1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Handling
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Cousin to Chrysler's New Yorker, the Dynasty, was introduced in 1988. It carried less equipment, a smaller price tag, and came in Base and LE editions. New for 1990 was a driver-side airbag. Also new was an optional 3.3-liter V6 on LEs. Prior models had come with either a 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic, or a 3.0-liter V6 with 4-speed automatic. Antilock braking was an option on V6 models.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Dynasty 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Dodge Dynasty:
These 6-passenger sedans showed little change. Base and LE sedans remained available.
1992 Dodge Dynasty:
Chrysler's closely related New Yorker Salon earned fresh styling this year, but the family-focused Dodge Dynasty showed little change.
1993 Dodge Dynasty:
Minor details were the only changes for the final Dynasty sedans, as they faced replacement by the larger Intrepid as Dodge's mid-size family car. A stainless steel exhaust system was installed, along with a tamper-resistant odometer and an upgraded audio system.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Both V6 engines are vastly superior to the 4-cylinder, but neither qualifies as a speedster. Even with a 3.0-liter V6, acceleration in a Dynasty is far from brisk, though certainly adequate. The standard four is feebler yet, but the 3.3-liter V6 is quicker than either. It has more torque than the 3.0-liter, thus slightly better response around town. The V6 comes only with Chrysler's 4-speed automatic transmission, which often is slow to downshift for passing and also tends to vibrate and jolt while changing gear. The transmission might even emit a loud whining noise. Gas mileage is likely to be roughly the same, regardless of engine. A test Dynasty with the 3.0-liter V6 averaged 19.6 mpg. The Dynasty's soft, generally comfortable ride is pleasing, but expect a lot of body lean and tire squeal through anything more than a gentle turn. Although the chassis absorbs bumps well, the suspension feels loose and bouncy at highway speeds. Soft all-season tires tend to whine and roll over onto their sidewalls in curves and corners. Dynasty offers plenty of room for five or six people and a load of luggage, though four will be more comfortable. Middle passengers in either the front or back seat will have to squeeze somewhat, however, because the interior is not terribly wide. On the plus side, the functional design provides plenty of leg room and adequate head room in the rear.
Value for the Money
This traditionally styled mid-size sedan delivers conservative performance and marginal handling, along with its rather fluffy ride. In all, it's a lackluster yet well-designed front-wheel-drive family sedan that could prove to be a good practical vehicle.
This traditionally styled mid-size sedan delivers conservative performance and marginal handling, along with its rather fluffy ride. In all, it's a lackluster yet well-designed front-wheel-drive family sedan that could prove to be a good practical vehicle.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Dynasty 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Dynasty includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Dynasty .
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)
Engine noise:
A chirping serpentine belt is corrected by a replacement automatic belt tensioner. (1991-93)
Engine stalling:
Stalling, lack of power or erratic transmission shifting may be due to a faulty fuel pump check valve. (1993)
Suspension noise:
Sway bar bushing wear causes a squeaking noise from the front suspension. (1992-93)
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 | $265 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $550 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $355 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $335 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $145 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Dynasty details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Dynasty | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Dynasty | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Dynasty | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Dynasty | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Dodge Dynasty include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2971 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only a 4-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter V6 had been available in 1988-89, but the 1990-93 Dynasty might have a 3.3-liter V6 instead. Base cars got the 100-horsepower 4-cylinder, whereas a Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 went into the LE and was optional in the base model. Built by Chrysler, the 3.3-liter V6 was an option for the LE. Four-cylinder cars got a 3-speed automatic transmission, but all V6 models had a 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 100 | 135 | 3-speed automatic: 21/27 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 141 | 171 | 4-speed automatic: 21/28 | 4-speed automatic: 19.6 |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 147 | 183 | 4-speed automatic: 20/26 | 4-speed automatic: 20.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Dynasty include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Dodge Dynasty directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
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.
1990-91 w/ABS:
High-pressure hose in antilock brake system may leak or detach at crimped end fitting, resulting in discharge of hydraulic fluid, which increases likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances.
1990-91:
On cars without automatic temperature control, water leakage under windshield cowl may result in corrosion of heater blower resistor terminals.
1990-93 w/ABS:
Hydraulic control unit can experience excessive piston seal wear; antilock braking could fail, and power assist might be reduced.
1991:
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not be adequately tightened and could loosen, which could cause reduced braking effectiveness.
1991:
Front-outboard seatbelt may become difficult to latch and/or unlatch; latch may then open during accident or sudden stop, increasing risk of injury.
1992:
Zinc plating of some upper steering column shaft coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt, which could result in loss of steering control.
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