1988 Dodge Shadow Reviews

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1988 Dodge Shadow 2.5L TBI from North America

Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2005
Engine and transmission 2.5L TBI Automatic
Performance marks 7 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.5 / 10
Distance when acquired110000 kilometres
Most recent distance125000 kilometres
Previous carMercury Zephyr

Summary:

I love my Shadow!

Faults:

Headliner. Typical '80's headliner: sagging and annoying.

Master cylinder: car stopped very well, but would not hold the car stationary at a stoplight (lost pressure. Had to put it in neutral and use the emergency brake. However, it was an inexpensive repair at my local mechanic's).

Transmission pan leak.

General Comments:

So far my shadow has been very reliable, a blast to drive, really comfortable, and economical. It's never left me stranded.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2005

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29th Apr 2008, 19:19

UPDATE: three years later and I still have this '88 Shadow. Apart from normal engine and trans servicing (tune-ups, fluids, a couple of hoses, etc), my little Shadow performs beautifully. No major problems at all.

Looks nice, drives nice. I'll be keeping it for a while yet!

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1988 Dodge Shadow 2.2 litre from North America

Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership1988
Most recent year of ownership2002
Engine and transmission 2.2 litre Automatic
Performance marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
6.3 / 10
Distance when acquired23 kilometres
Most recent distance175000 kilometres

Summary:

One of the most solid dependable cars ever produced

Faults:

The only maintenance that has been done on the vehicle has been normal wear & tear.

I have replaced the alternator, the heater core, in the last couple of years, but other than regular oil changes, the car has been quite dependable.

The rust is minimal, and although the motor is not as peppy, as it once was it has been dependable to start in the -40 weather that we experience on the Canadian prairies.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003

Comment on this review

7th Jun 2005, 18:00

I am a new owner of an 88 shadow them 2.2 l's are zippy

stinky177@hotmail.com

I'm in Sarnia Ontario.

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1988 Dodge Shadow from North America

Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership1998
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission Automatic
Performance marks 3 / 10
Reliability marks 1 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
5.3 / 10
Distance when acquired0 miles
Most recent distance0 miles

Summary:

Can't rely on anything that's cheap.., cause you get pay back in the long run...

Faults:

My head gasket blew and I was stranded, ever since, EVERYTHING else is falling apart on the car, talk about a piece of crap...

It's been a decent car, can't hold many people, and at FIRST it did get me where I wanted to go. Now it's going to the dump!! Got in it this morning to go to work, and the piece of crap wouldn't go in reverse, it went in reverse, just wouldn't move!!!

General Comments:

I don't recommend this car to a teenager with plans and a social life ahead.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th February, 2001

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Average review marks: 6.7 / 10, based on 3 reviews