbs. The Pacer's design was ranked to be equal with the new Aspen-Volare compacts as the most serviceable cars in the industry. The Pacer was the second American production car, after the Ford Pinto , to feature rack-and-pinion steering . The system
4753-484: The doors, and other package identification. For 1978 a "Sport Package" replaced the X-Package, and included bucket seats, sports steering wheel, seven combinations of two-tone paint for upper and lower bodyside, and slot-styled road wheels with radial tires. The option package was available only with the 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 or 304 cu in (5.0 L) V8 engine. "D/L" Package : A more upscale edition,
4850-455: The driver's forward field of vision and thus create blind spots , some designs employ slimmer, chamfered A-pillars made of stronger alloy steel on each side of the windshield to help improve driver vision while still meeting safety standards and offering crash protection. One of the important design elements of modern cars is the A-pillar because its location and angle impact the shape of
4947-403: The engines and a new product line designed to take advantage of the rotary's ultra-compact dimensions), and the upcoming (the late 1970s) U.S. emissions legislation. It was also thought that the high-revving Wankel would not suit Americans accustomed to low revs and high torque. General Motors's change of plans left the Pacer without an engine. American Motors took a calculated risk and introduced
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#17328479868805044-466: The era. The Pacer's width is equal to full-sized domestic vehicles at the time, and AMC promoted this unique design feature as "the first wide small car". The Pacer was the first modern, mass-produced , U.S. automobile design using the cab forward concept. Upon its introduction, reviews used descriptions such as "futuristic, bold, and unique". The Pacer featured an aerodynamic "jellybean" styling, numerous innovations such as different door lengths. This
5141-639: The firewall. Contrary to some reports, the Pacer was not widened 6 inches (152 mm) to accommodate the rear-wheel drive configuration. The editor of Road & Track asserted that front-wheel drive, as well as a transverse mid-engined configuration, were among "various mechanical layouts ... tossed around by the idea people at AMC," adding that "it's unlikely they ever had much hope of being able to produce anything other than their traditional front engine and rear drive, using components already in production." The introductory 1975 AMC advertising and literature proclaimed it "the first wide small car". The width
5238-502: The front door window and windshield, and sometimes found in the rear, usually fixed) are not considered roof pillars. Body pillars are critical in providing strength to an automobile body. As the most costly body components to develop or re-tool, a vehicle's roof and door design are a major factor in meeting safety and crash standards. Before safety standards, pillars were typically thin. The design of body pillars has changed with regulations that provide roof crush protection. Standards in
5335-467: The front of the car and the overall shape of modern vehicles or what designers call "volume." For example, more forward positioned A-pillars provide for increased interior room and make for less angle and visual difference between the hood and windshield. This arrangement makes the side view of a car look aerodynamic. The A-pillars that are positioned further back on a vehicle are most often found on rear-wheel drive and SUV models. This arrangement provides
5432-421: The full difference) it registered an astounding 3425 lb." The standard 232 cu in (3.8 L) I6 , with a single-barrel carburetor was optimized for low emissions (all vehicles at the time carried emissions-reducing devices, including exhaust gas recirculation ); making the Pacer relatively low-powered ("The Pacer comes with either of two AMC inline six-cylinder engines, both producing 100 bhp, but
5529-407: The installation of bumpers that would resist a 5-mile-per-hour (8 km/h) impact at the front and 10-mile-per-hour (16 km/h) at the rear. "Full-circle body protection was designed into the Pacer, starting with the energy-absorbing bumper mounts" through upper and lower box-section rails on each side extending back to the front pillars , as well as from the bases of the pillars behind the doors,
5626-625: The larger 258-cu-in. unit deliver[s] better mid-range torque"). The EPA fuel mileage results showed the 258 cu in (4.2 L) one-barrel engine with manual transmission achieved better economy (20 mpg ‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg ‑imp ) city and 31 mpg ‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg ‑imp ) highway) compared to the standard, lower displacement drive train (17 mpg ‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg ‑imp ) city and 25 mpg ‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg ‑imp ) highway). When equipped with
5723-619: The late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Light Car. Neither car reached production in the U.S., however Ford SAF in France bought the plans of the "small Ford" and produced the Ford Vedette . The first U.S.-produced postwar compact car was the 1950 Nash Rambler . It was built on a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, which was nonetheless still
5820-429: The late 1970s (1978 being the last year of pillarless hardtop cars in the U.S. domestic market), the full-size Chrysler Newport and New Yorker were the last designs with opening front and rear side windows and no B-pillar. The C-pillar is the rearmost on two- and four-door sedans and hatchbacks, and has served as an opportunity for automobile designers "to introduce a little 'design flair' to what would otherwise be
5917-674: The long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J (also re-badged as the Allstate ), the Willys Aero and the Hudson Jet . In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million cars. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting
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#17328479868806014-415: The mandatory California engine emissions controls and bumper guards, the package included "Basketry Weave" fabric upholstery with coordinated trim on the door panels, plus remote control exterior mirror, rear window washer and wiper, styled road wheels with whitewall tires, and a roof rack. "Levi's" Package : Introduced for the 1977 model year to capitalize on the popularity of the Levi's Gremlin and Hornet,
6111-507: The new model. The company's over-commitment to the project resulted in entrapment with so much money and effort in the car's design. Engineers hastily reconfigured it to accept their existing straight-six engine . This involved a complete redesign of the drivetrain and firewall to keep the longer engine within the body dimensions designed for the Wankel, but allowed the Pacer to share many mechanical components with other AMC models. Newsweek noted
6208-408: The opportunity was there initially. A further complication was the purchasing dynamics and the Pacer's design was focused on maximizing the internal sense of space, while the market focused on external dimensions. Many of the attributes the Pacer incorporated became the goal of all manufacturers in the two decades that followed. With an uncommonly wide and short body for a small car, the Pacer's design
6305-423: The options list. For both 1979 and 1980, a hood ornament and center chrome hood strip were added. For the 1976 auto show circuit, AMC developed a customized Pacer Stinger . The exterior featured matte black painted lower body panels and yellow pearl paint that faded to a pale yellow on the roof. The back half of the car had over-the-roof matte black "bumblebee stripes" that continued on the tailgate. The Stinger
6402-679: The passenger and cargo compartments were introduced in the late 1970s. In the early 1970s, the domestic automakers introduced even smaller subcompact cars that included the AMC Gremlin , Chevrolet Vega , and Ford Pinto . In 1973, the Energy Crisis started, which made small fuel-efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain. The 1977 model year marked
6499-445: The passenger capsule from the engine, suspension and steering loads" making the car "eminently stable and controllable, with its rack-and-pinion steering and wide track". The Pacer's remaining safety features were not strongly advertised and seldom influenced a potential customer's purchasing decision. The car's extra weight—due in part to the safety equipment and the abundance of heavy glass—hurt fuel economy: production models tested by
6596-492: The passenger compartment, but the bump in the roof remained. The design of the Pacer was strong for a small car, making it solid and heavy with protection features that included strong and massive bumpers. The wide B-pillars were described by AMC as having "roll bar-like characteristics". Even with the Pacer's large glass area, passengers are not positioned near the windows because they all bow out from around seated occupants. The Pacer's wide stance also makes it stable and provides
6693-596: The pillar-less designs with a rigid B-pillar such as the two-door AMC Matador line. To continue capitalizing on the popularity of the design, General Motors attempted to broaden the definition of "hardtop" during the early 1970s to include models with a B-pillar, with the false rationale, "up to then, everybody thought a hardtop was a car without a center pillar." The "Colonnade" mid-sized General Motors models were so named because of their pillared structure designed to meet new rollover protection standards, but marketers attempted to promote them as if they were true hardtops. By
6790-469: The potential market segment ; then chances were good that this feature was a differential advantage for the manufacturer. The AMC Pacer incorporated many controversial styling and design innovations that led to its market failure after five model years. American Motors developed the Pacer by identifying emerging trends and design technologies, but it faced a small window of opportunity since a product that comes out either too early or too late can fail even if
6887-446: The rear seats, and they would also tend to use the safer curbside in countries that drive on the right . Engineers also took an entirely fresh approach with the Pacer's front suspension and engine mounting. It was the first U.S. small car to isolate the engine and suspension system noises from the passenger compartment. The entire front suspension was mounted on a crossmember isolated from the frame extensions by heavy rubber bushings. It
6984-402: The reasons for this outcome. Automobile buyers in the U.S. adjusted to smaller and lighter cars, particularly imports that offered better gas mileage; the AMC Pacer could not match German and Japanese cars. The large glass areas increased the car's weight. Achieving about 22 mpg ‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg ‑imp ), the Pacer was not a top choice for customers during
7081-442: The rest of the car was built around them as compactly as possible." American Motors explored many unique solutions to what Teague called the "Urban Concept" car. Not only different sized doors for the driver and passenger sides were considered, but also using a Wankel engine and front-wheel-drive. The first development mule was made by shortening both the front and the rear of an AMC Matador by 30 in (762 mm). The shape
7178-585: The second row of seating. Additional doors beyond four, such as on limousines , will create corresponding B-pillars, numbered by order B1, B2, etc.. Closed vehicles without a B-pillar are widely called hardtops and have been available in two- or four-door body styles, in sedan, coupe, and station wagon versions. Designs without a "B" pillar for roof support behind the front doors and rear side windows offer increased occupant visibility, while in turn requiring underbody strengthening to maintain structural rigidity. The need for stronger roof structures meant replacing
7275-559: The standard 12-oz) as standard, plus amenities that were otherwise options, including AM radio, power door locks , power windows , and tilt steering wheel . The exterior had chrome accents, styled road wheels, and "Limited" badging. "Sundowner" : Available through AMC dealers in California for 1975 only, the Sundowner was a basic $ 3,599 ( suggested retail price ) Pacer with options that listed for $ 300 included at no extra cost. In addition to
7372-491: The station wagon featured a 4-inch (102 mm) extension, redesigned rear quarter panels, and rear side windows. The stretch made the wagon body design weigh only 76 pounds (34 kg) more than the coupe. The Pacer wagon also had a less unusual-looking body style with a squared-off back and straight, almost upright, rear-side windows. The wagon's rear side glass featured standard vent windows, while front vent windows were optional on all Pacers. The broad and rear liftgate eased
7469-421: The task of loading cargo as it opened to a wide, flat cargo area with 47.8 cubic feet (1.35 m) of space, about 50% more than the coupe. Additionally, the back cushion of the rear seat could be unlatched and folded down to form a continuation of the cargo floor. The demand for small station wagons represented 30 to 40% of the total car-line market in the U.S. The two-door Pacer wagon was positioned as entering
7566-413: The time a 304 cu in (5.0 L) V8 was offered for the 1978 Pacer, AMC introduced a line of "luxury-compact" models (the AMC Concord ). Moreover, gasoline prices in the U.S. remained high, limiting demand for V8-powered vehicles. A station wagon body style was added for the 1977 model year. Structurally the same as the coupe and providing "lots of head, leg, and elbow room" as the coupe, but
7663-807: The time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the Hino Contessa in 1961, the Isuzu Bellett , Daihatsu Compagno and Mazda Familia in 1963, the Mitsubishi Colt in 1965, and the Nissan Sunny , Subaru 1000 , and Toyota Corolla in 1966. Honda introduced its first four-door sedan in 1969, called the Honda 1300 . In North America, these cars were classified as subcompact cars . By 1970, Nissan released its first front-wheel-drive car which
7760-529: The torsional rigidity of the body. An alphabetical convention for designating a car's pillars has developed over time, used variously by the automotive press in describing and reviewing vehicles, insurance companies in identifying damaged components, and first-responder rescue teams to facilitate communication, as when using the jaws of life to cut their way into a wreck. The letters A, B, C, and D are used (in upper case): Posts for quarter windows (a smaller typically opening window on older vehicles between
7857-400: The traditional big barges are less and less easy to navigate through our streets." The unusual proportions of the Pacer provided buyers the "idea of feeling like they were sitting in the front of a roomy big American car, but without all the unnecessary length." Car and Driver road testers also noted the Pacer's "smooth and quiet ride can probably be attributed to a front subframe that isolates
7954-399: The vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at 30 km/L (85 mpg ‑imp ; 71 mpg ‑US ) or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least 100,000 km (62,000 mi). This established
8051-487: The vehicle's roof panel and is designed for latching the front door and mounting the hinges for the rear doors. As "perhaps the most complex of all the structures on the vehicle", the B-pillar may be a multi-layered assembly of various lengths and strengths. B-pillars also exist as integral elements of an automobile unibody on two-door sedans and hatchbacks, separating the front door from either fixed or movable glass of
8148-416: The wagon featured significantly increased cargo capacity. The wagon body style was as novel as the unusual Pacer coupe model and featured huge doors for access. The design was identical to the coupe up to the B-pillar. A new roof extended from the B-pillar to a full-width rear hatch hinged at the roof line that provided an opening down to the top of the rear bumper. Rather than lengthening the coupe's wheelbase,
8245-538: Was also described as "the seventies answer to George Jetson 's mode of transportation" at a time when "Detroit was still rolling out boat-sized gas guzzlers." Development was under Product Group Vice President Gerald C. Meyers , whose goal was to develop a unique car: "Everything that we do must distinguish itself as being importantly different than what can be expected from the competition." Even before its introduction, AMC's Board Chairman Roy D. Chapin Jr. described "It will be
8342-465: Was best known for its Change of Pace model – a built-to-order adaptation of the Pacer that was priced at $ 12,360 in 1978. The company converted over 100 units. First available in the sedan version, power came from eighteen 6-volt lead–acid batteries to a 15 kW (20 hp) series DC motor with a stock three-speed automatic transmission. The EVA Change of Pace sedan weighed 3,990 lb (1,810 kg) and reached 55 mph (89 km/h) with
8439-418: Was commonly cited in its continued lack of success. Other concerns included the limited cargo space when carrying a full load of passengers (primarily because of the steeply sloping rear roofline design). Folding down the rear seat backrest formed a flat-floored, 29.5 cubic feet (0.84 m) cargo area. Design work on the new car began five years before its launch. Richard Teague explained this "was before weight
8536-417: Was dictated partly by marketing strategy—American drivers were accustomed to large vehicles, and the Pacer's occupants had the impression of being in a larger car—and partly because AMC's assembly lines were already set up for full-size vehicles. Teague's low-drag design was highly innovative, predating the fuel crisis and the flood of small imports into the American market. Pacer's drag coefficient of 0.43
8633-423: Was fitted with oversize radial tires mounted on Jackman Star (brand) aluminum racing road wheels, a side-mounted exhaust, NACA duct on the hood, auxiliary Cibié (brand) driving lights , as well as a front spoiler and wheel well fender extensions. The Stinger's interior was black with a floor-mounted shifter and front bucket seats with a center console. Black and yellow stripes on the front and rear seats completed
8730-455: Was highly rounded with a huge glass area and was very unusual for its time. Road & Track magazine described it as "fresh, bold and functional-looking". The Pacer featured a rounded and aerodynamic "jellybean" styling The body surface was 37% glass, and its surface area of 5,615 square inches (3.6 m) was 16% more than the average passenger car at the time. The May 1976 issue of Car and Driver dubbed it "The Flying Fishbowl," and it
8827-458: Was magnified as a super economy consideration". The Pacer was heavy, with only six-cylinder engines available, and drivers cited a lack of power. Car & Driver wrote, "American Motors had already quoted a curb weight of 2990 lb. for the basic Pacer when we first wrote about the car, and that already seemed quite heavy; but when we weighed the test car (whose air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering and so forth would not account for
8924-540: Was mounted low at the front of the crossmember. The body was designed with the aim that structural lines protected it from hit damage, and AMC engineers claimed that they succeeded in more than 50% of the car's surface. In the mid-1970s, the U.S. government mandated significant vehicle safety improvements starting with the 1980 model year cars. These included 50-mile-per-hour (80 km/h) front-end crash testing, 25-mile-per-hour (40 km/h) side crash testing, and 30-mile-per-hour (48 km/h) rollover testing, as well as
9021-469: Was noted "as a space-efficient car, seemingly from the future". The Pacer stood out at a time when "Detroit was still rolling out boat-sized gas guzzlers." American Motors' chief stylist Dick Teague began work on the Pacer in 1971, anticipating an increase in demand for smaller vehicles throughout the decade. The new car was designed to offer the interior room and feel of a big vehicle that drivers of traditional domestic automobiles were accustomed to, but in
9118-598: Was originally developed by Prince Motor Company which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the Nissan Cherry . In 1972, the Honda Civic appeared with the CVCC engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a catalytic converter . In Pakistan, the concept of compact cars is significant. The most common cars tend to be Kei cars . Popular compact cars in recent times are
9215-435: Was relatively low for that time. Teague even eliminated rain gutters, smoothly blending the tops of the doors into the roof—an aerodynamic detail that, although criticized at the time for allowing rain onto the front seat, has become the norm in today's designs. Also unique was that the passenger door was four inches (101 mm) longer than the driver's on the left side. This made passenger egress easier, particularly from
9312-624: Was shown at the 1978 show circuit. Starting with the Detroit Auto Show in the fall of 1977, AMC aimed to create a luxury image for the Pacer. Finished in pearlescent white with a two-section vinyl-covered roof that was padded, the Crown Pacer's exterior featured gold accents - including the spokes of the wire wheels. Pictures from the Chicago Auto Show show it with an interior upholstered in white leather and numerous luxury features such as
9409-476: Was soon repositioned as a small luxury car. There were numerous comfort, convenience, and appearance packages while the range of options increased over the model years. "X" Package : Available on the Pacer coupe from 1975 until 1977. The trim package consisted of vinyl bucket seats, a sports steering wheel, and custom trim, as well as a floor-mounted gear shift and front sway bar . The model received exterior chrome features, styled road wheels, "Pacer X" decals on
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