1989 Dodge Daytona ES review from North America

The transmission would keep breaking flywheels, sometimes within a week. Each flywheel cost about $50.00, but I don't know the service costs.

I had a second transmission put in, but it wouldn't keep fluid so it was always slipping. The used transmission and backyard service ran to about $400.00 altogether.

The fuel pressure regulator literally blew up twice, resulting in some nice highway towing bills. These are a whopping $25.00, and you can replace them yourself with a screwdriver and a metric ratchet set in a time consuming 10 minutes.

This is the sportiest car I have ever driven, but it is also the slowest car I have ever driven. This is not a good car for highway travel because it is nearly impossible to pass anyone in it. Also expect an excruciating struggle on any uphill climbs. I've been honked at and cursed by road ragers everywhere for this car's unsettling performance. My Dodge Omni felt faster than this car, which is ridiculous considering the Omni was a 2.2L!

The body and interior makes this a definite date car. When not on the road, I've been complemented for my "sports car" many times. The interior is very comfortable and is nicely styled for an 80's Dodge.

The car's motor lacks serious power, but it does take abuse well. It will start rain or shine. The motor always started reliably with the exception of the two times I had to replace the fuel pressure regulator, which blew up on the highway. With 15 inch tires and a motor that can survive a holocaust, this is a wonderful car for the winter. It gets excellent traction.

The suspension was soft and uncomfortable on rough roads, but this is typical in most 80's Dodges. This car would be a real corner machine if it lost a little weight and had new suspension.

This car is easy to work on, but I pulled my hair out looking for a transmission and someone to replace it. My first transmission kept breaking flywheel after flywheel until I finally found someone who could replace it for cheap. But after that, the transmission fluid had to be kept up daily, otherwise the transmission slips.

I don't look down on anyone for buying this particular model, but if you do...

Get a 5 speed! Compared to an underpowered automatic, you won't regret it.