1987 Dodge Charger Hatchback review from North America
"Keep your AAA membership current!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Carburetor trouble never stopped.
Radio shorted and failed.
Transmission oil seal failed.
Clutch failed.
Steering rack failed.
Head gasket failed.
Rusted out even though rust proofed when new.
Distributor pickup module failed - constantly.
General comments?
This car was so poorly built it actually made a Fiat or MG seem reliable. The carburetor ate $750 over the life of the car - constantly loaded with dirt due to faulty air box design.
All the problems listed above were the major ones I remember. All by 50,000 miles except the head gasket which failed at 90,000 miles.
The car had a made in Russia fit and finish when it was delivered. The hood was warped and giggled over rough roads. Both doors fit poorly and the window glass never touched the weatherstripping. The hatchback rattled so badly it actually hit both rear panels and knocked the paint off. Both door bottoms rotted off and I got the boot from the dealer and Rusty Jones.
Left us beside the road 4 times.
I could go on all night, but it's not worth it. Stay away from this car.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1987 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1995 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Liter 5 Speed Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 75 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 24th November, 2002 |