1985 Dodge Daytona Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$8,931 to $12,046

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.0

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(7 reviews)
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Fast. That describes how your money will leave your wallet if you're purchasing a high-performance sports car. Unless you're buying a Dodge Daytona. In this case, "fast" applies only to this budget-minded hatchback's action on the highway. It's an economy car in terms of cost and mileage, but it doesn't behave the way you think an economy car would. Essentially replacing the sporty Challenger, this 3-door hatch comes in three trims -- one base and two turbos.

The 1985 Dodge Daytona boosted its already rocket-like 2.2-liter turbo engine from 142 to 146-hp. The base model 2.2-liter I4 wasn't too shabby at 93-hp. But the Turbo was the street racer. With its long sloping front end and almost fastback-like hatch, it had the looks to match the engine power. Also new in 1985, all trims received the rear spoiler that previously only existed on the Turbo Z. Now even the base owners could look cool.

Opinion seems to be that the Daytona is fast and fun and, oh yeah, FAST, and the Turbo models feature great performance and awesome sound. The dash controls are well laid out, say owners. There are few complaints about the 1985 Daytona. Some question its reliability, while others say it can take a beating. There was some mention of starter problems.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
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User reviews for 1985 Dodge Daytona

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by Anonymous
Apr 24, 2013
I went with the 4 cyl version so as to try to reduce my traffic enfractions. My 4-4-2 and Mustang got me pulled over so much, I - TO THIS DAY - can tell you my drivers license number. This was a nice comfortable ride - ver dependable and easy to maintain.Apr 24, 2013
by Ozzie C
Jan 28, 2011
Performance- The performance is a little lacking with the N/A 2.2. It seems like it can't flow enough air through the TBI fuel injection, even with bigger exhaust and no cat it doesn't have much power. Handling is terrible on mine because it needs 4 new shocks Build Quality- its a typical 80's Dodge, half the interior parts are either broke or missing, but it could have been all the neglect and abuse from the previous owner. Appearance- Looks fast, but isn't, makes me want to grow my hair out turn on some Motley Crue and buy a jean jacket Cost of ownership is awesome, I'll still have less than $1000 in it even after I put new shocks, struts, and windshield in it. Fun Factor- Its actually a really good driving car, terribly simple, cheap and easy to fix, and its built really well. Jan 28, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2010
This car was an 80's icon. Great styling for the 1980's. Sleek exterior and futuristic interior. For a front wheel drive 4 banger with turbo, it was a great performer. In its day, other cars with V8s were bogged down with smog control and these cars, when equiped with a turbo, could run with and out perform a lot of them. (especially the Shelby variant sister cars) Build quality left some to be desired but was not all bad. Some paint was known to flake and electronics sub-par. Power window track gear breaks easily and were plastic. The automatic transmissions were awful but who would want the auto-trans anyway? Gas milage as I remember was about average for a four cylinder. The driving experience was fun. Front-wheel drive helped the handling but the turbo torque and turbo lag took getting used to. You had better have the wheels pointed where you wanted to go when the turbo spun up. I had immense fun with the car and many fond memories. Jan 24, 2010

1985 Dodge Daytona Pricing

Original MSRP
$8,931 to $12,046
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Dodge Daytona price trends

Trims & specs

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (3)

Other years

1985 Dodge Daytona For Sale