Dodge Omni Sales Figures

Dodge Omni

A lower, sportier 3-door hatchback version of the Omni was marketed under the Dodge Omni 024 name, later renamed Dodge Charger. The Omni and Charger were replaced by the Dodge Shadow in 1986, although production of the Omni continued until 1990.

Dodge Omni Overview

The Dodge Omni was a significant vehicle for Chrysler in the late 1970s and 1980s. It was a front-wheel-drive compact car introduced to address the market’s shifting preferences towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, especially after the oil crisis of the 1970s.

The Dodge Omni was introduced in 1977 for the 1978 model year. Its counterpart from the Plymouth division was the Plymouth Horizon. The Omni/Horizon twins were developed with heavy influence from Chrysler’s European Simca division (a result of Chrysler’s ownership of the French automaker). The cars bore a strong resemblance to the Simca Horizon sold in Europe.

The Omni was initially offered as a five-door hatchback. Over its production run, the Omni had various engine options, including those from Volkswagen in its early years (a 1.7-liter inline-four) and later Chrysler’s own 2.2-liter engine. A unique feature for its time was the use of a transverse torsion bar suspension setup in the front, which Chrysler referred to as “Iso-Strut.”

The Omni and Horizon were among the first American cars to feature a semi-independent rear suspension and were also some of the first to be designed with a focus on crashworthiness. The Dodge Omni was produced until 1990. By the end of its life, it was beginning to feel dated, especially compared to more modern competition. However, its impact on Chrysler’s lineup and strategies in the years following its introduction is undeniable.