1994 Plymouth Sundance problems
The Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance are compact 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks that were introduced for the 1987 model year by the Chrysler Corporation. For 1991, a 2-door convertible variant was added to the Shadow lineup; this bodystyle was not offered by Plymouth. The Sundance/Shadow replaced the Omni/Horizon models of their respective marque.
The first vehicle rolled out of Sterling Heights Assembly on August 25, 1986. In late 1988, production of the Mexican market version called the Chrysler Shadow began at Toluca Car Assembly. The Shadow/Sundance was also sold in Europe from 1988 to 1991 as the Chrysler ES. Production ended on March 9, 1994, with the Shadow/Sundance being replaced by the Dodge / Plymouth Neon.
Design
The Shadow/Sundance employed a variant of the K-car platform, the P-body, which was based on a combination of the Dodge Daytona's suspension (alongside some of its interior styling cues) with a shortened version of the Dodge Lancer's body. It had originally been intended as a direct replacement for the earlier Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon, but with the economy segment becoming more crowded after the recent introductions of Hyundai (and Yugo) to the US market, Chrysler chose to make the car a bit more substantial. The P platform, being a cut down version of the regular K platform, was also a bit heavier than the competition. The lineup also had more equipment across the board than expected for the class, at least until the 1991 introduction of the stripped-down America model.
While they appeared to have a trunk, it was actually a hatchback. Chrysler considered this a special feature and advertising literature referred to it as "hidden hatchback versatility"; the relatively large storage capacity of these vehicles was a major selling point for the company. The Peugeot 309 which had been developed to replace the European Chrysler Horizon used a similar layout. While mechanically identical, the Sundance and Shadow were differentiated by their front grill, which featured brand consistent designs, Dodge using a crosshair design and Plymouth an "egg crate" design. They also had different tail lamps. In its final year, the Shadow featured the new Dodge ram's head emblem on the hood, replacing the corporate pentastar.
In the original lineup, the three-door only Shadow ES was the sportiest model, only available with the turbocharged engine and with wider rims and tires than other models.
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Common 1994 Plymouth Sundance problems
The Plymouth Sundance, produced from 1987 to 1994, is a compact car that was based on the Chrysler P-platform, also known as the AP-platform. Despite its mundane nature, the Sundance has a few common problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the most common issues with the Sundance is related to its engine. The car was primarily equipped with Chrysler's 2.2-liter inline-four engine, which was known for its reliability but also had some issues. For instance, some owners have reported problems with the speed sensor, which tends to go bad, particularly in models made before 1992.
Another common problem with the Sundance is related to its transmission. Some owners have reported oil puddles on the manual transmission casing, which is caused by transmission fluid leaking from the transaxle vent.
The interior of the Sundance has also been a source of complaints from owners. Some have reported rattles from the interior, which can be fixed by removing the center console and putting window insulating foam tape on all metal-to-plastic surfaces.
Convertible models of the Sundance have their own set of issues. For instance, the passenger-side mount on convertibles is different from that of non-convertible models, and is only available through Mopar.
Finally, some owners have reported handling issues with the Sundance, which can be improved by replacing the awful Invictas with high-performance all-weather tires.
In summary, the Plymouth Sundance has a few common problems that have been reported by owners, including issues with the engine, transmission, interior, and handling. However, many of these issues can be fixed by contacting a dealer or making simple repairs.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Sundance?
Dodge Shadow
| Dodge Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Also called | Chrysler ES Chrysler Shadow Plymouth Sundance |
| Production | August 1986 – March 1994 |
| Model years | 1987–1994 |
How much horsepower does a Plymouth Sundance Turbo have?
Powertrain specs
| Engine type | 2.2 L Turbo I turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 148 ps (146 bhp / 109 kw) @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm |
| Power / liter | 67 ps (66 hp) |
| Power / weight | 121 ps (120 bhp) / t |
Who makes the Sundance car?
Sold for the 1987 through 1994 model years, the Sundance was Plymouth's compact sedan and coupe, which would collectively replace the Horizon, Turismo, and Reliant, as these vehicles were phased out between 1987-1990.
What was the difference between Dodge and Plymouth?
Dodge and Plymouth have made the same cars for years. They are the same company, (DaimlerChrysler), different 'brands'. Cars like the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Sundance were the same body style with different accessory packages.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Sundance?
Dodge Shadow
| Dodge Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Also called | Chrysler ES Chrysler Shadow Plymouth Sundance |
| Production | August 1986 – March 1994 |
| Model years | 1987–1994 |
How much horsepower does a Plymouth Sundance Turbo have?
Powertrain specs
| Engine type | 2.2 L Turbo I turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 148 ps (146 bhp / 109 kw) @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm |
| Power / liter | 67 ps (66 hp) |
| Power / weight | 121 ps (120 bhp) / t |
Who makes the Sundance car?
Sold for the 1987 through 1994 model years, the Sundance was Plymouth's compact sedan and coupe, which would collectively replace the Horizon, Turismo, and Reliant, as these vehicles were phased out between 1987-1990.
What was the difference between Dodge and Plymouth?
Dodge and Plymouth have made the same cars for years. They are the same company, (DaimlerChrysler), different 'brands'. Cars like the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Sundance were the same body style with different accessory packages.
1994 Plymouth Sundance car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Sundance problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Hydraulic problems
- Seats problems
- Service brakes problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Plymouth Sundance vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Plymouth Sundance
The NHTSA has received 66 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Plymouth Sundance. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Plymouth Sundance vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
- VIN: 1P3AP28D1RN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE SHUT OFF, AND WILL NOT RESTART WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP HAS UNPLUGGED AND REPLUGGED THE COMPUTER CHIP, RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND CHECKED THE SENSORS, EVERY THING WAS OKAY. A MONTH LATER AND ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE FAILURE RECURRED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE REAR WINDOW LIGHT BULB MELTS CONSTANTLY AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-12
- VIN: 1P3AP6833RN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MY 94 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE CAR HAS UNSAFE CAR SEAT BELTS (CAN COME UNDONE WHEN BUMPED BY AN ELBOW, HAND, OR ANOTHER CHILD'S CAR SEAT INSTALLED NEXT TO IT). I AM CONTACTING MY LOCAL DEALER TO MAKE AN COMPLAINT AND ASK FOR A REPLACEMENT TO GEN4 DESIGN SEATBELTS. AS A PARENT, WHY WOULD YOU INSTALL UNSAFE SEATBELTS? WHY ISN'T THERE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL? *LA
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-06
- VIN: 1P3AP28DGRN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL # 99 V 212 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB *SCC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-22
- VIN: 1P3AC643XRN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COME ON AT ALL TIMES. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, BUT IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-18
- VIN: 1P3AP6438RN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE FRONT SEATBACKS FAILED TO REMAIN LOCKED IN PLACE. WOULD RECLINE FORWARD, PUSHING DRIVER/PASSENGER TOWARDS STEERING WHEEL/DASHBOARD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND MECHANIC REFUSED TO LOOK AT PASSENGER'S SEATBACK. DRIVER'S SEATBACK WAS UNDER RECALL AND WOULD REPAIR IT. *AK THE FAILURE OF FRONT SEAT BACK WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN. *YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- VIN: 1P3AP24K3RN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REPORTING BOTH FRONT DOORS ARE DEATTCHING FROM THE HINGES OF A BROKEN WELD; DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE OUT OF IT WARRANTY AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER COST. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: RECALL 99V212 COMPLETED BUT CONSUMER STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH SEATS FLIPPING FORWARD. *SLC
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-11
- VIN: 1P3AP28D9RN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN MOVING SEAT TO A DIFFERENT POSITION IT IS VERY HARD TO ADJUST. ALSO, ONCE WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE SEAT WENT BACK.1P3AP28D9RN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-07
- VIN: 1P3AP24D7RN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: HAD FILLED VEHICLE WITH FUEL. IT STARTED TO SPILL OUT OF INPUT PIPE. FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO REGISTER CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED IN AUGUST 1999. INDICATION WAS SENSOR UNIT WAS NOT IN OPERATION, BUT WAS INTACT. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-11
- VIN: 1P3AP24D9RN
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE, WINDOW WILL COME OFF THE TRACK UNLESS CONSUMER HOLDS ONTO THE WINDOW OR ROLLS DOWN THE WINDOW SLOWLY. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED ONCE. CONSUMER STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WHEN ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3AP28KXRN
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TRAILING ARM FAILED WHILE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY CAUSING A SCRAPING AND GRINDING NOISE. NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-20
- VIN: 1P3AP24D4RN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: REPORTING A RECALL FAILURE; AFTER DEALER REPLACING SEATBACK BOLT CONSUMER NOTICED SEAT WOULD FALL FORWARD FREELY. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WAS NORMAL. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR HELP IN THIS MATTER. CHECKED MY OWNER MANUAL AND LEARNED THAT WAS NOT NORMAL, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY DEALER IS REFUSING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM CORRECTLY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FUEL VAPOR IS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: 1O3AO24DORN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: RECALL REPAIR (99V212000) COULD NOT BE DONE DUE TO DISTANCE / LOCATION OF DEALER. *YC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS REOCCURRING SMOKE AND FIRES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE SPEAKERS. THE FIRES HAS HAPPENED TWICE DUE TO ELECTRICAL WIRING. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-21
- VIN: 1P3AP28K4RN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOUGHT CAR 2/15/98. DEALER NEVER CORRECTED ENGINE PROBLEMS, BUT CONTINUED TO REPLACE DIFFERENT PARTS AND CHARGED FULL PRICE
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-23
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SINCE THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF THE CAR AND CHRYSLER REFUSES TO FIX IT, CLAIMING THE 3-FOOT BARE AREA ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, THE BODY OF THE CAR WILL RUST, RENDERING IT A SAFETY HAZARD BOTH TO MYSELF AND TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1P3AP28D4RN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER'S DAUGHTER'S FINGER WAS CAUGHT IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT RETRACTOR, AND MANGLED HER FINGER. MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HEARD METAL NOISE. ANYTIME VEHICLE SHIFTS THE NOISE IS THERE. MECHANIC FELT UP TO THE AXLE, AND FOUND THAT THE ROD THAT RUNS THROUGH THE REAR AXLE WELDING HAD BROKEN APART. BODY SHOP WELDED IT TOGETHER, AND APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER THE BAR HAD BROKEN AGAIN. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-06
- VIN: 1P3AP24D2RN
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS. SOMETHING IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BROKE, AND THE GLASS FEL INTO THE CAR. IN ADDITION , IT'S HARD TO ROLL THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-28
- VIN: 1P3AP28D7RN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRONG GAS ODOR NOTICED AND A PUDDLE OF GAS WAS FOUND UNDER VEHICLE. A PINHOLE LEAK WAS FOUND IN FUEL TANK.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3AP28D3RN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 20 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3AP28D3RN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 20 MPH REAR END COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. 826514 DUP 0F 825398; POSTED ON 09-07-1999. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR STARTED BURNING, POURING SMOKE INTO THE CAR FROM EVERY VENT AND OPENING POSSIBLE, BACK LEFT WINDOW PANEL ACTUALLY MELTED FROM THE INSIDE, POSSIBLE DUE TO ASHES GETTING BETWEEN THE WINDOW PANELS.
1994 Plymouth Sundance recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Plymouth Sundance.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
- Consequence: IF THE BOLT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Negative 1994 Plymouth Sundance car reviews
Positive 1994 Plymouth Sundance car reviews
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Hi there! I loved reading your story about your 93 Sundance! It sounds like it was the perfect car for you and your wife at the time. It's amazing that the 2.2 engine never let you down and that you were able to sell it 11 years later with 155,000 miles. Although the air conditioning lasted about 9-10 years, it's impressive that the car was still running strong. It's great to hear that you felt like you got your money's worth and that it was a good value for what you paid. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share some information about my car with you. I bought it brand new back in 1994 and it's been a great ride ever since. Last summer, I had to replace the transmission, but other than that, I've had no problems with it. It handles really well on ice and snow, which is great for those winter months. I've always made sure to take good care of it by changing the oil every 3,000 miles and getting it tuned up regularly. It's got a lot of miles on it, but they're all road miles. The interior is in great condition and it's got some nice features like cruise control, tilt steering, a radio with a cassette player, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission. The exterior is pretty nice too, although there are a few door dings. Let me know if you have any questions!
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I'm so glad I bought this car with only 15,000 miles from the Avis rental. It has been incredibly reliable over the years, with minimal repairs needed. Unfortunately, since it now has 126,000 miles, it's time for an upgrade. I'm sad to see it go, especially since they no longer make this model. This car has been on some amazing journeys, including two cross-country trips and five trips from NE to Florida!
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I'm so glad I got this car! I bought it at 33k miles and now it's at 109k, but I wouldn't trade it in for anything. It's just too much fun to drive and I don't think I'd get what it's really worth if I sold it. Maintenance has been pretty standard for a 10-year-old vehicle, with just some minor brake work, new suspension, and replaced tires. The only downside is that Dodge went hybrid with Mitsubishi, so there aren't any performance upgrades available from either company. I wish I could upgrade my V-6 with Mopar/specialized aftermarket upgrades like the Neon gets now, it would be so much fun to tear up some pavement!
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I've had the car for 4 years and it has been great! My father and brother have also owned one and they loved it too. My father's car lasted for an impressive 240,000 miles before the body rusted out. While it may not be the most stylish car, it is incredibly reliable and you'll never have to worry about costly repairs. Plus, it can take a beating without any mechanical issues!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Plymouth Sundance problems:
1994 Plymouth Sundance--No Start--Solved | Allpar Forums
May 22, 2015 ... Now onto my problem and solution. I recently encountered a no start on my Sundance while I was driving, the car just quit. I was able to restart ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1993 Plymouth Sundance Duster ECM and ...
Apr 22, 2009 ... I have a 1993 Plymouth Sundance that has a few problems. ... The most common ... 1994 Sundance Duster edition with the V-6, 3.0 liter Mitsubishi ...
Common Dodge Shadow, Plymouth Sundance, and Duster Repairs
Common Dodge Shadow, Plymouth Sundance, and Duster Repairs ... Recall: 1991-1994 two-door P-cars (Shadow/Sundance). ... Other problems: see the FAQ or our repairs ...
Q&A: 1994 Plymouth Sundance ECM - Expert Answers for Your 94 ...
Apr 14, 2012 ... It has a severe idle problem, especially when cold. It idles very poorly. I have put new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, pcv valve and a new injector ...
Junkyard Classic: 1994 Plymouth Sundance - Come On Down ...
Sep 18, 2019 ... Coupled with a sub-2700lb curb weight they were sprightly enough, likely more so with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox than the optional 3- ...
Other years of Plymouth Sundance
Are you having problems with your 1994 Plymouth Sundance?
Faustino DuBuque 2024-10-29
It's so great to hear about your experience with your car! You bought it back in 1995 with only 8,000 miles on it and had it for almost a decade until fall 2003 when the head gasket failed and the head got cracked. At that time, it had 120,000 miles on it. Although it wasn't worth the 700-1000 to fix it, you had a lot of fun memories with it. You had to replace the automatic transmission (a common complaint with the 94 Duster) at 30,000 miles, replaced the rack and pinion system at 40,000 miles, and the air conditioner failed at around 70,000 miles. Despite all the repairs, it was always a fun little car to drive, great cornering, and great power with the V-6.
Cory Konopelski 2024-05-22
I have owned numerous Plymouth vehicles before, and I can confidently say that this one did not meet my expectations. The head was cracked in four places, and the catalytic converter failed. However, it did start every day this winter. It is possible that the issues were caused by the dealership I purchased it from.
Jamar Renner 2024-04-16
Although it was the first car I ever owned, I regret purchasing it. My parents got it used in 2004 with 115,000 miles, and unfortunately, it has been nothing but trouble since then. The air conditioner, back left speaker, driver's side window, and passenger side door are all in need of repair. Additionally, the paint is peeling off, and there is a rust hole clear through the front of the hood. Unfortunately, it is not a reliable car at all, and I have been stranded on the side of the road multiple times.
Alfredo Smitham 2024-02-07
V6 is fun to drive. It ran great up to 135,000 miles, but overall quality is very bad compared to my 91 Dodge Shadow.