An economy subcompact sedan, family wagon, or sporty hatchback were the 1987 incarnations of the Dodge Colt, a budget starter car that was high on fuel efficiency and low on frills.

No major changes for the 1987 Dodge Colt. Still on offering were a 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, or 4-door Vista Wagon. A GTS hatchback and sedan were other options for those craving a little more kick to their commute. Base engine was a 1.5-liter, 68-hp I4, while the wagon featured a 2.0-liter, 88-hp I4. Four-speed manual came standard, with an optional 3-speed auto tran. The GTS featured a 1.6-liter turbo and 5-speed manual transmission. Inside, front bucket seats reclined, and the rear seats folded down for more cargo space. There were few comfort features that came standard in the 1987 Colt.

The 1987 Colt got an amazing 32/37 mpg, and its light weight meant the GTS could provide quite an enjoyable blast. The other engines felt a bit underpowered, especially when accelerating from a stop or trying to climb uphill. But owners say once you got it up to speed, the Colt was incredibly energetic. A large trunk was also a surprise. Good reliability made this a great economical car choice, but some owners were disappointed by constant repairs and the aging interior materials. The backseat was much too small for adults to sit comfortably, and the poor acceleration was another drawback.