CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Rambler Hornet

Rambler Hornet — 1970–1977, 2-door sedan; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon, 199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8

Transmission3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual

About the Rambler Hornet

Rambler Hornet is a 2-door sedan; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon in the compact; muscle car (sc/360) class, with source data covering 1970–1977. The available vehicle data lists 199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8 as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Rambler Hornet guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8 and 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Rambler Hornet specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Rambler
Model	Hornet
Model years	1970–1977
Body style	2-door sedan; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon
Vehicle class	Compact; Muscle car (SC/360)
Manufacturer	American Motors Corporation (AMC)
Production	1969–1977
Market / country	FI, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Rambler Hornet includes 199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8.. Transmission information includes 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8
Transmission	3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	108 in (2,743 mm)
Length	179.3 in (4,554 mm) (1970–1972); 185.8 in (4,719 mm) (1973–1977)
Width	70.6 in (1,793 mm)

Rambler Hornet other specifications

Image	1976 AMC Hornet Sportabout.jpg
Caption	1976 AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon
Name	AMC Hornet
Aka	American Motors Hornet; Rambler Hornet (Australia and South Africa); VAM Rambler American (Mexico); VAM American (Mexico); Rambler SST (Costa Rica)

Rambler Hornet generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
AMC Hornet	1970–1977	199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8	3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual	FR layout

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Rambler Hornet

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Rambler Hornet

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Rambler Hornet have?

The available source data lists the Rambler Hornet engine as 199 CID I6; 232 CID I6; 250 CID GM I6 (South Africa); 252 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 258 CID I6; 282 CID VAM I6 (Mexico); 304 CID V8; 360 CID V8. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Rambler Hornet?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Rambler Hornet?

There is no single best engine oil for every Rambler Hornet configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Rambler Hornet?

The Rambler Hornet is classified as a 2-door sedan; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon.

What years was the Rambler Hornet produced?

The available vehicle record places the Rambler Hornet in the 1970–1977 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Rambler Hornet?

The available source data lists length 179.3 in (4,554 mm) (1970–1972); 185.8 in (4,719 mm) (1973–1977), width 70.6 in (1,793 mm), and wheelbase 108 in (2,743 mm).

What transmission does the Rambler Hornet have?

The available source data lists 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic (1970–1971); 3-speed "Torque-Command" automatic (1972–1977); 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual transmission options for the Rambler Hornet.

Is the Rambler Hornet FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Rambler Hornet is FR layout.

Who makes the Rambler Hornet?

The manufacturer listed for the Rambler Hornet is American Motors Corporation (AMC).

When was the Rambler Hornet produced?

The available source data describes production as 1969–1977.

Where was the Rambler Hornet built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United States: Kenosha, Wisconsin (Kenosha Engine); Canada: Brampton, Ontario (Brampton Assembly); Mexico: Mexico City (VAM); Australia: Port Melbourne (AMI); South Africa: Durban (Motor Assemblies and Toyota); Costa Rica: San José (Purdy Motors and Motorizada de Costa Rica).

What class of car is the Rambler Hornet?

The Rambler Hornet is listed in the Compact; Muscle car (SC/360) class.

What platform does the Rambler Hornet use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as AMC's "junior cars".

Which markets or countries sold the Rambler Hornet?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Rambler Hornet with FI, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Rambler Hornet?

The available vehicle data lists AMC Concord as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Rambler Hornet?

The available vehicle data lists AMC Concord as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Rambler Hornet?

The available source data identifies related models as AMC Gremlin; AMC Concord; AMC Spirit; AMC Eagle. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Rambler Hornet?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Rambler Hornet?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Rambler Hornet is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Rambler Hornet images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.