1988 Dodge Aries LE 2.5 L 4 cyl

Summary:

It's a very reliable, economical and good looking ride

Faults:

Stock hoses started to fall apart at 36000.

Head gasket started leaking.

Heater control valve wore out.

Had to convert the AC from freon to R135 (because of government regulations).

Heater core wore out about 35,000 miles.

Had to replace fan relay.

In 14 yrs only 2 stock tires had two be changed.

Headliner fabric stared to fall down in 2003.

General Comments:

The things that have gone wrong are minor things that come with old age.

The K car was handed down to me by my beloved grandfather, after he considered himself too sick to drive it.

The sentimental value is through the roof; I wouldn't want to give it up.

For a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine it is surprisingly peppy.

The '88 Dodge Aries is very reliable.

It is quite good looking for an old car. The boxiness is distinguishing.

I highly recommend the K car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2005

15th Feb 2005, 06:41

Yeah, well driving a K-car for 17 years would make anyone sick.

And that's an Aries LE, not an EL!

15th Feb 2005, 15:31

And the "LE" stood for, believe it or not, "Luxury Edition" lol.

9th Apr 2005, 00:05

OK review. I think the K car is not as cool as the newer cars, but its really good looking for its time. Also it's a peppy little car.

1988 Dodge Aries K 2.5 Liter

Summary:

I would gladly bump off one of my friends to keep this car

Faults:

The only thing wrong is that the blower is permanently stuck on half forward defrost and half floor. It's probably just a blown vacuum seal, but I have never bothered to get it checked out because it really doesn't bother me.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute trooper. It is my first car, and I could not ask for anything more. It has always been with me for whatever I need it for.

The 2.5 liter engine provides fairly surprising pep, and still gets good mileage. 22/31 mpg (not bad for a 13 year old car!)

I really prefer the bench seat to confining bucket seats that other cars have.

She is still running great and I will gladly keep her for as long as I possibly can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2001

23rd Jun 2002, 13:24

I like the car, but I wish there were something to make it more stylish. It's comfy and cozy, it is great with gas compared to the newer cars.

26th Jul 2002, 12:49

My daughter bought this car as her first, it is perfect. She gets 26 miles to a gallon of gas and the best part is... it has only been driven 32,000 miles. It will be great for her to drive while in college.