1986 Dodge Charger Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Subcompact hatchback is not the first words that come to mind when someone says Charger, but this late '80s version of the '60s bullet car proved to be a fun little ride in itself, particularly when you found yourself behind the wheel of the turbo-powered Shelby Charger.

There are only two changes for the 1986 Dodge Charger. The base hatchback, though standard with the 1.6-liter, 62-hp engine, is now available with the optional 2.2-liter engine now rated at 96-hp. The 2.2 hatchback is available with the optional sports-tuned 107-hp engine from the old Shelby Charger. The 1986 Shelby Charger throws you back in its supportive seats with a turbocharged 2.2, 4-cylinder engine at 146-hp. Five-speed manual is standard, with an optional 3-speed automatic.

The other change in all 1986 Chargers is the government-required addition of a high-mounted rear brake light. Being an affordable hatchback with lots of cargo room made the Charger very appealing to buyers. For the money, you got a fairly reliable car that handled well and had decent engine power for its size, though some owners wished for even more. One criticism was the difficulty in finding aftermarket parts.