DODGE COLT

Loved by some, but unappreciated by many. Unappreciated by too many, as mediocre sales number attest.

Still, there are plenty of good things to say about the Dodge/Plymouth Colt that was last re-made for the '93 model year. That year to the three-door Dodge/Plymouth Colt hatchback disappeared from the lineup, replaced by an all-new Colt two-door coupe and four-door sedan. The same was true of the Colt's corporate twin, the Eagle Summit two-door coupe and four-door sedan. 

None of those models have been sold in Canada since the middle of the '90s, when the then-Chrysler Corp. shifted its marketing efforts to the Neon compact sedan and coupe. Yet the savvy used-car shopper will still be able to find an older Colt. Those who do are looking at an economical runabout with above average quality. Unfortunately, Colt owners know what they've got, so Colt prices have remained strong over the years. Tough to find a bargain in a well-preserved Colt.

For those who do, a little background. Both the Colt and Summit were essentially the same vehicle, built for Chrysler in Japan by Mitsubishi Motors. The 1993 Colt/Summit differs from the previous generation ('89-'92) in just about every way. For instance, that year the hatchback was discontinued. Moreover, the newer Colt/Summit models were lighter, bigger, roomier with more a aerodynamic body and restyled interior--the instrument panel and cluster in particular. On the performance and handling front, a fully-independent suspension front and rear became standard, along with an optional 113-horsepower 1.8-litre 16-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) engine, optional four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and an optional sport appearance package with rear spoiler and aluminum wheels. 
While a more powerful engine option was available, the base powerplant (and the one you're most likely to come across in the used market) is the identical 92-hp four-cylinder 12-valve SOHC powerplant which drove the '92 Colt. But note a major difference in transmission choices. The base four-speed manual disappeared, replaced by a manual five-speed. Also new for 1993 was a four-speed automatic transaxle which was optional on Colt/Summit sedans. For 1992 models the only available automatic was a three-speed automatic.

As for the chassis, a more sophisticated rear multi-link independent suspension replaced a fairly primitive three-link torsion axle. Key point: much improved ride and handling in the newer model. Brakes, steering and tires did not change for '93.

As for styling, the more recent cars were sleeker and rounder. For instance where the '92 Colt had a rather squared-off front grille, the '93 was curved, with an integrated front bumper. Inside, instruments and controls were updated to make them more visible and reachable to the driver.

Truth is, the differences between the last version of the Colt/Summit and its predecessor were striking. Still, the discontinued hatchback model was a very versatile car. The last Colt/Summit models we saw were very pleasant cars to drive, with supple road manners and above average handling if you had the larger 14-inch wheels.

Bottom line: I'd recommend one, although in an older used vehicle be sure to insist on a complete mechanical inspection.

CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Dodge Colt 2-door base 
1999-NA
1998-NA
1997-NA
1996-NA
1995-$6,875 ($12,350 original MSRP)
1994-$4,975 ($10,995)
1993-$3,425 ($8,743) 

BUYER'S ALERTS: Look for rough shifting that could be traced to an accelerator switch that is out of adjustment (TSB 210694, April '94); a rattle noise up front could be traced to the front stabilizer bar (020293, March '93); hard starts, mis-firing or rough idling could be traced to spark plug fouling or a bad ground connection for the engine control computer (183195, Oct. '95); transmission cooler hoses that are prone to leaking (212293, July '93); carbon buildup on top of the piston could cause driveability issues (092193, Dec. '93).

For recalls:

1989-91: No. 1995087 refers to a small number of cars that might have plastic from the front seat belt release buttons break and fall into the buckle assembly, resulting in a "no-latch" situation.

THE VERDICT: Very good little economy runabout that continues to hold its value.

CHECK THE SPECS
1993 DODGE/PLYMOUTH COLT/EAGLE SUMMIT

MARKET SEGMENT: sub-compact coupe/family sedan
Typical market competition: Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Ford Escort, Mazda 323/Protege, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Excel, Toyota Tercel. 
Engine: (front engine, front-wheel drive) base engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder SOHC, 12-valves; 92 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 93 lbs-ft torque @ 3,000 rpm; optional engine is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder SOHC, 16-valves; 113-hp @ 6,000 rpm; 116lbs-ft torque @ 4,500 rpm. 
Steering: rack and pinion (power-assist optional).
Brakes: disc front/drum rear; optional system is a four-wheel disc setup with anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tires: standard P145/80R13 all-season radials on coupe and P155/80R13 on four-door; optional is a set of P175/70R13 all-season radials. 
Fuel economy: litres/100km--not yet available, but expect in the range of 8.1 city/6.2 highway for the five-speed manual with the smallest tires and wheels.
Pros
* All-independent suspension give nice ride
* Optional four-wheel disc brakes with ABS rare in this price class
* Better than average quality
Cons
* For those who like the versatility of a hatchback, there is none offered
* Colt/Summit have not enjoyed the same level of success and buyer acceptance that some competitors have enjoyed in the subcompact class

OVERALL SCORE: 8.0 (out of 10)

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 

Access: B
Driving position: B- 
Instruments/Controls: B 
Visibility: B
Climate Control: C 
Steering: C+
Brakes: C+
Handling: B- 
Acceleration: C+ 
Engine: B
Transmission: C 
Interior space: B+ 
Trunk/Cargo: B
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B-

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD 

Overall: B+
Mechanical: B+ 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B-

SAFETY REPORT CARD

Anti-lock braking: available
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/no ('94) 
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): three stars/four stars

INSURANCE HISTORY

Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA 
Theft claim cost rating: NA