1989 Dodge Colt 1.6

Summary:

It's a mini-econo-sports-daily driver!

Faults:

The valve cover came off, so I got it for $10. Cost $6 to fix.

ECU might have died @135,000 miles, as I was told.

Welds on one wheel broke while @80 MPH on gravel in a 45 degree slide.

Car was hit from the side, door wouldn't open, sold for $250.

General Comments:

Very fun car to just drive for no reason. Sips gas like its not even running, got over 35 MPG, but was usually above 100 MPH. This car can and will run 30 miles at that speed every day without problems. Had a lot of fun driving and chasing other cars, they couldn't outrun it! Keep it under 60 on gravel, ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.

Gotta thank Mitsubishi for the engine, lots of HP for the weight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

1989 Dodge Colt GL 1.6L? Fuel Injected

Summary:

341,000 miles and still 43 mpg

Faults:

Transmission was rebuilt at 200K miles.

Front left wheel bearing replaced at 270K miles. Valve guide seals replaced at 275k miles. Air Conditioning stopped working at 280K miles. Head Gasket blew, and was replaced at 290K miles. Hole in radiator was repaired at 305K miles. At 310K miles spark plug wires were replaced, and it really helped performance. Since 330K miles the engine has been underpowered, but is still driveable. The car currently has 341K miles on it, and could use a new clutch and transmission, but until they fail to function, I'll continue driving.

General Comments:

This car is VERY reliable. I have owned it from 200,000 miles to its current 341,000 miles and the only time it ever left me sitting was when the head gasket blew.

I average about 43 MPG in this car. I have run only the cheapest gas I can find and it will burn it.

This car is sold under 3 different names for this year: Plymouth Colt, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Eagle Summit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th July, 2002

1989 Dodge Colt E 1.8 fuel injected

Summary:

Great performance and gas mileage with a low price tag

Faults:

Half shaft had to be replaced from boot tearing and CV Joint getting ruined.

One of the front wheel bearing seals went bad and the bearing had to be replaced.

Does not like cheap oil filters because the rubber seal is not thick enough and it leaks when engine temperature varies. No problem at all if you use good factory recommended filters.

General Comments:

When I first bought this car, I did not know what to expect. As I found out, it had excellent gas mileage, extremely fast off the line, and has good handling at high speeds. The car is smooth on the road, quiet on the highway, and I have pushed it to 105 without a problem. I definitely think it could go the top speed from factory (125).

The car starts sooooo easy and purrs like a kitten.

I LOVE my car and being a person that is a sporty car person loving my hatchback colt, that says a lot. It is extremely reliable and has great performance. Just take care of her right by keeping up the basics and she gives me no problems. example: Oil Filter, Air Filter, Fuel Injector Cleaner, Good Oil, that kind of stuff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2002

9th Aug 2003, 19:24

Do all Dodge Colt E's, come with a 1.8?

15th Dec 2004, 14:52

OK forget all that, my sounded like yours at first, but today the second CV joint will have to be replaced, and my transmission probably going out, chryslers 'limp-home' mode won't allow use of third gear, so good gas mileage left 2 weeks ago.

Dylan P cola, fl.

21st Dec 2005, 21:32

Had one as a herby derby car, got it for 40 bucks put a coil on it, and ran it through 2 derbies and still runs. Although it needs an alternator radiator, but the oil eventually got so thin that it would foul a plug and only run on 3 cylinders.

20th Jun 2010, 16:46

I have been driving an 86 Colt, and besides it's slightly slippy transmission, and broken rear windshield, it still allows me to drive hard. I am thinking of buying an 89 E for 925. Looks like it would be a good idea to upgrade.

24th Jun 2010, 01:25

I have had this car from 11/1996 until now, which is about 14 years, and I have fallen in love with it.

The only 2 things that I had to fix were the alternator 3 times through the years, and the ignition module and coil only once. The only problem I am having recently is that no mechanic wants to fix it because it is too old, and I need to in order to get a new car. I have the AWD model and I always have too much fun with the snow.

Recently, just last week I had a cylinder head gasket problem, and I think it is time over for the car because it is very hard to get the replacement parts. At this time I'm looking for another one if I can find it.

Sphinx747@yahoo.