It’s not every day you come across a Dodge Rampage, and when one does pop up, it tends to get attention from enthusiasts who remember just how different these compact pickups really were. This 1984 Dodge Rampage, currently listed on Facebook Marketplace, is a running and driving example that the seller says is ready for someone new to enjoy. Thanks for the tip, Lothar!
Powered by a 2.2-liter engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Rampage represents a very different approach compared to the traditional pickups of its era. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform, it blended the practicality of a small truck with the driving feel of a compact car. That combination has helped give these trucks a niche following today.
The seller notes that this particular example is fun to drive and tends to draw attention whenever it’s out on the road. That lines up with the Rampage’s reputation—these trucks are uncommon enough that many people don’t recognize them at first glance, which often makes them a conversation starter at gas stations or local events.
Included with the sale are two sets of wheels and tires, which adds a bit of flexibility for the next owner. Whether that means having a spare set ready to go or simply having options, it’s a practical bonus for a vehicle like this.
The seller also mentions that Rampages are becoming harder to find, which is something longtime enthusiasts have been saying for years. These trucks didn’t survive in large numbers, and many were used as inexpensive daily drivers when they were just old used vehicles. As a result, clean and running examples tend to stand out more today.
This particular truck is being sold because the current owner doesn’t drive it very often and would prefer to see it go to someone who will actually use and enjoy it. That kind of situation is often how these vehicles change hands, especially when they’ve become more of a hobby than a necessity.
With an asking price of $8,000 or best offer, this 1984 Dodge Rampage presents an opportunity to pick up something a little different from the usual classic truck options. It may not have the size or power of a full-size pickup, but that’s part of its appeal.
For someone looking for a unique, lightweight classic with a manual transmission and a bit of personality, this Rampage could be worth a closer look.
I’m getting strong VW Rabbit Pickup/Golf Pickup/Caddy vibes from this.
Should be a useful little vehicle, and if it’s as claimed mechanically and doesn’t have too much rust belowdecks (the first thing a possible buyer from Massachusetts wants to know), the price seems pretty fair.
I agree with Ray, sure is a lot of lipstick on it! Might be a winner but give it a good looking over.
I love these articles, I’m a security officer working graveyard shifts ,and this helps out a ton in-between my patrols,a nice change of pace from Netflix.Great job, everyone.
Beautiful. I assume this has been repainted in Sublime? If it were closer to the east, id be all over it
My wife’s dad had one, she liked it. Maybe I should buy it for her as a wedding anniversary present, would look cute in our driveway parked next to my big 21 Ram 4 wd crew cab. We are a MOPAR fans couple.
I love these wee truck-like vehicles, especially with the 2.2l & manwell; for me, this is the ideal end-of-the-world vehicle. This one’s way more embellished than any vehicle I’d want to drive, I’d prefer something that blends in with the world, but it has the ideal drivetrain. The $8k asking price, if the unit body’s solid and the drivetrain works properly, seems pretty reasonable.
It looks like a fun little truck to drive.
The 2.2 was a good reliable engine and the standard transmission makes it fun to drive.
Great little truck
Remember when these were new and popular… I always saw them as fun and useful… However, I just wish more attention would have been paid to fit/finish and materials selection. These were quite crude and haphazardly screwed together…
IIRC, these were built on the same platform used by the Omni/Horizon twins, but with a mini truck body on top of the floorpan instead of a hatchback subcompact. Looks good, except for the green skull shift knob and green & black seat covers, both easily fixed. Might sell better in the warm weather states, as an automatic transmission and 4WD are desirable in the snow belt. A cute little Home Depot hauler that deserves a good home! GLWTS!
Identical to a Charger/Turismo (hatchback coupe version of the Omnirizon platform) from the B-pillars forward, tho’ the body and suspension aft of that are unique to the Rampage (and ’83-only Plymouth Scamp variant). The rear leaf springs and “sea legs” shock orientation made it good for a true half-ton payload capacity.
My Dad had an ’83 Rampage for several years, sharp looker in black with red pinstripes, machined-face turbine-style alloy wheels, bright alloy bed rails and a vinyl tonneau cover over the bed. Did all the hauling duty he needed as a homeowner and volunteer church groundskeeper, meanwhile serving as a stylish, economical, fun to drive work commuter and household second vehicle.
No one is buying this thing to be a winter beater. The 5 speed will be desirable.
Lose the shifter knob!!!
These things were really appreciated by the owners, and this is the set up you want. An owner got beyond the lousy fit and finish and realized how versatile they were. Car grade pick-ups are making a comeback, but I’d like to see them taken down to this notch again.
My wife and I had an 84 Plymouth Turismo with the 2.2 and 5 speed. Fun little car to drive! Ours was Spice Brown with tan interior. Only reason we traded it in was having kids required 4 doors! Hard to find these things in decent shape. As others stated, I would change out the shift knob and seat covers, otherwise it would be a fun little Ute
“…niche…” I’m in (not many mopar s for me) along with the VW diesel mini, ford 60s chero, BRAT, other similar (80s/90s Japanese zukis, others). BUT… this 1 has FWD and a hot “Turbo-Z”, shelby & tursimo (mentioned above/below?) is an easy up’grade…
utility and ‘performance’ (a wrd that means MPGs and ‘pep’ ) – cant get much better combo, eh?
I would buy it just for the cool shift knob!
To each his own!
In the early 80’s, a friend traded in his pristine 70′ 340 Cuda for one of these. He was actually insulted when I called him an idiot.
I love this Rampage…and I love the color.