When was the last Dodge Coronet made?
The last Dodge Coronet was produced in 1976 for the U.S. market. The name has a long lineage dating back to the postwar era and saw a comeback during the Muscle Car era before fading from Dodge’s lineup in the mid-1970s. This article traces the Coronet’s historical arc and explains how the badge finally disappeared from American showrooms.
Overview and final year
The Dodge Coronet began as a premium trim and later evolved into a standalone model at various points in its long history. Its most recognizable and widely produced run occurred in the mid-to-late 1960s into the mid-1970s, when the Coronet was part of Dodge’s full-size lineup and contributed to the era’s muscle-car legacy. The U.S. market did not receive new Coronet models after 1976, marking the end of an era for the badge in mainstream American sedans and coupes.
Production timeline
Below is a concise timeline highlighting the major production phases of the Dodge Coronet. It captures the periods when the name appeared prominently and when it ceased to be used for new U.S.-market cars.
- 1949–1959: The Coronet name appears in Dodge’s lineup as a premium trim and, in some years, as a standalone model within the postwar lineup.
- 1965–1976: The Coronet returns as a main full-size model, fronting Dodge’s car lineup and spawning performance variants toward the end of the decade.
- Post-1976: No new U.S.-market Coronet models are produced; the badge is retired from Dodge’s mainstream lineup, with occasional export or special-edition uses in limited markets.
In summary, the Coronet’s most widely recognized production period in the United States ended with the 1976 model year, after which Dodge shifted its lineup to other nameplates and configurations.
Notable eras and variants
Muscle-era variants
During the late 1960s, the Coronet name was associated with high-performance variants such as the R/T and, in related lines, the Super Bee. These versions helped cement the Coronet’s place in the muscle-car narrative, even as the model shifted in design and positioning through the 1970s.
Design shifts and market changes
As American car buyers migrated through the 1970s, Dodge reorganized its full-size lineup to emphasize different nameplates. The Coronet badge gradually faded from the U.S. market as other models—such as Monaco and related mid- to full-size offerings—took precedence in Dodge’s strategy.
Why the badge disappeared from U.S. showrooms
The decline of the Dodge Coronet in the U.S. market was driven by a combination of corporate branding shifts, changing consumer tastes, and regulatory pressures of the era. Chrysler (Dodge’s parent company) reorganized its full-size lineup to streamline models and trim levels. Emissions and safety mandates, coupled with evolving market segmentation, made Dodge focus on other nameplates that could better compete in a changing automotive landscape. By the mid- to late-1970s, the Coronet badge had effectively been retired in the United States.
Summary
The Dodge Coronet’s U.S.-market production effectively ended with the 1976 model year. The name, once a premium trim and later a full-size model with notable performance variants, left Dodge’s North American lineup as the brand reshaped its lineup for the late 1970s and beyond. While the badge occasionally cropped up in limited export or special-edition contexts, 1976 stands as the final year for new Coronet cars in the United States.
What is the rarest Dodge vehicle?
Some of the rarest Dodge cars include the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Hemi (only 9 made), the 1967 Dodge Coronet WO23 (426 Hemi models, with only four known to exist), and the Dodge M4S (with a total of nine prototypes built). Other rare models are the 1971 Challenger R/T Convertible (16 produced with a 426 Hemi engine), the 1969 Charger 500, and the 1966 Coronet Hemi 4-Door.
Extremely rare models
- 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Hemi: With only nine produced, this is one of the rarest and most expensive Dodge cars ever.
- 1967 Dodge Coronet WO23: Only four are known to exist in total with the 426 HEMI engine.
- Dodge M4S: This prototype race car had a total of nine units built, but only four were functional.
Other rare models
- 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible: Only 16 were produced with the 426 Hemi engine, making it a highly sought-after muscle car.
- 1969 Dodge Charger 500: This was an aerodynamically improved version of the Charger, and it's believed only 14 of the Hemi-powered versions exist.
- 1966 Dodge Coronet Hemi 4-Door: This four-door model is incredibly rare, with one having sold for a significant price at auction.
- 1955 Dodge La Femme: This model was designed as a "feminine" car, which was part of a unique marketing strategy. It's very rare today.
Is the Dodge Coronet coming back?
The 2026 Dodge Coronet 440 is more than a comeback it's a statement. It shows that American muscle can evolve without losing its edge. With its 900-horsepower hybrid V8, striking retro looks, and modern-day performance, it stands ready to dominate both the streets and the track.
When did Dodge stop making the Coronet?
| Dodge Coronet | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dodge (Chrysler) |
| Production | 1949–1959 1965–1976 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size (1949–1959) Mid-size (1965–1976) |
What is a Dodge Coronet worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,460 for a 1965 Dodge Coronet in good condition with average spec.
