What the 1987 Dodge Charger is and where it fits

The 1987 Dodge Charger was a mid-size muscle car that marked the second generation of the Charger nameplate revival. Dodge had brought the Charger back in 1981 after a nine-year gap, and by 1987 the car had settled into a two-door coupe design with a sloped hood, a wide stance, and available performance engines. It shared its platform with the Chrysler LeBaron and sat between compact sports cars and full-size muscle machines in both size and price.

The 1987 model year was significant because it was the final year before Dodge redesigned the Charger for 1988. This makes 1987 examples the last of their generation—a detail that matters to collectors and enthusiasts looking for the final iteration of that body style.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1987 Charger came with either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder or a 5.2-liter V8, with the V8 producing 175 horsepower and the four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower.
  • Transmission options were a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual, with the manual available only on certain trim levels.
  • Fuel economy ranged from roughly 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on engine and transmission, which was typical for mid-size cars of that era.
  • Common maintenance issues include carburetor problems on the V8, rust in door panels and floor pans, and wear on the original cooling system components.
  • Insurance and parts availability are straightforward because the Charger shared many components with other Chrysler products of the 1980s.

Engine and transmission options

The 1987 Charger offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produced 146 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and was the standard option across all trim levels. It was fuel-efficient for the time but offered modest acceleration.

The optional engine was a 5.2-liter V8 (318 cubic inches) that produced 175 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This V8 was the performance choice and came with either a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission was only available on the Charger Sport and Shelby models. The V8 was carbureted, not fuel-injected, which is important for maintenance planning on used examples.

Fuel economy with the four-cylinder ranged from 20 to 22 miles per gallon on the highway, while the V8 automatic returned roughly 18 to 20 miles per gallon. The V8 manual was slightly less efficient. These figures assume normal driving and vary based on condition and driving habits.

Performance and handling characteristics

The 1987 Charger with the V8 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 8 to 9 seconds, depending on transmission choice and condition. Top speed was around 130 miles per hour. These numbers were respectable for a mid-size car in 1987 but not exceptional compared to dedicated sports cars of the era.

Handling was typical of 1980s American muscle cars: the Charger had a soft suspension tuned for comfort rather than cornering precision. The car rolled noticeably in hard turns and benefited from aftermarket sway bars if performance driving was intended. Braking was adequate but not powerful by modern standards—front disc brakes and rear drums were standard, with all-wheel disc brakes available on some models.

The steering was power-assisted and relatively light, which made parking and highway driving straightforward but offered limited feedback. Visibility was good thanks to the sloped hood and relatively large windows, though the thick C-pillars reduced rearward sight lines.

Trim levels and features

The 1987 Charger came in three main trim levels: the base Charger, the Charger Sport, and the Shelby Charger. The base model included power steering, power brakes, a basic AM/FM radio, and manual windows and locks. Air conditioning was optional on all models.

The Charger Sport added a sportier exterior appearance with a different grille, hood graphics, and a rear spoiler. It also included upgraded interior trim and a better sound system. The Shelby Charger was the top performance variant, featuring a more aggressive body kit, unique badging, and the five-speed manual transmission as standard with the V8.

Interior materials were typical of 1980s Chrysler products: cloth or vinyl seats, a straightforward dashboard layout, and basic climate controls. The trunk was spacious, and the back seat could fold to increase cargo room. Power windows and locks were options on lower trims but standard on the Shelby.

Common maintenance issues and reliability

The carburetor on the V8 is the most frequent maintenance concern on used 1987 Chargers. Carburetors from this era are prone to varnish buildup and fuel delivery problems, especially on cars that have sat for extended periods. A professional carburetor rebuild or replacement with a fuel-injected alternative is common on higher-mileage examples.

Rust is a significant issue on 1987 Chargers, particularly in the door panels, floor pans, and around the rear wheel wells. The car's age means most examples have some rust, and inspection of these areas is essential before purchase. Surface rust can be treated, but structural rust in the floor or frame requires professional welding.

The cooling system components—radiator, hoses, and water pump—were designed for 1980s standards and often need replacement on cars with over 100,000 miles. The original rubber hoses become brittle and prone to failure. The transmission (both automatic and manual) is generally reliable if serviced regularly, though the three-speed automatic can be sluggish by modern standards.

Electrical gremlins are common on cars of this age. Window regulators fail, door locks stick, and the alternator may need replacement. These are minor issues but add up in cost and frustration on older vehicles.

Insurance, parts, and collector value

Insurance for a 1987 Charger is straightforward because it is not rare enough to require specialty coverage. Standard comprehensive and collision policies are available from most insurers, and rates are reasonable for a car of this age and value. Some insurers offer classic car discounts if the vehicle is garaged and driven occasionally rather than daily.

Parts availability is good because the Charger shared its platform and many components with the Chrysler LeBaron and other Dodge products of the 1980s. Engine parts, transmission components, and body panels are obtainable through both new-old-stock suppliers and reproduction manufacturers. Specialty Charger parts (trim pieces, badging, interior components) are available through classic car suppliers, though prices vary.

Collector value for a 1987 Charger depends heavily on condition, mileage, and engine choice. A well-maintained V8 model in good condition typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, while a four-cylinder base model may be worth $4,000 to $8,000. Shelby models command a premium. These are estimates and vary by region and market conditions.

What to inspect when considering a purchase

Start with the undercarriage and floor pans. Rust here is expensive to repair and indicates how the car was stored and maintained. Look for bubbling paint, soft spots when you press on the metal, and any evidence of welding or patching.

Check the engine bay for oil leaks, corrosion on the battery terminals, and the condition of hoses and belts. If it is a V8, listen for any hesitation or stumbling when the engine starts cold—this suggests carburetor problems. Ask the seller for service records and note the mileage on the odometer.

Test the transmission by shifting smoothly through all gears (in park or neutral for an automatic). Listen for grinding or clunking. Check that all windows, locks, and lights work. Inspect the interior for tears in the upholstery and cracks in the dashboard. Take the car on a test drive and pay attention to how it accelerates, brakes, and handles turns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1987 Charger a good first classic car?

Yes, if you are comfortable with basic maintenance. Parts are available, insurance is affordable, and the car is straightforward enough that many repairs can be done at a standard mechanic shop. The main drawback is rust—inspect thoroughly before buying, and budget for rust repair if needed.

What is the difference between the Charger Sport and the Shelby?

The Shelby is the performance version with a more aggressive body kit, unique badging, and the five-speed manual transmission standard with the V8. The Sport is a mid-level trim with cosmetic upgrades but fewer performance features. The Shelby is rarer and typically worth more.

Can I swap a fuel-injected engine into a 1987 Charger?

Yes, many owners replace the carburetor V8 with a fuel-injected engine from a later Dodge or Chrysler product. This improves reliability and fuel economy but requires custom wiring and exhaust work. It is a popular modification but adds cost and complexity.

How much does it cost to fix rust on a 1987 Charger?

Surface rust can be treated for a few hundred dollars. Structural rust in the floor pans or frame requires welding and can cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on extent. This is why inspection is critical before purchase.

What gas mileage should I expect?

The four-cylinder typically returns 20 to 22 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 to 18 in city driving. The V8 returns roughly 18 to 20 on the highway and 14 to 16 in the city. Actual mileage varies based on driving habits, condition, and whether the carburetor is properly tuned.