1990-1994 Dodge Shadow: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride/handling
- Acceleration (V6, Turbo)
- Cargo room
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Engine noise (4-cylinder)
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1987 along with the nearly identical Plymouth Sundance, this front-drive subcompact first came in 4-door hatchback form, aimed at affluent young buyers. A 2-door hatchback soon followed. Dodge's version was considered the sportier of the pair. Basic engines came in two sizes, 2.2- and 2.5-liter, along with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard across the board; 3-speed automatic optional. A driver-side airbag became standard for 1990. A new turbocharged engine also became available--a 2.2-liter VNT Turbo IV version of the standard 4-cylinder engine. Manual shift only, it was available on the Shadow ES, or on cars with a special competition package.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Shadow ES 2.2-liter 4-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Dodge Shadow:
Something surprising arrived for 1991: a Shadow convertible. Entry-level "America" editions also joined the lineup. By now, Shadow and Sundance were Chrysler Corporation's least expensive domestic cars, thus adopting the stripped-down America designation. Shadow Americas came in both 2- and 4-door hatchback body styles, but only with the 2.2-liter engine. Standard models, now called Highline, came with either normally aspirated engine. The Shadow ES, now listed as a separate model, had a sport suspension and could also get turbo power instead of the standard 2.5-liter four. Converted by American Sunroof Company, convertibles came in both Highline and ES trim, with a manual folding top and plastic rear window.
1992 Dodge Shadow:
During 1992, a Mitsubishi-built V6 engine replaced the turbo four as an option. Otherwise, changes were mainly in appearance.
1993 Dodge Shadow:
Antilock brakes joined the option list for all models, as Shadows got a modified lineup. This year's lowest-priced model was simply called the base Shadow. As before, ES was the upscale edition, with a standard 2.5-liter engine rather than the base 2.2-liter. Base models might have the 2.5-liter as an option.
1994 Dodge Shadow:
To meet federal requirements for passive restraints, Shadows got motorized shoulder belts for front occupants. Air conditioners adopted CFC-free refrigerant.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance is listless with the basic 2.2-liter engine, which is on the noisy side. Action is somewhat better--and smoother--with the 2.5-liter four, which doesn't consume much more fuel, either. It's a better choice with automatic, in particular, but by no means devoid of noise. Either turbo engine delivers swift acceleration, but it's accompanied by plenty of raucous behavior beneath the hood. The V6 engine is smooth and flexible, making a Shadow downright frisky when coupled to manual shift. Lacking an overdrive gear, the 3-speed automatic isn't the best choice for highway gas mileage and quiet cruising. The standard suspension is firm for a domestic car. Handling beats most small cars, even in base form, and Shadows produce a stable highway ride. An ES version is tauter, but not harsh over most pavement surfaces. Quick-ratio power steering has good feel and centers well. Interiors are nicely packaged, with reclining front bucket seats, tachometer, and gauges. Rear-seat room could be better but folding the seatbacks creates a generous cargo hold. Convertibles displayed some cowl shake and body flex even when new, but not to a troubling degree.
Value for the Money
Assembly quality doesn't match that of Japanese competitors, and Shadows aren't the most refined small cars around. Some might call even them mechanically crude. Still, Dodge's subcompact is a solid vehicle that looks good, performs well, and costs considerably less.
Assembly quality doesn't match that of Japanese competitors, and Shadows aren't the most refined small cars around. Some might call even them mechanically crude. Still, Dodge's subcompact is a solid vehicle that looks good, performs well, and costs considerably less.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Shadow ES 2.2-liter 4-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
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 Shadow includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Shadow .
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:
If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the A/C evaporator to freeze up. (1991-94)
Alternator belt:
Deep snow could knock the serpentine belt off the pulleys of a 3.0-liter engine. Installing a shield will solve the problem. (1991-94)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission shudder under light to moderate acceleration could be caused by a leaking front trans pump due to a worn bushing. (1990-94)
Automatic transmission:
41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-94)
Automatic transmission:
Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear. (1993-94)
Cold-starting problems:
2.2- or 2.5-liter engines may idle rough or stumble when first started unless a revised intake manifold (with an "X" cast into the number 1 runner) was installed (1992) or a revised computer (PCM) was installed (1992-93) or the computer was reprogrammed. (1994)
Engine noise:
The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)
Oil consumption:
Oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust valve guides that slide out of the heads. (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 | $450 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $675 |
| Brakes | $250 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $625 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $445 |
| Exhaust System | $260 |
| Radiator | $325 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $330 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $150 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Shadow details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Shadow | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Shadow | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Shadow Convertible | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Shadow | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Shadow Convertible | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Shadow | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Shadow Convertible | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Shadow | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
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 Shadow include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback | 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.0 | 97.2 | 97.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.7 | 171.9 | 171.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | 67.3 | 67.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.6 | 52.7 | 52.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2916 | 2613 | 2884 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 | 33.3 | 33.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 37.4 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 | 33.7 | 33.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
No fewer than four engines were available in 1990 Shadows, from a 93-horsepower base engine to a hot 174-horsepower VNT Turbo, with a 2.5-liter and Turbo I in between. Shadows with the most potent turbo were manual-shift only, but others could have the 3-speed automatic transmission instead. The VNT Turbo was gone after '90, and the other turbo departed in 1992, replaced by a 3.0-liter V6 engine option, which developed 141 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic went with V6 engines, while 4-cylinder Shadows stuck with the 3-speed. Convertibles and the Shadow ES had a standard 2.5-liter engine, while base and America Shadows kept the smaller (2.2-liter) four as standard equipment.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 135 | 93 | 122 | 5-speed manual: 26/33 3-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: 25.2 3-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged ohc I4 | 2.2 / 135 | 174 | 210 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 | 5-speed manual: 19.8 |
| Turbocharged ohc I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 150-152 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 20/26 3-speed automatic: 19/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 141 | 171 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 4-speed automatic: 19/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.7 |
| ohc I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 100 | 135 | 5-speed manual: 24/29 3-speed automatic: 22/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 Shadow include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Shadow |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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%. 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 1990-1994 Dodge Shadow directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
The engine valve cover gasket may become dislocated and allow an engine oil leak.
1991:
Both airbag system front impact sensors may not be secured to mounting brackets, so airbag would not deploy.
1991:
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not be adequately tightened and could loosen, which could cause reduced braking effectiveness that might result in an accident.
1991-92:
Lower driver's seatback attaching bolt can fail and separate.
1991-92:
Steering wheel mounting armature can develop cracks and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column; can result in loss of vehicle control.
1991-94 2-door:
Bolt that attaches recliner mechanism to driver's seatback on certain cars could break; may result in seatback suddenly reclining.
1992:
Zinc plating of some upper steering column shaft coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
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