Getting to know the rare Dodge Rampage

A Dodge Rampage is a subcompact (smaller than normal compact car) unibody coupe utility vehicle built circa 1982 to 1984 on Chrysler’s L platform. The Rampage was first launched in 1982 and later merged with the Plymouth Scamp, its (rebadged) replacement brand name. This rare model borrowed its front fascia and structural cladding from the Dodge Omni 024 version.

The Dodge Rampage was designed and built by Chrysler with a 2.2L carburetor and 96 hp inline four engine with a curb weight of 1,100 kg. Early models had standard 4-speed transmissions, but these were later upgraded in 1983 when the 5-speed manual gearbox was introduced. The rear can carry a load of around 519 kg. The true competitors of this Dodge model were the Subaru Brat and Volkswagen’s Rabbit Sports pickup.

This Dodge coupe utility can be purchased at a reasonable price, but the front-engine design became a problem since this type of engine design is not typically used in pickup trucks. Japanese cars during those years were also very strong competition and offered better fit, finish and quality. The Dodge Rampage endured three years and production stopped after the 1984 model was made.

However, this Dodge model also has several advantages, such as spirited performance, a long-lasting engine, elegant styling, and it was the only known front-wheel truck (other than Volkswagen’s Rabbit). You get the road-holding benefits of the vehicle’s front-engine design, plus it’s also lightweight. Your brakes are designed to hold up to light to heavy loads. There is a lever connecting the cargo box to the rear axle that can narrow or widen the braking power to the rear wheels. Sometimes when a heavy weight pushes down on the box the lever opens to give the brakes more stopping power and if the load is light enough the valves will limit the brake power. In addition, there is a large space in the back of the front seats that has a plastic tray that can hold small things. It even has gauges and dash instruments similar to its predecessor (O24). Although a slight oversight was made in the control of the heating since it was placed next to the steering wheel.

The Dodge Rampage has uniqueness in it plus it boasts of its fuel economy. Rampage had about 17,000 to 17,576 models produced in 1982, about 7,500 in 1983, and about 3,000 in 1984.