1982 Dodge Aries SE review from North America
"A hamster-powered shoe box on wheels"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
It started leaking engine oil at 35000km.
It started leaking radiator fluid at 35000km.
It started leaking power steering fluid at 35000km.
It also started leaking transmission fluid at 35000km.
A hole on the driver's side front wheel well rusted through, so I could see the yellow lines on the road.
The engine started making a tapping sound at 28000km.
...and many more.
General comments?
This car is a real piece of crap. It was my first car, and it did bring me from point A to point B, but it took a long time to get me there and it leaked more fluid than it burned gas.
The 2.6L engine is good for one thing; burning gas. It got no better than 18 MPG. I drag-raced my buddy with a 2.2L engine and he beat me (not by much)! It probably took him less gas too.
The car corners on a dime. For some good reason, it likes to have a good grip on the road. In the winter, don't buy a snowmobile, just slap some four season tires on it and it will bring you from A to B, no matter how much snow is in the middle.
The interior is not the most comfortable place on the world, but it gives you a place to sit while you are going somewhere. The cabin is designed in such a way as to give perfect resonance for a big stereo system. I put two 12" subs, a 600 watt amp and a compact disk deck in there and it sounded pretty nice. But it loosened every screw and bolt holding the car together, and rattles could be heard from everywhere.
Overall, it is the most inefficient car I have ever seen. If you're bored, I'll sell you mine for $300 CAD. If not, don't buy it!
Recommended reviews
| Major disappointment and glad to see it die |
|
| One of the best buys I have made |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.6L 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 24000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 74000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 25th October, 2001 |