Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan 5.6 V8 (270 Hp) TorqueFlite
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)
III Four-Door Sedan Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (III Four-Door Sedan). With 475 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 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.6 V8 (270 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, this 5.6L V8 provided smooth and robust power delivery. While slightly less engaging than the manual, it offered a more relaxed and luxurious driving experience, still very potent for its time.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the manual version, the TorqueFlite automatic would also yield poor fuel economy. The convenience of the automatic came with no efficiency gains in this era.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.8 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 16 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine for its era
- • Distinctive and stylish classic American design
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Historical significance as a classic luxury sedan
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • Vague handling and large turning circle compared to modern cars
- • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and parts availability
- • Significant body roll in corners
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Four-Door Seville: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | III Four-Door Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (270 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 270 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.3 Hp/l [2mm more] |
| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S25 More details about the engine S25 |
| Engine displacement: | 5588 |
| 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: | 19.9 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.01 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 9.8° |
| Length: | 5537 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1448 mm mm [91mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 879 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1458 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 137 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 17.7° |
| Departure angle: | 13.3° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the DeSoto Firedome!