The Dodge Colt: A Decade-by-Decade Evolution of a Beloved Compact Car
The Dodge Colt was a line of compact cars produced by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1971 to 1994. Over the course of its 23-year production run, the Colt underwent significant changes, including multiple body style redesigns, new engine options, and various trim levels. In this article, we will explore the evolution of the Dodge Colt, covering each decade from its introduction to its discontinuation.
1970s: The First Generation (1971-1978)
The first generation of the Dodge Colt was introduced in 1971 as a 1972 model. This compact car was built on the Chrysler L platform and was designed to replace the Dodge Dart. The initial Colt models were available with a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, which produced 110 horsepower. In 1973, a 198 cubic-inch inline-four engine was added to the lineup, offering more fuel-efficient options for consumers. The Colt’s design was boxy, with a long hood and a short rear deck. The interior was minimalist, with a basic dashboard and manual transmission controls.
Throughout the 1970s, the Colt underwent several updates, including a restyled front grille and taillights for the 1974 model year. In 1976, the Colt gained a new 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, which now produced 130 horsepower. A 360 cubic-inch V8 engine was available in some trim levels, although it was not widely marketed.
Trim levels for the 1970-1974 Colts included the base model, the Dart, and the Custom. Later models saw the addition of the GT and GTX. The most distinctive trim level during this period was the Dart, which added a sportier front grille and stripes. The GT was introduced in 1974 and offered a more aggressive stance, with a lowered suspension and sport-tuned steering. The GTX, introduced in 1976, was the performance-oriented trim level, featuring a 360 cubic-inch V8 engine and a rear spoiler.
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1980s: The Second Generation (1984-1987)
The second generation of the Dodge Colt was introduced in 1984 for the 1985 model year. Designed on the Chrysler G platform, this Colt featured a more aerodynamic design, with rounded lines and a sloping hood. The new engine lineup included a 2.2-liter inline-four, a 2.5-liter inline-four, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The turbocharged model was the most powerful, producing 140 horsepower.
Trim levels for the 1985-1987 Colts included the base model, the Sport, the LE, and the GTX. The Sport was the entry-level trim, featuring a basic interior and manual transmission controls. The LE, introduced in 1985, offered more amenities, including power steering, a rear defroster, and a radio. The GTX was the high-performance trim level, featuring the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a rear spoiler.
In 1986, the Colt gained a new 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which produced 130 horsepower. This engine option was available in the base model and the Sport trim. A 3.0-liter V6 engine was also introduced in 1986, although it was not widely marketed.
1990s: The Third Generation (1990-1994)
The third and final generation of the Dodge Colt was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year. Designed on the Mitsubishi Lancer platform, this Colt featured a more angular design, with a rounded front grille and a sloping hood. The new engine lineup included a 1.6-liter inline-four, a 1.8-liter inline-four, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.
Trim levels for the 1991-1994 Colts included the base model, the RS, the LE, and the Turbo. The RS was the entry-level trim, featuring a basic interior and manual transmission controls. The LE, introduced in 1991, offered more amenities, including power steering, a rear defroster, and a radio. The Turbo was the high-performance trim level, featuring the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a rear spoiler.
In 1993, the Colt gained a new 1.8-liter inline-four engine, which produced 125 horsepower. This engine option was available in the base model and the RS trim. A 2.0-liter inline-four engine was also introduced in 1993, although it was not widely marketed.
Conclusion
The Dodge Colt was a beloved compact car that underwent significant changes over its 23-year production run. From its boxy design and minimalist interior in the 1970s to its more aerodynamic design and turbocharged engines in the 1980s and 1990s, the Colt evolved into a more refined and performance-oriented vehicle. Throughout its history, the Colt was offered in various trim levels, including the base model, Dart, Custom, GT, GTX, Sport, LE, RS, and Turbo.
While the Colt was discontinued in 1994, its legacy continues to be felt in the automotive industry. The Colt’s design and engineering influenced the development of future compact cars, including the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Patriot. Today, classic Colt models remain popular among collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate their simple design, robust engines, and reliable transmissions.
Model Year Breakdown:
- 1972-1978:
- Base Model
- Dart
- Custom
- GT
- GTX
- 1985-1987:
- Base Model
- Sport
- LE
- GTX
- 1988-1990 (not included in this article)
- 1991-1994:
- Base Model
- RS
- LE
- Turbo
Engine Options:
- First Generation (1971-1978):
- 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder (110-130 horsepower)
- 360 cubic-inch V8 (170 horsepower)
- Second Generation (1984-1987):
- 2.2-liter inline-four (86-100 horsepower)
- 2.5-liter inline-four (105-110 horsepower)
- 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four (140-150 horsepower)
- 3.0-liter V6 (130 horsepower)
- Third Generation (1990-1994):
- 1.6-liter inline-four (85-100 horsepower)
- 1.8-liter inline-four (90-110 horsepower)
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (130-150 horsepower)
Transmission Options:
- First Generation (1971-1978):
- 3-speed manual (column shift)
- 3-speed manual (floor shift)
- 3-speed automatic
- Second Generation (1984-1987):
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed automatic
- 4-speed automatic
- Third Generation (1990-1994):
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
Note: Horsepower ratings and trim levels may have varied depending on regional markets and specific model years.
