The taxi is a 1977 LTD, the van is probably a 1972 Tradesman and the police car is a 1982 Gran Fury, most likely an actual ex-cruiser.

The Caprice on the highway, based on the square headlights, looks like a 75 or 76.

NYPD used the Dodge St. Regis and Plymouth Gran Fury at the time, so it's probably the Gran Fury.

They also actually commandeer taxis when they need to pursue suspects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdogpOwxkT0

The police car the criminals steal. Definitely Mopar.
[pic=12767/popeyedoyle.jpg]


The taxi Popeye commandeers.
[pic=12767/popeyedoyle.1.jpg]
[pic=12767/popeyedoyle.4.jpg]



Broken down car on the highway. Looks like a Caprice.
[pic=12767/popeyedoyle.2.jpg]


Van the criminals crash into. The hood says Dodge.
[pic=12767/popeyedoyle.3.jpg]

In the (failed) 1986 pilot movie Popeye Doyle (a continuation of the French Connection series and intended to be a TV series), there's plenty of vehicles used.

In the first few minutes, there's a car chase with a either Dodge Diplomat or Plymouth Caravelle (I'm not sure, but it's probably whichever NYPD used then) and a '70s Ford LTD taxi, just to start.

There's plenty more, and yes, there's even a Checker.

I'll post some pictures soon.