Dodge St. Regis

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The Dodge St. Regis: A Comprehensive Guide

The Dodge St. Regis, produced from 1979 to 1981, represented Chrysler's attempt to downsize and modernize its full-size offerings during a period of fuel crisis and changing consumer preferences. Part of the "R-body" platform shared with the Chrysler Newport and Plymouth Gran Fury, the St. Regis aimed to offer traditional American comfort and spaciousness in a slightly smaller, more fuel-efficient package compared to its predecessors. It was intended to compete with the Chevrolet Caprice and Ford LTD, but ultimately faced challenges in the market due to its perceived styling and reliability issues.

Generations

The Dodge St. Regis had only one generation, spanning three model years.

• First Generation (1979-1981):
  • 1979: Introduction year. Available with a range of V8 engines. Styling was controversial, featuring a sharply creased design intended to modernize the full-size sedan.
  • 1980: Minor trim changes and efforts to improve fuel economy. The engine lineup remained largely the same.
  • 1981: Final production year. Continued with minor changes, but sales remained lackluster, leading to its discontinuation.

Reliability & Common Issues

The Dodge St. Regis is not generally known for exceptional reliability. Several issues plagued the car, contributing to its short lifespan and less-than-stellar reputation.

Engine Issues:

• Slant-Six and V8 Performance: While the engines themselves (225 Slant-Six, 318 V8, and 360 V8) are generally considered durable, their performance in the St. Regis was hampered by emissions controls and relatively heavy weight. Fuel economy was not as good as expected for a downsized vehicle. The Slant-Six was anemic in such a large car.
• Lean Burn System: The Lean Burn system, designed to improve fuel economy by running a leaner air-fuel mixture, was prone to malfunction. This could lead to poor performance, rough idling, and difficulty starting. Many owners disabled or bypassed this system.
• Carburetor Issues: The carburetors used, particularly on the 318 and 360 V8 engines, could be problematic, requiring frequent adjustments and rebuilds.

Transmission Issues:

• TorqueFlite A727 and A904 Transmissions: While generally robust, the TorqueFlite automatic transmissions (A727 behind the larger V8s and A904 behind the Slant-Six and smaller V8s) could suffer from wear and tear, especially with neglected maintenance. Common issues included slipping, rough shifting, and fluid leaks.

Electrical Issues:

• Wiring Problems: Chrysler vehicles of this era were known for having somewhat fragile wiring. Corrosion, brittle insulation, and loose connections could cause a variety of electrical problems, ranging from malfunctioning lights to starting issues.
• Charging System: Alternator failures and issues with the voltage regulator were not uncommon.

Body and Trim Issues:

• Rust: Rust was a significant problem, particularly in areas with road salt. Common rust locations included the lower body panels, wheel arches, and trunk floor.
• Trim Pieces: Exterior trim pieces were often made of plastic or pot metal and could become brittle and crack over time. Finding replacements can be difficult.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Dodge St. Regis is a mixed bag. It offers some appealing aspects, but also significant drawbacks compared to modern vehicles.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The St. Regis provides ample room for passengers and cargo. The large trunk is especially useful.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections reasonably well. Ideal for long highway trips.
• Classic American Styling (for some): While controversial when new, the St. Regis's sharp, angular styling has gained a certain retro appeal.
• Simple Mechanics: Aside from the Lean Burn system, the mechanical components are relatively simple and straightforward to repair for those familiar with older cars.

Cons:

• Poor Fuel Economy: Even with the downsized design, fuel economy is poor by modern standards. Expect low teens in the city and high teens/low 20s on the highway, depending on the engine.
• Handling: The St. Regis is not a sporty car. Handling is vague, and body roll is pronounced in corners.
• Reliability Concerns: As detailed above, reliability is a major concern. Regular maintenance and repairs are essential to keep it running.
• Parts Availability: Finding replacement parts can be challenging, especially for trim pieces and specific electrical components.
• Lack of Modern Safety Features: The St. Regis lacks modern safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control.

Buying Advice

Buying a Dodge St. Regis in the present day is a decision best suited for enthusiasts and those comfortable with working on older cars. It's not a practical choice for a daily driver unless you're prepared to invest significant time and money in maintenance and repairs.

Years to Look For:

• Honestly, condition is more important than year. All three model years suffer from the same potential issues. Focus on finding the best-maintained example you can.
• 1980-1981: While fundamentally the same, later models may have benefited from minor refinements or adjustments. However, this is not a guarantee.

Years to Avoid:

• Cars with significant rust: Rust repair can be costly and time-consuming. Avoid cars with extensive rust damage.
• Cars with a malfunctioning Lean Burn system: While the system can be bypassed, it's a sign of potential neglect.
• Cars that have been heavily modified: Unless the modifications were done professionally and with high-quality parts, it's best to avoid heavily modified examples.

What to Look For:

• Complete and Original Condition: The closer to original and complete the car is, the better. Missing trim pieces and modifications can be difficult to rectify.
• Good Maintenance Records: Look for evidence of regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid flushes, and tune-ups.
• Evidence of Rust Prevention: Has the car been treated with rust inhibitors or undercoating?
• A Thorough Inspection: Have a mechanic familiar with older cars inspect the car before you buy it. Pay close attention to the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
• Price: Be realistic about the car's value. St. Regis values are generally low, reflecting their limited popularity and reliability challenges. Don't overpay.

Ultimately, buying a Dodge St. Regis is a journey into classic car ownership. Be prepared for the challenges, but also enjoy the unique style and character of this somewhat forgotten piece of automotive history.

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