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DeSoto Firedome Eight-Passenger (facelift 1954) 4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Firedome:
The DeSoto Firedome was a full-size automobile produced between 1952 and 1959 by the DeSoto division of the Chrysler Corporation. Introduced as DeSoto's premium line of vehicles for the 1952 model year, it retained that position until demoted to the least expensive model for 1955. It was reclassified to become a mid-range vehicle for 1957 and was discontinued for the 1960 model year.
The 1953 Firedome was introduced just prior to DeSoto's 25th Anniversary in 1953, and arrived as the new top series, displacing the Custom nameplate which was retired at the end of the 1952 model year. The entire De Soto model lineup was restyled and Firedome prices started at US$2,740. During the 1953 model year, approximately 64,211 examples were produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Eight-Passenger (facelift 1954) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (Eight-Passenger (facelift 1954)). With 346 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.5L V8 delivered strong, smooth power (170 Hp) for its era, providing ample acceleration for highway cruising and comfortable daily driving, especially when paired with the PowerFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy would have been a secondary concern in the 1950s, and this large V8 would likely offer modest MPG figures by modern standards, typical for a car of its size and power.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.1 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 9 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious eight-passenger interior, ideal for large families or carpooling.
- • Robust and smooth 4.5L V8 engine, offering dependable power for its era.
- • Classic 1950s American styling with distinctive DeSoto cues.
- • Comfortable ride quality, well-suited for long-distance cruising.
- • Historical significance as a classic American sedan.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Outdated safety features and crash protection compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Large dimensions and worm-reduction steering make it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces.
- • Drum brakes on all four wheels offer limited stopping power compared to modern systems.
- • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and scarcity of specific parts.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (facelift 1953): 1952 - 1953).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | Eight-Passenger (facelift 1954) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1953 |
| End of production: | 1954 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 37.6 Hp/l [266mm more] |
| Torque: | 346 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S19-1001 More details about the engine S19-1001 |
| Engine displacement: | 4524 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 21.8 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.075 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5686 mm mm [266mm more] |
| Width: | 1972 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Height: | 1650 mm mm [62mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm [355mm more] |
| Front track: | 1403 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1438 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 2 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Firedome? Tell us in the comments!