View source for Dodge Colt

{{for|the 1992 and later Dodge/Plymouth Colt wagons|Mitsubishi RVR}}
{{distinguish|Mitsubishi Colt}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Dodge-Colt-hatchback.jpg
| name = Dodge Colt
| manufacturer = [[Mitsubishi Motors]] for [[Chrysler|Chrysler Corporation]]
| model_years = 1971–1994 (US)<br />1971–1995 (Canada)
| assembly = [[Kurashiki]], [[Okayama]], Japan<br/>Thailand: [[Laem Chabang]] ([[Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand)|MMTh]])
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]] (1971–1981)<br />[[Subcompact car|Subcompact]] (1979–1995)
| aka = Plymouth Champ<br />Plymouth Colt<br />Eagle Summit<br />Plymouth Cricket
| successor = [[Dodge Neon|Dodge/Plymouth Neon]]<br />[[Eagle Summit]] (For sedan, U.S. only)
| caption = 1989-1992 Dodge Colt
}}

The '''Dodge Colt''' is a [[subcompact car]] manufactured by [[Mitsubishi Motors]] and marketed by [[Dodge]] for model years 1971 to 1994 as a [[captive import]]. [[Rebranding (automobile)|Rebadged]] variants included the '''Plymouth Champ''' and '''Plymouth Colt''', both were marketed by [[Plymouth automobile|Plymouth]].

The Colt was initially a rebadged variant of the rear-wheel drive [[Mitsubishi Galant|Galant]] and [[Mitsubishi Lancer|Lancer]] families before shifting to the smaller front-wheel drive [[Mitsubishi Mirage]] subcompacts in 1979.

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==First generation (1971–1973)<span class="anchor" id="1"></span><span class="anchor" id="First"></span><span class="anchor" id="1971"></span>==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| production = 1971–1973
| aka = Mitsubishi Colt Galant<br />[[Mitsubishi Galant]]<br />Plymouth Cricket (CDN)
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]] <br />2-door [[hardtop]] (pillarless coupe) <br />4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]] <br />5-door [[station wagon]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| engine = 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| image = 1973DodgeColt.jpg
| caption = 1973 Dodge Colt HT Coupe
}}
[[File:1973DodgeColt-rear.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|1973 Dodge Colt HT Coupe rear view]]

Introduced in 1970 as a 1971 model, the first generation Dodge Colt was a federalized first-generation [[Mitsubishi Galant#A51|Mitsubishi Colt Galant]]. Available as a 2-door pillared coupe, 2-door hardtop coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon, the Colt had a {{convert|1597|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} 4-cylinder engine. The unibody layout was traditional, front engine and rear-wheel drive with [[MacPherson strut|MacPherson]] struts in front and a live rear axle. Standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, with a 3-speed automatic being an option. The engine was initially rated for {{convert|100|hp||0|abbr=on}}, but dropped to {{convert|83|hp||0|abbr=on}} in 1972 when manufacturers revised the method of measuring horsepower from gross to SAE net. For 1973, a GT hardtop coupe model was added featuring rally stripes, sport wheels, and a center console amongst other features.<ref>{{cite book | title = Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990 | first=James M. |last=Flammang | publisher = Krause Publications | location = Iola, WI | page = 192 | year = 1994 | isbn = 0-87341-158-7 }}</ref> The Dodge Colt was Chrysler's response to the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Ford Pinto]], and [[Chevrolet Vega]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allpar.com/model/champ.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131216224635/http://www.allpar.com/model/champ.html | archive-date = 2013-12-16 | website = Allpar.com | title = The first Chrysler Mitsubishis: Dodge Champ, Dodge Colt, and Plymouth Colt | first = Sean | last = Cappuccio }}</ref> As a [[captive import]] from [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]], the Colt also competed directly with other Japanese imports, such as the [[Toyota Corolla (E20)|Toyota Corolla]], [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] and [[Nissan Sunny|Datsun 1200]].<ref name="SubComCult">{{cite web | last = Lilienthal | first = Andy | url = http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/08/nostalgic-subcompact-dodge-colt.html | title = Nostalgic Subcompact: Dodge Colt, Mitsubishi Mirage, and its other Eagle and Plymouth cousins | publisher = Subcompact Culture | date = 2009-08-17 | access-date = 2011-05-19 }}</ref>
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==Second generation (1974–1977)<span class="anchor" id="2"></span><span class="anchor" id="Second"></span><span class="anchor" id="1974"></span>==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1976 Dodge Colt Carousel 2-Door Hardtop in Black, front left, 2024-10-04.jpg
| name = Second generation
| production = 1974–1977
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Galant#Second|Mitsubishi Galant]] <br /> Chrysler Galant/Valiant Galant (AUS) <br /> Plymouth Colt (CDN) <br /> Plymouth Cricket (CDN)
| body_style = {{unbulleted list | 2-door [[hardtop]] (pillarless [[coupe]]) | 2/4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 5-door [[station wagon]] }}
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| engine = {{unbulleted list | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] [[Inline-four engine|I4]] | 2.0&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G52|''G52B'']] I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| caption = 1976 Dodge Colt Carousel 2-Door Hardtop
}}
[[File:1978 Dodge Colt wagon.jpg|thumb|left|Lightly modified Dodge Colt wagon with post-1975 larger bumpers]]

Based on the [[Car platform|platform]] of the first generation model, the Galant sedans and coupes received a new, somewhat rounder body in 1973, while wagons continued with the old body with a facelifted front end. The new version, with single headlights rather than the doubles of the previous generation, became the 1974 Dodge Colt in the US, available in the same bodystyles as the first one. The base engine also remained the same, but a larger [[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G52|G52B "Astron"]] engine became optionally available, originally only in combination with the automatic transmission. Later, the 2-liter engine became available with a manual transmission as well and was made standard fitment in the GT coupe. The 2-liter engine developed {{cvt|96|hp|kW|0}} at 5500&nbsp;rpm, with the California version making two fewer horsepower.<ref name=RT2509>{{cite magazine | magazine = [[Road & Track]] | date = May 1974 | title = Road Test: Dodge Colt GT 2-liter | editor-first = Ron | editor-last = Wakefield | pages = 62–64 | volume = 25 | issue = 9 | publisher = CBS Consumer Publishing Division }}</ref> Ratings varied from {{cvt|79|-|83|hp|kW|0}} for the smaller one and {{cvt|89|-|96|hp|kW|0}} for the larger engine in different publications and across the years.<ref name="scimp1">Flammang, ''Standard Catalog of Imported Cars'', p. 193</ref><ref name="AR76">{{cite book | ref = AR76 | title = Automobil Revue '76 | editor1-last = Braunschweig | editor1-first = Robert |display-editors=etal| language = de, fr |publisher=Hallwag | pages = 362–363 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 71 | date = 11 March 1976 | isbn = 3-444-60023-2 }}</ref>

A four-speed manual or three-speed automatic remained available, although the original Borg-Warner automatic transmission was replaced by Chrysler's own Torqueflite unit in the 2-liter version.<ref name=RT2509/> The Torqueflite later supplanted the old Borg-Warner unit entirely. For 1977 a five-speed manual became available (standard in the GT and Carousel coupes). The Carousel, introduced in 1975 along with larger bumpers, was more luxurious and carried special blue and white paint. For 1977, the [[Balance shaft|"Silent Shaft"]] version of the smaller engine became available and was fitted as standard equipment in GT and Carousels. The introduction of the new Dodge Colt "Mileage Maker" meant there was a mix of second and third generation models in 1977. The second-generation 2-door hardtops and wagons continued to be offered alongside the new 2- and 4-door "Mileage Makers". The wagon was also available with an "Estate" package that included woodgrain applique on the body sides and adjustable reclining front seats.

This model was also sold as the Dodge Colt 1600 GS in South Africa, only as a two-door hardtop coupé.<ref name=SAMotor>{{cite journal | ref = SAM1275 | journal = SA Motor | title = News Models | page = 59 | editor-last = Howard | editor-first = Tony | publisher = Scott Publications | location = Cape Town, South Africa | date = December 1975 }}</ref>

In Canada, the second-generation Dodge Colt was rebadged as the ''Plymouth Cricket'' for the 1974 and 1975 model years &mdash; not to be confused with the rebadged [[Hillman Avenger#1971–1973: Plymouth Cricket|Hillman Avenger]], marketed in the United States for model years 1971-1973 without success. All Canadian Crickets for model years 1974-1975 Crickets the grille from the 1974-1977 Dodge Colt station wagons. All Colt body styles were shared with the Cricket, with the Cricket equivalent of the Colt GT marketed as the Cricket Formula S. These second-generation, Canada-only Crickets were rebadged as Plymouth Colts for 1976.
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==Third generation (1977–1979)<span class="anchor" id="3"></span><span class="anchor" id="Third"></span><span class="anchor" id="1977"></span>==
{{multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 180
| header = 1978 Plymouth Colt (Canada)
  | image1  = 1978PlymouthColt.jpg
  | caption1 = Front view
  | image2  = 1978PlymouthColt-rear.jpg
  | caption2 = Rear view
 }}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1977-78 Dodge Colt.jpg
| name = Third generation "Mileage Maker"
| production = 1977–1979
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Lancer/Celeste (A70)|Mitsubishi Lancer]]<br />Plymouth Colt
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2340|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| engine = 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| caption = 1977-1978 Dodge Colt
}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name       = Third generation wagon
| production = 1978–1981
| aka        = [[Mitsubishi Galant#Third|Mitsubishi Galant Sigma]]<br />[[Chrysler Sigma]]<br />[[Mitsubishi Sigma]], Colt Sigma
| body_style = 5-door [[station wagon]]
| layout     = [[FR layout]]
| wheelbase  = {{convert|2515|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| engine     = {{unbulleted list | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 2.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G54|''4G54'']] I4 }}
| related    = [[Mitsubishi Galant Lambda]]<br />[[Dodge Challenger]]
}}

The third-generation Dodge Colt effectively comprised two lines: coupes and sedans were of a smaller, Lancer-based series, and the station wagons were based on the new [[Mitsubishi Galant#Third generation|Mitsubishi Galant Sigma]]. In late 1976, for the 1977 model year, the smaller A70-series [[Mitsubishi Lancer/Celeste (A70)|Mitsubishi Lancer]] became the Dodge Colt available in two-door coupe and four-door sedan body designs. While the wheelbase was slightly shorter than that of the second generation Colt, overall length was down from 171.1 to 162.6&nbsp;inches (4346 to 4130&nbsp;mm). The new Colt was also referred to as the Dodge Colt "Mileage Maker" to differentiate it from its larger predecessor. Second generation coupe and wagon versions remained on sale for the 1977 model year.<ref name="scimp1"/>

The engine was the ''4G32'' iteration of Mitsubishi's [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine|Saturn engine family]] 1597&nbsp;cc rated at {{convert|83|hp|kW|0|abbr=out}} at 5,500&nbsp;rpm. A "Silent Shaft" ([[balance shaft]]) version of this engine along with a five-speed manual transmission (instead of the standard four-speed) were part of a "Freeway Cruise" package, which also included a maroon/white paintjob. For 1978 power dropped to {{cvt|77|hp|kW|0}} with the introduction of the "[[Mitsubishi MCA|MCA-Jet]]" high-swirl system.<ref name="scimp2">Flammang, ''Standard Catalog of Imported Cars'', pp. 194-195</ref>

For 1978 a new Dodge Colt wagon was the larger, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Galant#Third generation|Mitsubishi Galant Sigma]]. The 1.6-litre [[Mitsubishi MCA|MCA-Jet]] four as the smaller sedans and coupes was standard with the 2.6-litre, {{cvt|105|hp|kW|0}} [[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G54|Astron engine]] optional as well as a five-speed manual transmission.<ref name=BG79>{{citation | ref = RT79 | title = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979 | date = January–February 1979 | page = 92 }}</ref> While the last year for the Lancer-based Colts was 1979, the wagon was continued alongside the front-wheel drive Mirage-based fourth generation models until 1981 when it was effectively replaced by the domestic [[Dodge Aries]] K wagon. The larger [[Mitsubishi Galant Lambda]] coupé was also marketed as the [[Dodge Challenger|Dodge Colt Challenger]] from 1978, although the "Colt" part was later dropped. It shared the chassis as well as the engine options of the Colt wagon.<ref name=BG79/>

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==Fourth generation (1979–1984)<span class="anchor" id="4"></span><span class="anchor" id="Fourth"></span><span class="anchor" id="1979"></span>==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Fourth generation
| image = Plymouth Champ.jpg
| production = 1979–1984
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]/Colt<br />[[Mitsubishi Mirage#1978|Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore]]<br />Plymouth Colt<br />Plymouth Champ
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br />5-door [[hatchback]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| engine = 1.4&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G12|''4G12'']] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]  <br />1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] I4<br />1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32T'']] [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I4
| caption = 1979-1982 Plymouth Colt
}}

In late 1978 for the 1979 model year, the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ were marketed as North American captive imports, as rebadged variants of the [[front-wheel-drive]] [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]. The Colt and Champ (Plymouth Colt after 1982<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Flammang | first1 = James | last2 = Covello | first2 = Mike | date = 1 October 2001 | title = Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002 |location=Iola, Wisconsin |publisher=Krause Publications | pages = 503–504 | isbn = 9780873416054}}</ref>) as a 3-door hatchback in Deluxe or Custom equipment levels. These imports used a {{convert|70|hp|kW|0|abbr=out}} [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G12|Mitsubishi Orion 4G12]] 1.4-liter overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine at first, which received the highest [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] [[fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] rating in its debut year. This engine was joined by the 1.6-liter, {{cvt|80|hp|kW|0}} [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|4G32 Saturn engine]] at the end of the year.<ref name="scimp2"/> For 1981, a decontented version was introduced. An RS package also became available, with stiffer suspension, sportier interior with extra gauges, and a larger fuel tank.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 | issue = January–February 1981 | title = 1981 Buyer's Guide | editor-first = Tony | editor-last = Hogg | page = 92 }}</ref>

{| style="float:left; font-size:90%; margin: .4em 1em 0 .2em;"  class="wikitable" width="20%"
|-
! colspan="3"|Colt US Sales<ref name="scimp2"/>
|-
! Year
! 3-door
! 5-door
|-
| 1979
| align="right" | 60,521
| align="right" | —
|-
| 1980
| align="right" | 83,711
| align="right" | —
|-
| 1981
| align="right" | 84,144
| align="right" | —
|-
| 1982
| align="right" | 52,355
| align="right" | 22,675
|-
| 1983
| align="right" | 46,479
| align="right" | 27,192
|-
| 1984
| align="right" | 44,724
| align="right" | 19,657
|}

There were three manual transmissions and one automatic transmission available. There was a KM110 four-speed manual transmission or a [[Mitsubishi Super Shift transmission|"Twin Stick" (Mitsubishi Super Shift)]] version of the transmission that used a two-speed transfer case to give 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds. There was also the option of a KM119 five-speed manual transmission or a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission.

[[File:Plymouth Champ (1).jpg|thumb|left|Rear view of the Plymouth Champ, showing the large federal bumpers]]
For 1982, a five-door hatchback joined the lineup. The names of the equipment levels changed to "E" and "DL". At some point claimed power dropped to 64 and 72&nbsp;hp respectively for the small and large engines, while the 1.6 was only available with the automatic transmission. In August 1983, for the 1984 model year (which was to be the last year of this model of Colt), the GTS Turbo model arrived along with a naturally aspirated GTS package, similar to the earlier RS one.<ref name=plym84>{{citation | ref = PC84 | title = 1984 Colt and Colt Vista | date = August 1983 | pages = 4–5 | publisher = Chrysler Corporation | type = catalog | id = 81-005-40011 }}</ref> Unique for North America - the turbocharged Colt/Mirages sold elsewhere had a 1.4-litre engine - this used the fuel-injected 1.6-litre 4G32T engine also seen in the next-generation Colt, providing {{cvt|102|hp|kW|0}} at 5500&nbsp;rpm and considerable performance. It, too, featured the eight speed Twin Stick transmission and also received ventilated brakes in front.<ref name="SubComCult"/><ref>{{cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985 | editor = Mastrostefano, Raffaele | publisher=Editoriale Domus | ref = TAM85 | year = 1985 | page = 253 | language = it | location = Milano | isbn = 88-7212-012-8 }}</ref> Both GTS models, available with three-door bodywork only, received a larger {{convert|13.2|gal|L|abbr=on}} gas tank rather than the E and DL's {{convert|10.6|gal|L|abbr=on}} tank.<ref>[[#PC84|''1984 Colt catalog'']], p. 15</ref> They also featured a sporty appearance with uprated suspension, blacked out trim details, and a sizable front air dam.<ref name=plym84/>

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==Fifth generation (1985–1988)<span class="anchor" id="5"></span><span class="anchor" id="Fifth"></span><span class="anchor" id="1985"></span>==
{{for|the Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista|Mitsubishi Chariot}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Colt 1 12-26-2009.jpg
| caption= 1987–1989 Dodge Colt three-door
| name         = Fifth generation
| production   = 1984–1991
| model_years  = 1985–1988 (USA)<br>1985–1991 (Canada)
| aka          = {{ubl
  | Dodge/Plymouth Colt 100 (Canada)
  | Mitsubishi Colt
  | [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]
  | [[Mitsubishi Mirage#Fifth|Mitsubishi Lancer]]
  | [[Eagle Vista]] (Canada)
  | Plymouth Colt
  }}
| body_style   = {{unbulleted list | 3/5-door [[hatchback]] | 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 5-door [[station wagon]] }}
| layout       = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[front-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
| engine       = {{ubl
  | 1.5&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#G15B|''G15B'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G61|''4G61'']] [[DOHC]] I4 (Wagon)
  | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|''4G32'']] [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I4
  | 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G37|4G37]]'' I4 (4x4 Wagon)<ref name=TAM>{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990 | editor = Mastrostefano, Raffaele | publisher=Editoriale Domus | year = 1990 | page = 186 | language = it | location = Milano }}</ref>
  }}
| transmission = 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br />4/5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase    = {{convert|93.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length       = Hatch: {{convert|157.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />Sedan: {{convert|157.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|63.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|50.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
}}

Beginning in September 1984, the fifth generation Dodge/Plymouth Colt was marketed for model year 1985, as three door hatchbac, four door sedan, and as a five-door minivan/station wagon marketed the Dodge/Plymouth "Colt Vista"; a rebadged [[Mitsubishi Chariot]]. A twin-barrel carbureted {{cvt|68|hp|kW|0}} 1468&nbsp;cc four was the Colt's base engine, while the [[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|4G32BT]] [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] 1.6-litre already seen in the last model year of the previous Colts was optional on the upscale Premier four-door sedan and standard on the GTS Turbo hatchback. Power remained {{cvt|102|hp|kW|0}} at 5500&nbsp;rpm, as for the previous generation. A first for FWD Colts was the availability of a three-box four-door sedan body; it and the 3-door hatchback were available in the US from 1985 to 1988; the 5-door hatchback only in 1985 (and only in base E trim) and the wagon not until 1988. The five-door hatchback was only available for a single model year as Chrysler was worried about this car cannibalizing sales of their own [[Dodge Omni|Omni/Horizon]].<ref name=TTACiv>{{cite web | url = https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2022/02/abandoned-history-chrysler-and-the-colt-captive-economical-import-time-part-iv/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20220308175551/https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2022/02/abandoned-history-chrysler-and-the-colt-captive-economical-import-time-part-iv/ | archivedate = 2022-03-08 | title = Abandoned History: Chrysler and the Colt, Captive Economical Import Time (Part IV) | date = 2022-02-24 | first = Corey | last = Lewis | work = The Truth About Cars }}</ref> The five-door was replaced by the E sedan for 1986. In Canada, the five-door hatchback was also available in DL trim.

Beginning in January 1988, Chrysler Canada began sourcing Colts from Thailand, assembled there from Japanese parts, planning on bringing in 8,000 cars per annum.<ref name=Wards88.189>{{cite book | ref = WYB88 | chapter = 1987: A Year of Challenge for Canadian Auto Industry | title = Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1988 | publisher = Ward's Communications, Inc | location = Detroit, MI | last = Binder | first = Alan K. | date = 1988 | volume = 50 | page = 189 | isbn = ((0910589008)) }}</ref> Thai Colts were imported to Canada until 1994.<ref name=FF0132>{{citation | ref = FF01 | url = http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/ir/share/pdf/e/fact0109.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120614094326/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/ir/share/pdf/e/fact0109.pdf | archive-date = 2012-06-14 | page = 32 | title = Facts & Figures 2001 | publisher = Mitsubishi Motors Corporation | date = October 2001 }}</ref> From 1988 (and lasting until 1991), the Colt/Mirage was also marketed as the ''Eagle Vista'' in Canada.

Early cars have small rectangular headlights in black inserts, while later models received more aerodynamic, flush-fitting units. The facelift model appeared for the 1987 model year, presented in late September 1986. The lowest-priced model was the "E" (for economy), followed by the "DL" and topped by the turbocharged but slow selling Premier and GTS Turbo models. In 1987 the turbocharged engine became an option for the DL hatchback, which replaced the GTS. Power for the turbo versions crept up to {{cvt|105|hp|kW|0}} for the 1988 model year. The DL Turbo remained available through 1988.<ref name=88DL>{{ citation | type = Press Photo | title = 1988 Plymouth Colt DL 3-door | publisher = Plymouth Public Relations | location = Highland Park, MI | date = 1987 }}</ref> 1988 also marked the introduction of the wagon, initially only available with front-wheel drive. Unlike the remainder of the lineup, the 1988 wagon received a fuel injected version of the 1.5-liter engine which produces {{cvt|75|hp|kW|0}} at 5500&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=Wards88.217>{{cite book | ref = WYB88B | chapter = Import New Car, Light-Truck Sales Fall in 1987, but Market Share Climbs | title = Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1988 | publisher = Ward's Communications, Inc | location = Detroit, MI | last = Binder | first = Alan K. | date = 1988 | volume = 50 | pages = 216–217 | isbn = ((0910589008)) }}</ref>

The Colt wagon, while never available with the turbocharged engine, did receive a more powerful 1,755&nbsp;cc engine in the four-wheel-drive version which was added for 1989. The Wagon was only ever offered in DL trim. Unlike the FWD version, the DL 4x4 was not available with an automatic transmission.<ref name=TAM/> The larger engine produces {{cvt|87|hp|kW|0}}.<ref name=Wards89>{{cite book | ref = WYB89 | title = Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1989 | publisher = Ward's Communications, Inc | location = Detroit, MI |editor-last = Stark | editor-first = Harry A. | volume = 51 | date = 1989 | page = 222 | isbn = ((0910589009)) }}</ref> For the fifth generation Colt's final year in the United States, the DL model received fully body-colored trim (including bumpers, mirrors, and so on) for what Plymouth referred to as a "dipped look."<ref name=88DL/>

While the hatchback Colts were replaced for 1989 in the United States, the Colt Wagon continued to be available until the 1991 introduction of the Mitsubishi RVR-based Colt Wagon, which also replaced the Colt Vista. The late Colt Wagons of this generation received the newer, twin cam Sirius 1.6-liter engine with {{cvt|113|hp|kW|0}} when equipped with front-wheel drive.<ref name=Wards89/> This model was also marketed as the Eagle Vista Wagon in Canada. In Canada, this generation Colt sedans and hatchbacks also continued to be offered alongside the next generation under the 'Colt 100' moniker, as a lower-priced alternative to the new model which was badged "Colt 200". The Colt 100 was still available with the turbo engine as well as in luxuriously appointed LX trim in 1990, but by 1991 only the E and DL models remained.

<gallery widths=200 heights=140>
File:1985 Dodge Colt E 5-dr hatch, front.jpg|1985 Dodge Colt E five-door (US)
File:1988 Dodge Colt DL 3-door in White, rear left.jpg|1988 Dodge Colt DL in model-year specific monochrome trim
</gallery>
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==Sixth generation (1989–1992)<span class="anchor" id="6"></span><span class="anchor" id="Sixth"></span><span class="anchor" id="1989"></span>==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1989 Dodge Colt E in Red, front left.jpg
| name = Sixth generation
| production = 1989–1992
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]/[[Mitsubishi Lancer|Lancer]]<br />Plymouth Colt<br />[[Eagle Summit]]
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]
| assembly = [[Kurashiki]], [[Okayama]], [[Japan]] (Hatchback)<br />[[Normal, Illinois]] (Sedans)
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | 1.5&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G15|''4G15'']] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G61|''4G61'']] [[DOHC]] I4
  | 1.6&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G61|''4G61T'']] DOHC [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I4
  }}
| transmission = 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br />4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|93.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|158.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|65.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|52.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| related = 
| caption = 1989 Dodge Colt
}}
For the 1989 model year, Eagle began marketing its '''[[Eagle Summit|Summit]]''' as another [[badge engineering|rebadged]] Mitsubishi Mirage. Sales started in August 1988. In Canada, the previous generation continued as a carryover model with [[Eagle Vista]] or Colt 100 badging, replacing the earlier Colt sedan. The new model was sold as the Dodge/Plymouth 'Colt 200' in Canada, to distinguish it from the previous version.

Since the demise of the [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] in 1990, the Colt was the only subcompact in the Dodge and Plymouth lineups. The Colt sedan was not sold in the [[United States]] for the sixth generation (though it was sold in [[Canada]]), as it would be replaced by the [[Dodge Shadow]]/[[Plymouth Sundance]] liftbacks in the Dodge/Plymouth lineup for 1989. The sedan bodywork, however, was available to American consumers as an [[Eagle Summit]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3V4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA106 | title=1989 Auto Guide | magazine = Black Enterprise| date = November 1988 | page = 106 |first = Jay | last = Koblenz | publisher = Earl G. Graves Publishing }}</ref> Dodge and Plymouth Colt sedans returned for 1993-1994 as a variant of the next-generation Eagle Summit. The Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Eagle Summit, and Mitsubishi Mirage of this generation used 1.5 or 1.6-litre inline-four engines.

A model powered by the 1.6-litre [[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G61|4G61T]] {{Convert|135|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} turbocharged four-cylinder was produced for the 1989 model year only. There are a rumored 1,500 of these special editions to have been produced. The engine was only offered in the Mirage and the Colt GT Turbo, which were distinguished by their ground effects and spoilers (although these parts were also available for a price as add-ons to other model ranges) and by their extra features not normally found on base model ranges such as power seats, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors, special colored interior and seats, as well as a 150&nbsp;mph/9000 rpm gauge cluster. The Turbo Colt/Mirage Turbo was one of ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best]] for 1989. A naturally aspirated version of this engine was available for the following years Colt GT, with power down to 113&nbsp;hp.
[[File:Plymouth-Colt-Rear.jpg|thumb|left|Sixth generation Plymouth Colt 3-door]]

Power of the 1.5-litre 4G15 was up to {{convert|82|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} thanks to multi-point fuel injection. Top speed was {{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=TAM90>''Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990'', p. 185</ref>

The Colt Wagon was redesigned in 1991, now based on the [[Mitsubishi RVR|RVR]], and continued in production until the 1996 model year.
{{Clear}}

==Seventh generation (1993–1995)<span class="anchor" id="7"></span><span class="anchor" id="Seventh"></span><span class="anchor" id="1993"></span>==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = '93-'94 Plymouth Colt Sedan.jpg
| name = Seventh generation
| production = 1993–1994 (USA)<br />1993-1995 (Canada)
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Mirage]]<br />[[Eagle Summit]]<br />Plymouth Colt
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />3-door [[van]] (see [[Mitsubishi RVR]])
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| engine = 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G15|4G15]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]<br />1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi 4G9 engine#4G93|4G93]]'' 16V I4
| transmission = 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />3/4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = Sedan: {{convert|98.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />Coupe: {{convert|96.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = Sedan: {{convert|174.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />Coupe: {{convert|171.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = Base: {{convert|66.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />ES: {{convert|66.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = Sedan: {{convert|51.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />Coupe: {{convert|51.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Mitsubishi Lancer]]
| caption = 1993-1994 Plymouth Colt
}}
[[File:'93-'94 Plymouth Colt GL Coupe.jpg|thumb|left|Plymouth Colt GL coupe]]

The seventh generation of the Colt was the same as Plymouth's version, and also the same as the Eagle Summit. As usual, they were all simply badge-engineered versions of the Mitsubishi Mirage/Lancer. There was no hatchback version of the seventh generation Dodge/Plymouth Colt. Originally available in Base and GL versions, the ES (with supposedly more sporting intentions) was added later.

1.5 and 1.8 litre four-cylinder engines were used, with the larger engine originally only available to four-door Colts. While the sporting variants offered in the sixth generation were not renewed, the two-door ES was available with the more powerful sixteen-valve SOHC 1.8 for the 1994 model year.<ref name=Guide>{{cite web | title = 1993-1994 Dodge Colt: Full Review | publisher = Publications International | work = Consumer Guide Automotive | url = http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1993-to-1994-dodge-colt-6.htm | date = 2012-02-28 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120831210801/http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1993-to-1994-dodge-colt-6.htm | archive-date = 2012-08-31 }}</ref> The smaller engine has {{Convert|92|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} while the larger version has {{Convert|113|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The previous Colt Wagon ([[Mitsubishi RVR]]) continued to be sold until 1996, while the Dodge and Plymouth Colts were replaced by the new [[Dodge Neon|Neon]] after the 1994 model year.<ref name=Guide/>
{{clear_left}}

==Related versions==
The Plymouth Cricket nameplate was used (in addition to Dodge Colt) on Galants sold in [[Canada]] between mid-1973 and 1975, after Chrysler stopped using the Plymouth Cricket name for a rebadged [[Hillman Avenger]]-based model sourced from the United Kingdom (and sold across North America between 1971 and 1973).

The [[Plymouth Arrow]] was offered from 1976 to 1980 as a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste, not to be confused with the rebadged Mitsubishi truck sold as the Plymouth Arrow starting in 1979.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Dodge Colt}}
{{commons category|Plymouth Colt}}
*[http://www.allpar.com/model/champ.html Colt/Champ/Cricket infos on Allpar]
*[http://4g61t.org Colt/Summit/Mirage US based forum]
*{{imcdb vehicle|make=Dodge|model=Colt|Dodge Colt}}
{{Dodge}}
{{Dodge timeline 1950–1979}}
{{Dodge timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Dodge Timeline}}
{{Dodge Canada Timeline}}
{{Plymouth Timeline}}

[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Colt]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1970]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1994]]