Overview
This 3-door hatchback got a little sportier this year in its Shelby model. Along with a retuning that improved the already performance-oriented suspension and brakes, the 1985 Shelby Charger received a new turbocharged, fuel-injection 2.2-liter engine, that hit 146-hp, a 36-hp upgrade from 1984. The result was a Charger that could kick up some dust, reminiscent of its ancestry, and had the power to go along with its racer looks.
The 1985 Charger base and 2.2 hatchback remained the same, powered by the 1.6-liter, 62-hp engine or the 2.2-liter, 85-hp engine respectively. A new engine option for these models in 1985 was the old Shelby 2.2-liter, 107-hp performance engine.
The 1985 Charger was a decent subcompact hatchback, with fold-down seats to increase cargo capacity. Its size, handling, and good gas mileage (19/29) made it a practical city car. The Shelby Charger was popular for its steering and cornering action and its increased speed. Owners also loved the supportive front seats, although admitted that passengers had no room in the backseat.
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Matthew F
Reviewed a 1985 Dodge Charger on Nov 21, 2009
Performance - Quick as hell, Braking could use work but a lil work with after marked parts, handling was amazing. Build Quality - Pretty strong all around. Appearance - Sleeper look with the heart of a champ. Cost of Ownership - Cheap parts for a dodge but quite a pain to work on, small spaces.
Bradley S
Reviewed a 1985 Dodge Charger on May 11, 2009
It was in all honesty the plymouth version of the same car, the plymouth Turismo it had a 2.2L I4 that put out about 110 hp and with a 5 speed it was a pretty quick little hatchback. I was the third owner my uncle and dad had had the car before I go ahold of it, my uncle had taken the power steering pump out and my dad the ac compressor before I got it and finally fixed the overheating problem it had. Overall it was a fun car would love to get my hands on another!
Blair W
Reviewed a 1985 Dodge Charger on Nov 28, 2008
How to review a K-car that I put 12 miles on in my year of ownership? Amazing is the best that comes to mind, my car came to me with a blown headgasket. While replacing that I threw in a huge cam, a 750cfm Holley carb, and, a long tube header with stright pipe. Other wise the car was very stock(shelby suspension and brakes) and very rusty. Once I got it running well eneough and decided to take it for a drive I didnt stop smiling for 3 days. It was by far the slowest and about the worst car I have ever driven and I would give anything for another one.
Steve Z
Reviewed a 1985 Dodge Charger on Jun 22, 2008
Good performance for the age/size of the car, but no room for more than 2 people. the back seat is useless.
1985 Dodge Charger Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Shelby Turbo FWD | $9,939 |
| 2.2 FWD | $7,901 |
| FWD | $6,970 |
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