1990 Dodge Daytona Review

20 years old and still starts right up

Written by: George on 05/11/2008

Vehicle

1990 Dodge Daytona 2 Dr Shelby Turbo Hatchback

Review

A 5-start safety rating - without airbags! When younger, my Daytona was scary-fast, stock. Unstoppable in snow, and still starts right up, whether it's -40 or +40 (Celsius). Needed some repairs over the years, but what a trooper this car is. As for handling, this car goes wherever you point it - it's amazing how this car takes corners: with NO body roll, this car saves you when you take corners too fast. Together with the turbo (which has never died on me), this car's performance and handling make it capable of handling almost ANYTHING. I'm sorry mine's getting old - they don't make parts for it anymore, and even the junk yards don't have them. My first car, and best car I ever drove.

Favorite Features

Handling: Pull the steering wheel. The Daytona will go, no body roll, no complaints, no hesitation. Any corner. Very safe. Also, the hatchback on this car can accommodate a couch! I've moved couches with this car. TONS of cargo space. Got up to 40 mpg on the highway once - no lie! Very cheap on gas.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back these old cars that were made solid and last 20 years. Bring back and improve the 2.2L turbo engine, which is economical and strong. Add more courtesy lighting, and improve door hinges which sag over time. Add cup holders, seat-back pockets and map lights in back seat.

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OMG Automatic

Written by: Hunter on 09/14/2006

Vehicle

1990 Dodge Daytona 2 Dr ES Hatchback

Review

This car has been very good to me other then the usual replacements on a used car with 160,000 miles. But I happened to get the automatic, which lets just say all should stay away from, because once one thing goes, it all goes as I found out. The speed stinks. It takes about 1/4-3/8 of a mile to get to 55mph. All the engine and transmission gaskets are leaking, the floor pans are all gone under both passenger and drivers feet, and the supports through the floor pans are broke and about gone.

Favorite Features

Great for fast turns. Got to love the hatchback. MPG, looks, and part availabilities.

Suggested Improvements

The under body. Tthe access when replacing rear shocks. No automatics. The lengths of hoses like the radiator hose is way too long. The wiring has too many cross feeds.

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FLAME

Written by: deaconwise1 on 05/14/2006

Vehicle

1990 Dodge Daytona 2 Dr ES Hatchback

Review

I brought this car for $300.00. It was sitting in a yard. I was told the the engine caught on fire a year earlier. It was sitting since that time. Three of the six spark plug wires were burnt off. But when I try to start it, It turn over on the first crank. But I turn it off quickly. I brought new plugs and wires. Start it again, she purr. Drove it home. Got it tune, oil change, air filter and put new tires on it. I have done little to it. Needed valve cover gaskets. The car runs great. No other problems with it. I drive it to work and all over town. It still turns heads. Body is in good shape. Next a paint job. by the way it eat any 4cyl. car out there. Great on gas!!

Favorite Features

I love the way it sounds. Can't believe it's only 141hp. It gets rubber in the first three gears. Great car for 6cyls. I'm still amazed that I found such a great car for what I paid for her. I had many offers to sell. NO WAY!

Suggested Improvements

I would to put an turbo charger on it. But I think none was made for the 3.0 If so let me know. Trying to find some sort of way to boost her HP. She has a little wear inside and out, but the engine is not only sound but fast. Looking to buy another one. But I know not for $300.00 She one of a kind!!

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Great Car

Written by: Matt on 01/25/2006

Vehicle

1990 Dodge Daytona 2 Dr ES Turbo Hatchback

Review

Since I have owned my 1990 Dodge Daytona she has been very reliable,fun and turns heads everywhere I drive.You have to really appreciate American made cars especially the Chrysler Corporation.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the power doorlocks, powerwindows, heated mirrors, four wheel disc brakes, smooth shifting A-523 transmission and of course the 210 Ft/lb 150 hp 2.5 turbocharged engine.

Suggested Improvements

I think the ES models should have been equipped with air-to-air intercoolers. With a large displacement and plenty of room under the hood it doesnt make sense to not have an intercooler. With cooler air and bumped up horspower Im sure this car would hang with other domestics on the street.

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Awesome car

Written by: Eric on 02/01/2005

Vehicle

1990 Dodge Daytona 2 Dr ES Hatchback

Review

Greatest car I have ever driven. I bought it with a minor idle problem and thats all, I had to clean out a "vent" in the oil pan. Very reliable. There are a lot of people who have gotten 200,000+ miles out of the V6 :). It spent two weeks parked outside during a -20 weather spell and turned over once or twice before it started. It also handles beautifully and accellerates quite well. You may have a bit of trouble finding body kits, engine mods, etc., but they are out there. The interior is great too, as long as you don't look at the rear seats. The front seats have plenty of leg room as long as you don't have anyone sitting in the rear. They really could have just taken the rear seats out..

Favorite Features

The way it smokes any car I've raced on winding roads. It will also do 140 after a purchase price of $900 and a few repairs and mods of ~$100.

Suggested Improvements

Don't get the automatic, I've heard a lot of bad things about the durability of them.

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