The early 1970s marked a fascinating era for American automobiles, a time when powerful engines still roamed the streets even as the industry began to adapt to changing regulations and fuel concerns. Dodge, known for its performance heritage and robust utility vehicles, offered a diverse lineup in this pivotal year that continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
From muscle car legends to indispensable workhorses, Dodge’s 1973 lineup offered something for nearly every driver. There are exactly 18 1973 Dodge Models, ranging from the sporty Challenger to the rugged W100/W200/W300 pickup series. For each, you’ll find below key details including its Body Style, Common Engine Type, and Key Features/Notable Trim, making it easy to navigate the full range.
What significant changes marked the 1973 Dodge lineup?
For 1973, Dodge largely continued its existing model lines with a focus on evolutionary updates rather than radical redesigns. Many changes were driven by new federal regulations, including stronger bumpers, improved side-impact protection, and stricter emission controls. Styling tweaks were generally minor, often involving grille revisions or updated trim packages across models like the Coronet and Charger, while the Challenger entered its final production year in this iteration.
Were there any entirely new Dodge models released in 1973?
While 1973 didn’t introduce any all-new model names to the Dodge lineup, there were significant refreshes and consolidations. The full-size Monaco, for example, received a substantial redesign, including distinctive fuselage styling. The Charger SE model became a more defined offering, emphasizing luxury alongside performance. Overall, the year saw a refinement of established vehicles rather than the debut of completely new platforms.
1973 Dodge Models
| Model Name | Body Style | Common Engine Type | Key Features/Notable Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dart | 4-door Sedan | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Base model of the popular compact line. |
| Dart Swinger | 2-door Hardtop | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Pillarless hardtop design, Special edition package available. |
| Dart Custom | 4-door Sedan | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Upgraded interior trim and exterior chrome accents. |
| Dart Sport | 2-door Fastback Coupe | Slant-6, 318/340 V8 | Convertriple option (sunroof/folding rear seat), performance-oriented 340 V8. |
| Challenger | 2-door Hardtop Coupe | Slant-6, 318/340 V8 | Last year of the original E-body, Rallye performance package. |
| Charger | 2-door Hardtop Coupe | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Fuselage styling, Rallye and luxury SE trims. |
| Charger SE | 2-door Hardtop Coupe | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Standard vinyl roof, formal grille, and luxury interior. |
| Coronet | 4-door Sedan | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Mid-size family sedan, Police “Pursuit” package favorite. |
| Coronet Wagon | Station Wagon | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Optional third-row seat, up to 91.3 cubic feet of cargo space. |
| Coronet Crestwood | Station Wagon | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Simulated woodgrain paneling, premium interior trim. |
| Polara | 2/4-door Hardtop/Sedan | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Entry-level full-size C-body, Torsion-Quiet Ride suspension. |
| Polara Custom | 2/4-door Hardtop/Sedan/Wagon | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Upgraded trim over the base Polara, available as a wagon. |
| Monaco | 2/4-door Hardtop/Sedan/Wagon | Small-block V8, big-block V8 | Standard hidden headlamps, more luxurious than Polara. |
| D100/D200/D300 | Pickup Truck | Slant-6, small-block V8, big-block V8 | Adventurer and Club Cab options, “rounded line” styling. |
| W100/W200/W300 | Pickup Truck | Slant-6, small-block V8, big-block V8 | Full-time four-wheel-drive system was a new option. |
| Sportsman | Passenger Van | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Window van with seating for up to 15 passengers. |
| Tradesman | Cargo Van | Slant-6, small-block V8 | Panel van configuration, a blank canvas for customization. |
| Dodge Motorhome Chassis | Chassis Cab | Big-block V8 | M-Series chassis (M-300, etc.), provided to RV manufacturers. |
Images and Descriptions
Dart
A reliable and affordable compact car that formed the foundation of Dodge’s small car lineup, offering practicality and economy for American families and fleet buyers.
Dart Swinger
A sporty two-door hardtop variant of the Dart, appealing to younger buyers with its stylish looks and available V8 power, making it a popular and affordable “junior” muscle car.
Dart Custom
The premium trim level for the Dart sedan, providing more comfort and style with better appointments, aimed at buyers wanting a well-equipped but still economical compact car.
Dart Sport
Replacing the Demon, this fastback was the performance model of the Dart line. The available 340 V8 engine gave it impressive power in a lightweight and agile package.
Challenger
The final year for the classic pony car, the 1973 Challenger offered muscular styling in a more modest package, with the 340 V8 keeping the performance spirit alive.
Charger
A mid-size specialty hardtop shifting toward personal luxury. It still offered big-block power with the Rallye package but emphasized swoopy “fuselage” styling and a comfortable ride.
Charger SE
The Special Edition was the top-tier luxury Charger, featuring a more formal appearance with a unique roof treatment and plush interior, targeting the personal luxury coupe market.
Coronet
The workhorse mid-size sedan in the Dodge lineup. Known for its durability, the Coronet was a popular choice for families and was a dominant vehicle in law enforcement fleets.
Coronet Wagon
A practical family hauler based on the Coronet sedan. It provided ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a staple of suburban life in the 1970s.
Coronet Crestwood
The top-of-the-line station wagon, the Crestwood added a touch of luxury to family transportation with its distinctive woodgrain sides and more comfortable, upscale interior features.
Polara
Dodge’s entry point into the full-size car market, the Polara offered a spacious and smooth ride thanks to its C-body platform and famous Torsion-Aire suspension system.
Polara Custom
A step up from the base Polara, the Custom trim added more brightwork and nicer interior appointments, offering more style and comfort for full-size car buyers.
Monaco
Dodge’s premium full-size model, the Monaco was distinguished by its stylish hidden headlamps and higher level of standard equipment, competing in the upper-middle class market.
D100/D200/D300
These two-wheel-drive pickups were praised for their tough construction and modern styling. The new-for-1973 Club Cab added much-needed secure interior storage space behind the front seat.
W100/W200/W300
The four-wheel-drive counterparts to the D-series, these rugged trucks were built for tough jobs and off-road capability, popular on farms, ranches, and job sites across the country.
Sportsman
The passenger version of the B-series van, the Sportsman was an early forerunner to the modern minivan, offering immense interior space for large families, churches, and shuttle services.
Tradesman
The work-oriented cargo van that became an icon of the 1970s custom van craze. Its windowless sides were perfect for murals, making it a favorite of both contractors and customizers.
Dodge Motorhome Chassis
The dominant foundation for countless motorhomes in the 1970s. This heavy-duty chassis, typically powered by a 440 V8, was the platform of choice for brands like Winnebago and Travco.
