1981 Dodge D50 Base

Summary:

Sturdy Little Bugger!

Faults:

Needed new brakes, battery and spark plugs when I bought it. The auto adjuster for the rear brakes was kind of impossible to find, so I swapped it out with a similar one from a Nissan Hardbody. Worked great. Had some compression problems, but that was my fault. I was 16 and extra stupid. I decided one day to pull the head bolts so I could get a better looksie of what was inside. Now I know...

General Comments:

This was my first car. When I got this pickup, I didn't know anything at all about what routine maintenance was. It never had an oil change once in the time that I had it. It had sat for 4 years before I bought it without ever being turned over. New battery, plugs and a whole lot of starter fluid, and off she went.

I did a lot of stupid things with/to this truck, but she never gave up the ghost. I jumped her a few times, routinely drove to Canada (1200 miles round trip), and took her places only a 4 x 4 should even think about going.

The car continued to drive even after I pulled the head cover off and put it back on without renewing/replacing the gaskets.

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

Review Date: 22nd September, 2011

1981 Dodge D50 Power Ram Sport 2.6 gas

Summary:

The best old, small 4x4 under $1000

Faults:

Starter doesn't work when the engine is hot.

Has issues when engine is cold causing misfires on two cylinders. These two problems make a great combo.

Had to replace starter twice in ownership. The engine kept overheated the things.

Power steering pump makes a lot of noise.

Gas mileage somehow under 20 mpg.

General Comments:

This thing is definitely a good little truck, but at 200k it just is wearing out.

It was well built. Got it from my grandpa, who got it from a dead friend's estate and drove it for many years. It handles just like a small RWD car at high speeds and on corners. Had plenty of power until the engine troubles. Fuel economy was around 18 mpg average. It goes where other, larger pickups wouldn't fit easily.

If you want a small, old pickup far cheaper than a Toyota, buy this (or an identical Mitsubishi Mighty Max). But if you want true durability, go for a Toyota. Would have Cash for Clunkered it, except it was too old.

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

Review Date: 3rd September, 2009

1981 Dodge D50 Ram 2.0

Summary:

It's a good little truck to be the shape it was in.

Faults:

I have had to replace the bench seat in the truck. It was worn out pretty bad. I have had to change the battery in it. It burns about a quart of oil every 500 miles.

Because of hitting a deer twice within two weeks I had to replace the radiator, hood, and both fenders.

I have had to do brake work all around it when I got it.

Brand New tie-rods put in it.

I've had to replace the fuel pump & filter.

It needs a paint job and some minor body work.

General Comments:

It is a very dependable little truck.

The truck has hit a deer twice within two weeks time and it caused some damage there.

The truck is in almost excellent shape and running great now. I love it to death and I wouldn't take nothing for it. I also bought me 3 other Dodge D50's just like so I would have replacement parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2003

1981 Dodge D50 2.0

Summary:

One of the best vehicles I have ever owned

Faults:

The fuel filter went bad and I had to replace it.

The fuel pump went bad and I also had to replace it.

The seat is worn out and very thin. It is not as comfortable as a brand new seat.

The tie rod ends on both the drivers and passengers side have went bad and I had to replace all of that.

The Pitman Arm also went bad.

General Comments:

Overall, the Dodge D50 pickup truck that I own is very reliable.

It runs great and gets me there and back with no problems.

It is slow about taking off, but it handles well on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2003