1980 Dodge Colt 1.4 gas from North America

Summary:

Flawed but fun !

Faults:

I had a 1980 Colt 1.4 I bought used in 81. It was a hate / love relationship right from the get go.

First week it left me stranded to walk 7 km home (vapor lock). Cold start circuit had it rev out to 4000 plus rpm, eventually requiring a valve job within first two months.

The engine suffered from pinging (pre-ignition) such that it would quit at exactly 36 km on the highway. Same place several times. 10 min shut off it would restart.

The doors would freeze shut in winter.

The gear shift lever one time fell through the floor on the highway when an underneath mounting plate went bye, bye.

The steering column seized such that the steering wheel wouldn't spin back to center after a turn.

The local Dodge dealer couldn't recognize a broken belt in the OEM rear tire when I reported a bad vibration. In turn I was given to OK for a 500km highway round trip. On return the tire was egg shaped.

General Comments:

After sorting the engine ignition problems I delivered pizzas in that car in the worst weather and temperatures. It always started. The body never had any rust in my years of ownership despite me living in a road salted maritime climate (a Honda I owned later on pretty much turned to dust).

The car would go anywhere in the snow until it hung up, at which point you could lift and free it in 5 minutes. In frigid temps, a few frost heaves on the main route formed an impromptu ramp and the Colt jumped quite nicely.

The most fun trait the car had, was with its light weight and squarish body, it would allow lift off oversteer in the turns even on dry pavement. I scared the boss once well sliding through an "S" bend.

Despite all my early troubles I sold the car to a college student and she drove it for years only needing to replace the rear brake shoes.

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

Review Date: 22nd January, 2024

1980 Dodge Colt from North America

Summary:

All you could ever desire in a dependable vehicle

General Comments:

I bought it new in 1980 and drove it for 265,000 miles. Wonderful, dependable car.

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

Review Date: 20th November, 2023

21st Nov 2023, 16:16

Tiny review of tiny car...

24th Nov 2023, 18:56

I'm not doubting you that the car was reliable, but in 265,000 miles there had to be at least a handful of things that went wrong or needed servicing.

1980 Dodge Colt 2 door hatchback 1.6 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

The greatest value car out there!!

Faults:

This car has hardly any problems in 17 years.

Not worth it to fix after it slammed into a tree in 2001. Engine still started after being totalled in the wreck though.

General Comments:

This is the greatest value car out there. Owned for 17 years, put on 170,000 miles. Lots of power, always started up every time. Had a little trouble in the winter around 160,000 miles.

Paid $2000 dollars in 1984, got plenty of usage, and sold it for 50 bucks to a wrecker in 2001 after totalling it.

Great front wheel drive, and boy you could squeal those tires! The Power-Economy shifter was a creative Low-High gear, to make the 4 speed like a 5 speed.

This was the greatest car for the value, and a lot of fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2001

5th Jul 2005, 13:34

I owned a 1980 Rs and 1984. Loved the RS - low gear spins were incredible. Put 110,000 miles with no problem.

31st Jan 2006, 13:59

I had a 1980 for a few years and never had anyproblems with it. It was the ugliest thing ever, but it was worth the $50 I paid some old lady for it. The only thing I didn't like was the gas mileage for such a little car, but what can you expect for a 1980 with no fuel injection.

20th Jul 2006, 00:55

I had a very early 1980. It was actually titled as a 1979. That was one of the best cars I ever owned, but it couldn't stand up to the rough treatment I gave it. I managed to actually tear the gear shift right out of the floor.

I got an honest 50 M.P.G. on long interstate trips and in the mid 30s around town.

If I could find another one now I'd buy it in an instant.

22nd Feb 2007, 23:49

Answer to the comment of January 31, 2006. My 1981 Plymouth Champ (same car, different label) was carbureted. My average MPG was 42, hi was 50, & it still gave 40MPG at altitudes from 10,000 to 12,000feet. Carburetors worked good. You can read my full report under 1981 Plymounth Champ w/5 comments.