1988 Dodge Dynasty LE from North America - Comments

The ABS system has been malfunctioning since purchase. The pedal is spongy, and the system engages with every pedal application, regardless of how hard (or soft) the brakes are applied, and regardless of whether the wheels have locked up or not. Many repairs have been performed, but nothing has solved the problem.

The thermostat required replacement at 44,700 miles.

The shocks blew out at 45,000 miles, and were replaced with new units. They began leaking again at 52,000 miles.

The valve cover gaskets developed leaks at 45,200 miles. They were replaced. They began leaking again at 47,400 miles.

The A/C relay required replacement at 46,100 miles.

The A/C compressor required replacement at 46,400 miles.

The left rear speaker blew out at 46,600 miles.

The water pump failed at 46,800 miles.

The timing belt required replacement at 46,800 miles.

The window and lock switches in the driver's door required new contacts at 47,000 miles.

The springs required replacement at 48,300 miles.

The driver's window belt broke at 51,700 miles, causing the window to fall inside the door.

The left CV boot required replacement at 53,100 miles.

The driver's seat adjustment motor has barely functioned since purchase.

The transmission "bangs" during light-throttle up-shifts.

Fuel consumption is excessive, approximately 15mpg in the city, and 18mpg on the highway.

The reliability, structural integrity, and fit/finish is poor. It is never more than a month before something else goes wrong with this vehicle. This car has many squeaks and rattles. For such a softly sprung vehicle, it is unusually harsh and noisy over bumps.

Fuel economy is poor; this vehicle consistently gets 2-4mpg below factory ratings, despite driving gently to increase fuel economy, meticulous tune-ups and maintenance, etc.

Handling and braking are poor. The vehicle leans heavily in turns. The steering has no on-center responsiveness and is too light, but road feel is at least present. The brakes' response and performance are amazingly bad. Again, all of this is in spite of meticulous maintenance.

Power is decent. Off the line, it is rather sluggish, due to an exceptionally tall 1st gear (it up-shifts to 2nd gear at 50mph). However, power above 3,000rpm is adequate, so merging and passing are relatively worry-free.

The Chrysler/Infiniti II stereo system is excellent. The rear headphone jacks are a nice touch.

Comfort is above-average, aside from harshness over bumps, expansion strips, etc. The seats are comfortable, despite having no lateral support. Front and rear seat passenger room is more than adequate for four passengers, and just enough for five. Ignore the fact that this car has seat belts for six; cram six people in a Dynasty and they will not be happy.

Hey man, I feel your pain. I had two 1991 Dodge Dynasties, both with the 3.0 V6 Mitsubishi motor (the root of your problems). The first one broke a starter after two months of ownership. The second problem was the computer in the motor thought someone was trying to steal the car and refused to start. The last problem was the Reverse gear would miss and kick at about 120,000 miles.

My suggestion is that you try some Chrysler motors instead of the 3.0 Mitsubishi. The 2.5 base has a reasonable amount of power and gets 30+MPG. My 70 year old parents have a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim with the 2.5 and have over 201,000 miles on it, and they only replaced the head gaskets twice and the thermostat once which I don't think is that bad.

I have had a 2.5 I4 in my 1991 Dodge Caravan and the only things that I had trouble with were two thermostats (the second one was my fault for the way I drove it). Either the head gaskets or the oil pump (also my fault) at 126,444 miles. The 3.3 V6 Chrysler motor in there was also a good motor. I know many people who have gone way past 200,000 without any real problems in cars that were not babied.

On the newer cars, avoid the 2.5 24v V6 Mitsubishi (also a lemon motor). My point is give Chrysler another chance with one of their own products.

I completely agree with this guy about the Chrysler 2.5L engine. It's proven itself to be a MUCH better engine in the long run compared to the Mitsubishi 3.0L V6. Don't know how the 3.3L Chrysler V6 is...I've heard it has trouble with headgasket leaks. The 2.5L Chrysler motor is great! My mother owned a Plymouth Acclaim with the same 2.5L engine and put 182,000 miles on it before it was totalled. It definitely would have lasted well past 200,000 miles! The head, headgasket, and thermostat once were the only repairs made to the engine itself...4-speed auto. transmission NEVER need any repairs! The Dynasty should be a pretty good car with the same engine and transmission.

I don't belive the Dynasty was ever avaiable with a 4 cyl.

Guess again!! The Dynasty was available with a 2.5 four cylinder engine. The V6's were optional or included with higher models or packages.

Original poster update -

To the first reply: my only problems with the motor were the valve cover gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. I should have specified in my original review that the timing belt was replaced only because the water pump went out - as long as it was opened up, might as well get the timing belt done, right? The motor's power band was a bad fit for the trans gearing, and it liked the gas, but it was reliable & smooth. The majority of the swarm of problems I had with this car were in other systems (electrical, body, trans, etc.)

- Power steering pump started leaking badly, and power antenna stopped working, around 55,000mi.

- Shortly after this, both power seat adjusters went out.

- Trans started slipping around 57,000mi.

- BOTH rear calipers froze shortly after the trans started slipping.

This last onslaught of problems was the last straw. I sold the piece of junk for $500.

I did buy another Dodge - a 2000 5spd V6 Dakota; I still own it. I wasn't specifically looking for a Dodge - my only requirements were: great "condition vs. price" value, manual trans (no more autos for me), & A/C. That truck was the first thing I found that fit the bill. In terms of reliability & power, it's been a breath of fresh air after that Dynasty.

You can find my review of in the 2000 Dodge Dakota section, under the heading "Durable, Fun Truck".

Best car I've ever owned...200k miles and no problems...ever!!!

I purchased the 1988 Dodge Dynasty 2 years ago. It has 38,000 original miles on it. It still looks good and drives good. The only problem that I have had with it is the heater. Being that it probably sat for long periods with the coolant in the system it has rusted the hoses and then clogged the heater. I have had it cleaned twice. That I do not account to the manufacture but to the previous owner. Other than that it is a good car. The only thing that I wish it had is more of an adjustable seat (be able to lean it back). Thanks from Salt Lake City, Utah.

I have had a couple of Dynasty's with V-6's and both are great cars. Always got 22 - 26 MPG. One Mitsubishi 3.0l, the other Chrysler 3.3l. The 3.3L has more power and a better feel. Both have gone 200K miles with very little maintenance.

In reference to the first or original comment, find a new mechanic. If you are shifting to second gear at 50MPH, then either there is a problem that can be fixed; or you are not driving very gentle.

These transmissions must use Chrysler ATF if you want long life from them. There is no substitute!!! Ya the bodies are not the prettiest, and the fit may not be as nice as a more expensive car; but for the price, my miles are cheap.