Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon: the small hatchbacks that started it

The 1978 model year brought two small front-wheel-drive hatchbacks to the American market: the Dodge Omni and its twin, the Plymouth Horizon. They opened a new chapter for Chrysler, which had not offered cars like these in volume before. How did they differ, and what should you know before shopping for one? This guide covers the basics and what to check during an inspection.

What are the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon?

The Omni and Horizon are twin small hatchbacks introduced as 1978 models. They were Chrysler's first mass-market cars in America with front-wheel drive and a transverse engine.

That layout set them apart from the company's earlier cars and gave them a special place in its history. Differences were mostly limited to badges and minor trim details. They were essentially the same car under two names, so choosing between them comes down to taste and, above all, the condition of the individual car.

The Volkswagen engine in the Omni and the later units

Early Omnis and Horizons had a four-cylinder engine developed with Volkswagen's involvement. That connection explains the familiar reference to a Volkswagen engine in the Omni. A 2.2-liter Chrysler engine joined the lineup later.

When inspecting an Omni or Horizon, identify the engine under the hood. Parts availability and how the car drives depend on it. Power figures vary by version, so check the specific car's paperwork for those details.

Dodge Omni 024 and Plymouth Horizon TC3 coupes

Alongside the basic hatchback was a sporty coupe with a lower roofline, sold as the Dodge Omni 024 and Plymouth Horizon TC3. As with the hatchback, it was one design with two names.

Both still have fans because their lower rooflines give them a sportier shape than the standard hatchbacks. Ask about the car's history and check for body repairs. Inspecting a coupe is much like inspecting the other versions.

Shelby versions and tuning

Sporty variants developed with Carroll Shelby grew out of the Omni, including the GLH and Shelby Charger. The Omni and Horizon also became platforms for tuning projects thanks to their simple design and low weight. That gave the Dodge Omni a second life among enthusiasts who enjoy building their own projects.

Evaluate a modified car on its own merits. Ask the seller what was changed and compare the answers with what you see. Buying a modified car calls for a different assessment than buying a stock one.

What to look at when inspecting an Omni or Horizon

Inspect these cars carefully. Start with rust in the wheel arches and floor, where aging bodies most often deteriorate. Then check the suspension and seals. Make sure the interior is complete, since plastic parts are especially prone to aging and missing pieces can be a headache.

Before visiting the seller, make a list of questions. Ask how long the current owner has had the car, whether it has been repaired and which parts have been replaced. Photos of the wheel arches and interior will help you compare listings later and base your decision on more than a first impression.

The Omni and Horizon are simple twin designs that began a new era at Chrysler and still have admirers. The next guide covers the turbo and Shelby versions.