1992 Dodge Spirit Base review from North America
"Drives and feels better than it looks."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Ignition problems: changed distributor cap and rotor, hall effect sensor, wires. Coil was flaking off with rust and humid.
Aftermarket wires needs very low resistance. My coil could not push through Neihoff brand wires.
Watch for the rotating metal "crown" in the base of distributor underneath the hall effect sensor. Its melted plastic rivets tends to loosen hence random timing.
Speed/Density sensor would stick in cold weather stalling the car at stops and provide no speed on speedometer.
Oxygen sensor went bad.
MAP sensor was good, but slow in response.
Transmission valve body suddenly jammed with crud, making slow jerky shifts. Filter and ATF+3 fluid change plus valve body cleaning helped. (A-413 transmission.)
General comments?
The driving experience is spoiled by the flawed, but solid 3-speed transmission.
Had no problem pulling 2500lbs U-Haul trailer.
Absolutely no rust anywhere even under it.
Fixing this car costs next to nothing, and everything is a breeze to change/repair.
Seats this comfortable on long rides are a blessing.
Heater is great, but flow options are limited and whatever setting makes my contact lenses dry up when driving.(no air to you when on defrost! Cold when -40C outside)
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1992 |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Litres Non-turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 148000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 185000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mitsubishi Mirage |
| Date of Entry | 6th November, 2004 |