1986 Dodge Aries SE review from North America
"A cheap reliable, but UGLY granny tank"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine needed to be re-timed.
Brakes and rotors needed replacement.
New fuel and air filters.
New thermostat and engine mounts.
Left Instrument Cluster never displays the correct information. (Fuel Gauge, Voltage Meter, and Temperature Gauge)
Car stalls if not idled for at least 5 minutes prior to driving.
Accelerator pedal isn't sensitive or accurate at all.
Transmission and Engine struggles and hesitates when going uphill.
General comments?
Although not very attractive and not that quick (0-60mph in 13.7 sec) the Aries/Reliant is not a bad car for a boring commute or as a back up car.
The 93hp 2.2 liter four cylinder is very noisy, and is very slow to accelerate.
At higher speeds the car handles very sluggish, the cabin noise from the air hitting the window seals is VERY annoying.
Even with new brakes, at speeds higher than 40mph the car shimmies when brake pedal is applied.
It is a VERY UGLY car.
But all that put aside, not a bad car for your 80 yr old grandmother.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 litre inline 4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 92000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 2nd April, 2003 |