1989 Dodge Aries Coupe LE review from North America

My headgasket blew at 62,000 miles.

When car was purchased, it had a lot of coolant leaks.

Plastic interior panels have started creaking since headliner was replaced last year.

Catalytic converter and EGR valve clogged at 76,000 miles, causing a partial meltdown and choking of the engine.

Some superficial cracks formed between the outside mirrors and door welds on the huge doors that are probably a little heavy.

Some superficial surface cracks have formed on the vinyl part of the bumper cover from people bumping the car and the sun.

Sun has bleached the front bumper and headlight holders gray.

Prior maintenance by previous owner was not well performed as owner was elderly and car was driven for short side-street distances for fourteen years.

Right now, engine is missing at times and running a little rich when cold. Mechanic is stumped as to what to do.

Only real complaint are the tendency for the electric sensors to go out, the head gasket to blow, the fragility of the substandard plastic and vinyl cosmetic parts, and oil leaks.

This car is an excellent reliable vehicle.

Its only problems are due to prior maintenance neglect and the idle problems caused by the tendency for Chrysler electronic sensors of the 80s to fail.

Otherwise, the vehicle is very cheap to repair and service when the mechanic is familiar with 80s Chrysler technology.

The car has never left me stranded and is my daily driver and first car.

I get 25-28 mpg.

The car always starts immediately on the first crank.

Acceleration, if a bit underpowered at freeway speeds, is peppy and quick enough at street speeds.

The acceleration and shifting of the original automatic tranny is smooth and easy.

The car rides smoothly and steering is power assisted without being tough to turn like a Volvo.

My engine is also original.

There is almost not a spot of rust on this 98% percent rust free car.

The seats are front bucket and rear bench.

A completely red interior with comfortable room in the front seats.

The back seats are a little high with some people's heads in the ceiling.

People have to climb out to get through the doors as this car is a coupe.

Rear seat belts tend to bounce of the door or the wall when people unbuckle themselves.

Excellent four way radio and cassette system with clear sound quality.

Only one of the front speakers is starting to go out.

Digital clock turns on and shuts off by itself once a week.

Radio stops working once a month and then works again with a few taps and cranking of the knob.

Radio knob is kept on so radio might stay usable.

Car received a complete new clearcoat two layer paint job of the exterior to match its original factory gold color. Car looks brand new from a few feet away with its red accent stripes.