1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z review from North America

Plastic trim fell off everywhere, inside and out.

Clutch failed 15,000 miles - couldn't shift into first at a traffic light without gear noise.

Brake rotors warped at 30,000 miles.

Transmission main shaft chattered when idling in neutral.

Steering rack failed at 33,000 miles.

Rear spoiler fell off in an automatic car wash.

This parts bin engineered pile of dung is basically a K-car with a souped up engine and a very fancy body. Most of the affair was bound together with double sided tape - inside and out. The balance of the interior was snapped together with plastic push pins.

Every trip through an automatic car wash sent me back to the bay to collect body parts torn off, then to the dealer for repairs. No body integrity at all. Any crack in the road set off a symphony of chirps, squeaks and rattles.

The engine ran very strong thanks to the turbocharger and Bosch fuel injection. The transmission, steering, suspension and brakes were junk. The car handled very well, but was extremely harsh over bumps.

Poorly built and not backed at all by the dealer or the factory. Nothing but lip service and excuses.

A few of the last faded survivors are still hobbling around, usually belching smoke.