Similar Dodge Spirit reviews

1990
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit LE

Awesome running car

136 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit ES

Great car except for the bad transmission

38 words
1989
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit Base

Find one in good shape, and it's a gem

643 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit Base LE I think

Cheap, reliable, comfortable and economic

477 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit Base

Very reliable for the most part

241 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit LS

Good design and built like a tank, but find the newest model you can that appears well maintained

197 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Spirit LE

Comfortable, economical, and reliable

179 words
All Dodge Spirit reviews

1989 Dodge Spirit Base LE I think review from North America

"Cheap, reliable, comfortable and economic"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

The foam filler inside the rear bumper had to be replaced at time of safety.

The speed sensor on the transmission had to be replaced for safety.

Two days after the car was put on the road, about half the flywheel's teeth broke off while passing a car. $750 repair with towing.

The heater control unit had to be replaced, a friend pressed in all four buttons. $22 for a used one from a local shop.

Leaks oil about a quart every week or so.

Needed new spark plug wires.

Cruise control works after holding the switch for five minutes.

Had to replace the radio three times. Luckily a friend had several radios from Dodge Spirits, so I didn't have to pay for them.

Two out of four speakers are blown.

Part of the Spirit badge fell off the trunk lid.

Paint is peeling.

Just about every spring, button, and switch is worn out.

All four struts need to be replaced.

The head lights are horrible.

General comments?

This car is as basic as it gets; column shift, cloth bench seats, basic factory radio, manual windows and locks with no power options whatsoever.

The seats are comfortable for a 20 year old car.

The fully instrumented dashboard is a plus.

The heating system works quite well. The air conditioner was removed by the previous owners because it didn't work.

The fuel economy is exceptional for a car that is 20 years old about 850km per tank or just a bit less. My previous car got 650km on a full tank max.

The handling is good considering the age of the car and the current condition of the suspension.

With the proper snow tires, this is one of the best winter cars I have driven second to my previous car and a Dodge Grand Caravan that my mom had a few years ago.

The 2.5 TBI lacks power for passing, but keeps up with traffic quite well in the city and on the highway. You can almost spin the tires on dry pavement. I found the transmission a little weird at first, but that is because I am used to driving GM cars.

I am 20 years old, 5 foot 11 inches tall and 340lbs. I can get into and out of this car with ease, and it is comfortable for me to drive.

It isn't as comfortable, powerful or as good handling as my Grand Prix, but that car had to go since my dad hit a deer while driving it.

I frequently take this car to visit my friends that live about an hour and a half away, which is a 190km trip all the way around, and the car has taken me there and back many times without any trouble at all.

I would definitely recommend this car to anybody who is looking for affordable, basic transportation.

1 comment

Recommended reviews

USA Flag Canada Flag

1989 - Spirit Base 2.5

Find one in good shape, and it's a gem

USA Flag Canada Flag

1989 - Spirit Base 2.5 non turbo

Very reliable for the most part

All 1989 Dodge Spirit reviews

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Model year1989
Year of manufacture1989
First year of ownership2009
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 2.5 TBI (Throttle Body Injection) Automatic
Performance marks 6 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.3 / 10
Distance when acquired195486 kilometres
Most recent distance213854 kilometres
Previous carPontiac Grand Prix
Date of Entry 28th June, 2009

All Dodge Spirit reviews

Other CSDO Media Sites: Airline Flight Reviews | Mobile Phone Reviews | Motorcycle Reviews