1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Daytona. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Daytona.

1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Review

The Daytona, introduced for 1984, targeted younger drivers. Fresh front/rear styling arrived for '87, featuring pop-up headlamps. Four-wheel disc brakes went into '89 models. A new interior for 1990 included a fresh dashboard and a new steering wheel that contained a driver-side airbag. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder went into base and ES Daytonas. Two turbocharged engines were also available: a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter version for the ES Turbo (and for Shelbys with automatic), plus a 174-horsepower 2.2-liter VNT Turbo IV. Available only with stick shift, that hotter turbo was standard in the Daytona Shelby and optional with the C/S competition package. For the first time in 1990, Daytonas could be equipped with a V6 engine, broadening the coupe's appeal. Made by Mitsubishi, the 141-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 was optional in base and ES models. This year also brought an improved 5-speed gearbox. Also for '90, Shelbys were available with electronic variable suspension, which used switches to select firm, normal, or soft shock-absorber damping.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Dodge Daytona: The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine got a big torque boost for 1991 (from 180 to 210 pound-feet), renamed "High Torque" Turbo I. Horsepower rose by two. At the same time, the 2.2-liter turbo disappeared. Front suspensions were recalibrated to improve steering feel and straight-line stability. Later in the year, a V6 IROC went on sale.

1992 Dodge Daytona: Antilock braking could be installed in '92, when Daytonas were facelifted with a fresh front end and new tail. Exposed aero headlamps replaced the hidden units and full-width taillamps were installed, along with new outer door panels and side window openings. Optional ABS included rear disc brakes. During the model year, an IROC R/T with a 224-horsepower intercooled turbocharged engine joined the V6 IROC, replacing the prior Shelby model.

1993 Dodge Daytona: Base models could now get antilock braking, but few other changes were evident in the Daytona's final season. The optional 152-horsepower turbo disappeared.

1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes (optional)	Ride

Acceleration (V6, turbo)	Engine noise (turbo)

Handling/roadholding	Rear-seat room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Replacing an earlier 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, the 2.5-liter base engine delivers modest performance and good gas mileage. Turbo model's acceleration rivals that of V8s, with equally impressive handling, but its exhaust is loud, and the stiff suspension turns a city drive into a jarring trek. The V6 isn't as quick as a top turbo, but makes its power with less work and in a smoother, more linear fashion. So, it's the most satisfying choice all around. All engines perform best with a 5-speed, which delivers top-notch action but works with a stiff clutch. Base and ES coupes promise competent handling, but the IROC's stiff suspension and wide tires sharpen reflexes considerably. Ride quality ranges from willowy on the base model, to slightly firmer on an ES, to unforgiving on IROC coupes. Front head room is just adequate for tall drivers, but seats are low and combine with thick roof pillars for a closed-in feel. Fold-down rear seats create a generous cargo area but are small for passengers. Long doors and low front seats make entry/exit a chore.

Value for the Money
Daytonas cannot match the refinement or assembly quality of import rivals. Still, you get decent performance at a reasonable price. Our favorite is the V6 IROC, which is quicker and quieter than base four.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Dodge Daytona ES 3.0-liter 5-speed	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	2

Controls/Materials	3

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	4

Total:	37

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C evaporator freezes up because the compressor does not cycle off causing a lack of cooling. (1991-93)

Automatic transmission: Transaxle may have delayed shift when car is started. Fix requires replacement of the valve body and filter. (1993)

Engine misfire: Blue exhaust smoke at idle or during deceleration indicates bad exhaust valve guide seals on 3.0-liter engines. (1990-93)

Engine stalling: Serpentine drive belt can be knocked off the pulleys when driven through deep snow. Fix requires installation of a shield. (1991-93)

Steering noise: Squeaks when turning require replacement of the strut mount assemblies. (1992-93)

Suspension noise: Sway bar bushing wear causes a squeaking noise from the front suspension. (1992-93)

Windshield washer: Windshield washer nozzles that freeze up are repaired by installing a check valve in the fluid reservoir. (1990-93)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$405

Alternator	$320

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$905

Brakes	$290

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$665

Constant Velocity Joints	$550

Exhaust System	$230

Radiator	$355

Shocks and/or Struts	$335

Timing Chain or Belt	$145

NHTSA Recall History

1990: Engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow oil leak.

1990: On cars with gray interior, airbag inflator modules may not contain diffuser holes between igniter and propellant chambers, so airbag would not deploy in an impact.

1991: Braking ability is reduced by mismatched parking brake cable lengths to the rear wheels.

1991: Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts could loosen, reducing braking effectiveness.

1991: Owner's manual incorrectly states that the front passenger side door cannot be opened from the inside while locked.

1991: The tire pressure placard is incorrect.

1992: The upper steering column shaft coupling bolt could fracture due to improper zinc plating; loss of steering control could result.

1992-93: Spot welds that attach front rails to dash panel may suffer structural damage (such as interference with opening of doors), which could reduce occupant protection during an accident.

1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Daytona	$0	$0	$0
Daytona Shelby	$1,100-1,400	$700-900	$100-200

1991
Daytona	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100
Daytona Shelby/IROC	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200

1992
Daytona	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
Daytona IROC	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1993
Daytona	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
Daytona IROC	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	97.2

Overall Length, in.	179.0

Overall Width, in.	69.3

Overall Height, in.	51.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	2779

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	33.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.0

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	34.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	30.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Standard in base and ES Daytonas was a 100-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. A Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 went into IROC coupes, and was optional in base and ES cars. Only the IROC R/T could have the 224-horsepower Turbo III. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard (mandatory with the most potent turbos). Base cars with the 4-cylinder engine might have a 3-speed automatic transmission, while V6 Daytonas had a 4-speed automatic as an option.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.5 / 153	100	135	5-speed manual: 25/32 3-speed automatic: 23/28	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged ohc I4	2.5 / 153	150-152	180-210	5-speed manual: 21/27 3-speed automatic: 18/24	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged ohc I4	2.2 / 135	174	210	5-speed manual: 20/28	5-speed manual: 20.8

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.2 / 135	225	217	5-speed manual: 19/27	5-speed manual: --

ohc V6	3.0 / 181	141	171	5-speed manual: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 21/28	5-speed manual: 21.2 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1992 Daytona

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1993 Dodge Daytona Review:

Dodge Daytona

Dodge Daytona Road Test

Dodge Daytona Reliability

Dodge Daytona Prices

Dodge Daytona Specs & Safety

Dodge Daytona Photos

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