7 Reasons the 1985 Dodge Challenger is Still a Hidden Gem for Car Enthusiasts

The 1985 Dodge Challenger might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of 80s muscle cars, but it still has its charm. Sure, it's not the fire-breathing beast its American cousins were in the heyday of Detroit's horsepower wars, but it was something a little different—and that’s what makes it interesting even today. Let’s dive into everything that made the 1985 Challenger tick—its strengths, its quirks, and, yes, its drawbacks (which we’ll laugh about along the way). Because even legends have their off days.

A Look Back at the 1985 Dodge Challenger

First off, let’s get something straight—the 1985 Dodge Challenger wasn’t really a Dodge. It was the product of a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, which makes it more of a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda.

Yeah I know you’re probably thinking, “How is that a Challenger?” Well, it wasn’t the mighty muscle car that bore the same name in the early 1970s. The '85 Challenger was more of a pony car wannabe that embraced smaller engines and fuel efficiency. It was built to compete with imports like the Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude, not to wage war with the Mustangs and Camaros.

So let’s get into it. What does this quirky ‘80s Challenger bring to the table?

Exterior Styling: Boxy but (Kind of) Beautiful

When it comes to the design of the 1985 Dodge Challenger, it’s straight-up 80s. We're talking boxy. We're talking squared-off headlights and taillights. There’s no mistaking this thing for anything other than an 80s car—at least it's got that nostalgic vibe going for it.

Some might call it an acquired taste, but for a lot of car enthusiasts, that boxy design is a big part of the appeal today. The sharp lines and creased panels give it an edgy look, even if it lacks the raw aggression of the original Challenger.

What’s to Love?

• Retro 80s vibe: For those who love the angular design language of the decade
• Compact and sporty: Much smaller than its muscle car predecessor, but still has a sporty appearance
• Pop-up headlights: Because nothing says “1980s cool” like pop-up headlights

Drawbacks?

• Not exactly a head-turner: Let’s be honest, the 1985 Challenger won’t exactly stop traffic today unless someone’s trying to figure out what it is
• Plastic trim: The exterior trim is mostly plastic which, spoiler alert, doesn’t age well

Under the Hood: More Hamster than Horsepower

Ah, now we come to the powertrain. This is where things get, well, a little bit less exciting. Dodge decided to offer the 1985 Challenger with two engines, and neither of them would make your pulse race. You had a choice between a 1.6-liter inline-four or a 2.6-liter inline-four.

Yup, you read that right—four cylinders. In a car that shares a name with a legendary muscle machine. It’s like expecting a tiger and getting a house cat.

The 1.6-liter engine put out about 77 horsepower, while the 2.6-liter engine cranked up a slightly better 105 horsepower. Neither one of these engines will be blowing any doors off.

What’s to Love?

• Fuel efficiency: If you’re looking to save on gas, you’ll get better mileage than any V8 muscle car
• Reliable: Thanks to its Mitsubishi roots, the engines were known to be pretty durable, if a little underwhelming in terms of excitement

Drawbacks?

• “Power” is relative: The 2.6-liter engine offered "big" power… for a lawnmower. Seriously, 105 horsepower wasn’t much even in the 80s.
• Acceleration? What acceleration?: You’ll be hitting 60 mph in about the time it takes to make a sandwich. 0-60 in 10.5 seconds for the 2.6-liter engine. Need we say more?

Driving Experience: Surprisingly Fun… Once You Accept the Reality

Let’s be real here. Driving the 1985 Dodge Challenger today might feel more like cruising in an economy car than a sports car, but it does have its perks. The lightweight chassis and compact size make it feel pretty nimble. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than cornering, so don’t expect it to be some sharp-handling canyon carver.

But if you go in with the right expectations—basically, don't expect it to be a drag strip monster—the car is pretty fun in its own right.

What’s to Love?

• Great visibility: Thanks to its big glass windows and minimal blind spots
• Easy to drive: Light steering and manageable size make it a breeze around town
• Fuel-efficient cruiser: If you’re not in a rush, it’s a comfortable way to get from A to B

Drawbacks?

• Handling is… soft: Let’s just say you won’t be taking any tight corners at high speed without a little body roll
• Brakes are vintage: Stopping power leaves a bit to be desired, so give yourself plenty of room to stop… and maybe a little more

Interior: Welcome to the 80s

Step inside the 1985 Dodge Challenger, and you’ll find more plastic than an action figure factory. Everything from the dashboard to the door panels is made from hard, unyielding plastic. But hey, that’s just how cars were built back then.

One of the cooler things about the interior is the digital dashboard. Back in 1985, that was futuristic. Today, it’s more retro-cool than actually functional, but it’s a fun quirk that gives the Challenger some character.

What’s to Love?

• Digital dash: Very 80s and still cool in a retro way
• Roomy for a coupe: Despite being a compact car, the Challenger has a decent amount of space for both passengers and cargo

Drawbacks?

• Plastic, plastic everywhere: If you’re looking for soft-touch materials, you’re in the wrong car
• Seats could use an upgrade: Let’s just say comfort wasn’t top of mind for the designers, so a road trip might leave you with a sore back

Reliability and Maintenance: The Mitsubishi Secret Sauce

One of the biggest advantages of the 1985 Dodge Challenger is its reliability. Since it’s basically a rebadged Mitsubishi, you get the same solid Japanese engineering that made cars like the Galant so dependable.

Parts availability is still decent, though finding certain trim pieces or interior bits could be tricky. Mechanical parts, on the other hand, are relatively easy to source.

What’s to Love?

• Built to last: If maintained properly, these cars can keep running well beyond 200,000 miles
• Simple mechanicals: No complex electronics or finicky components to worry about—just basic, reliable engineering

Drawbacks?

• Good luck finding trim pieces: Interior parts like plastic trim or door handles may be harder to find these days
• Maintenance can be boring: While reliable, it doesn’t have the same “fix-it-yourself” charm as older American muscle cars that you can wrench on in your garage

Potential for Modding: Don’t Expect Much

Now, if you’re a fan of modifying cars to squeeze out every last bit of performance, the 1985 Dodge Challenger isn’t exactly the best starting point. Sure, you could do a few things to make it more fun—maybe a new intake or exhaust, or even swap in a more powerful engine from a Mitsubishi Eclipse or 3000GT.

But if you’re dreaming of turning this thing into a road-eating monster, you might want to think twice. There’s just not a lot of aftermarket support for this generation of Challenger, which limits what you can do without some serious custom work.

What’s to Love?

• Lightweight: At around 2,700 pounds, it’s light enough that even a little more power could make a noticeable difference
• Swappable engines: If you’re determined, you could always swap in a turbocharged engine from another Mitsubishi model for more power

Drawbacks?

• Limited aftermarket: Good luck finding bolt-on parts for this car—it’s a niche market at best
• Expensive to go fast: If you really want more power, it’s going to cost you, and it might make more sense just to buy a different car that’s fast from the start

Collectibility and Value: Is It Worth Your Time?

Here’s where things get interesting. The 1985 Dodge Challenger is by no means a hot collector’s item—yet. The muscle car boom of the 60s and 70s has made those classic Challengers skyrocket in value, but this 80s version flies under the radar.

That means you can usually find one for a steal. Prices for these cars hover around $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the condition. If you’re looking for a fun and unique classic that won’t break the bank, this could be your ride.

What’s to Love?

• Affordable entry point: You can pick one up for a fraction of the cost of a 60s or 70s Challenger
• Unique: You won’t see many of these at your local car show, so if you want something that stands out, this could be it

Drawbacks?

• It’s a niche market: Don’t expect values to climb significantly anytime soon. You’ll be holding onto it for the love of the car, not as an investment
• Parts scarcity: As mentioned earlier, finding some of the more specific parts could become a treasure hunt

Final Thoughts from Alex Collantes

Alex Collantes, an avid car enthusiast, once said of the 1985 Dodge Challenger: “It’s one of those cars that, at first, doesn’t blow you away. But after driving it for a while, you start to get attached to its quirky charm. It’s not a muscle car, but it doesn’t pretend to be. If you know what you’re getting into, it’s actually a blast to drive.”

There you have it—the 1985 Dodge Challenger. It’s not a tire-shredding monster, and it’s not a car that’s going to appreciate in value like the classic Challengers of the 60s. But if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and quirky ride that’s a blast from the 80s past, this Challenger might just be for you.

Quick Recap of the 1985 Dodge Challenger Pros and Cons:

Pros:

1. Fuel-efficient
2. Reliable Mitsubishi mechanics
3. Quirky 80s styling
4. Affordable entry point into classic cars
5. Fun driving experience for the right expectations

Cons:

1. Lack of power (to say the least)
2. Limited aftermarket support
3. Interior materials leave a lot to be desired
4. Hard to find trim pieces and other small parts
5. Won’t win you any drag races—or beauty contests

So, there you go. The 1985 Dodge Challenger may not be the hero car you expected, but with the right mindset, it could be the underrated classic you end up loving for its imperfections.