Best Car Reviews - 1987 Dodge B150/B250 Wagon 2WD

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Introduction

The 1987 Dodge B150/B250 Wagon 2WD is a traditional full-size American passenger van built for large families, shuttle use, conversion-van buyers, and owners who value straightforward mechanicals. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, available V8 power, body-on-frame-style heavy-duty character, and expansive cabin made it a practical alternative to the smaller minivans emerging at the time.

Design and Exterior Features

This Dodge Ram Wagon generation uses a square, upright silhouette with a short front hood, tall roofline, broad side panels, and large side glass on passenger versions. B150 models were the lighter-duty choice, while B250 versions were intended for heavier passenger or equipment loads. Buyers could choose regular, extended, and Maxi extended bodies; published specifications list wheelbases of 109.6 or 127.6 inches, with the longest Maxi body reaching about 222 inches. The 1987 model retained the familiar durable design rather than introducing a major styling redesign.

Boxy full-size van body designed around passenger and cargo space.
Rear-wheel drive and 15-inch wheels on many B150 and B250 passenger models.
Tinted windows and a wide side-door opening suited to family or shuttle duty.
Available regular, extended, and Maxi extended body lengths.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin prioritizes capacity and utility over luxury. A simple, truck-like dashboard places the main controls within easy reach, while the tall body makes entry and movement easier than in many period wagons. Vinyl upholstery was common, with front bucket seats, bench seating behind, and layouts that could carry up to eight people in regular B150 versions or up to 12 in extended B250 versions. Conversion vans could differ substantially from factory passenger wagons, so equipment should always be checked vehicle by vehicle.

Front bucket seats and multi-row passenger seating.
Up to eight seats in regular B150 passenger models.
Up to 12 seats in extended B250 passenger models.
Simple vinyl trim designed for durability and easy cleaning.
Available air conditioning, power windows, and power locks depending on specification.

Performance and Handling

This configuration is a rear-wheel-drive van with an automatic three-speed transmission and an eight-cylinder engine. The commonly listed V8 for B250 passenger wagons is the carbureted 5.2-litre, 318-cubic-inch V8; period listings place it at about 145 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in comparable B250 Maxi specification. The three-speed automatic gives relaxed low-speed operation and useful pulling strength, but it has no overdrive, so highway revs and fuel use are high by modern standards. Published fuel-economy figures for a comparable B150 passenger wagon are 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, equivalent to roughly 16.8 and 13.8 l/100 km. Exact consumption varies considerably with wheelbase, load, engine, gearing, and conversion equipment; the supplied 24.7925 figure cannot be reliably matched to a factory rating.

5.2-litre 318 V8 commonly listed for B250 passenger-wagon applications.
Rear-wheel drive provides traditional van and towing-oriented driving manners.
Three-speed automatic transmission emphasizes simplicity over cruising efficiency.
Period fuel use is heavy, particularly in urban driving and with a full passenger load.
Acceleration figures are not reliably documented for this exact configuration.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is strictly period-correct. A basic AM or AM/FM radio and dashboard clock were typical, while modern infotainment, smartphone integration, navigation, reversing cameras, and electronic driver assistance were not factory features. This simplicity can appeal to owners who prefer analog controls, but upgrades such as a modern head unit, hands-free calling, USB charging, and a camera require aftermarket installation.

Basic AM or AM/FM radio depending on trim and options.
Conventional analog instruments and dashboard clock.
No factory smartphone connectivity or navigation.
No factory parking camera or modern driver-assistance suite.
Aftermarket audio and safety upgrades are often practical.

Safety Features

Safety equipment reflects late-1980s commercial-van standards rather than current expectations. Power brakes and power steering were available or standard on commonly listed passenger models, but front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and ABS are not listed for these 1987 Ram Wagon trims. A verified modern-style crash-test rating is not available for this exact model, so buyers should not assume it offers protection comparable with a newer passenger vehicle. A pre-purchase inspection should include brakes, tires, steering, seat-belt anchors, corrosion, and recall status by VIN.

Power brakes on commonly listed passenger-wagon specifications.
Power steering for easier low-speed maneuvering.
Seat belts, but no listed front, side, or curtain airbags.
No listed ABS for the 1987 passenger-wagon trims.
No verified crash-test rating for this exact configuration.

Pricing and Variants

Original pricing depended heavily on length and duty rating. The 1987 B150 Passenger Wagon carried a listed MSRP of $12,530, while the B250 Extended Passenger Wagon was listed at $13,256 and the B250 Maxi Extended Passenger Wagon at $14,724. Available passenger variants included B150 Passenger, B150 Value Passenger, B150 Extended Passenger, B250 Extended Passenger, and B250 Maxi Extended Passenger models. Its principal rivals included the Ford Econoline Club Wagon and Chevrolet or GMC Sportvan/Rally Wagon, which offered similar full-size passenger capacity.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional passenger capacity for families, groups, and shuttle use.
Strong low-rpm V8 torque in typical 5.2-litre versions.
Simple, largely mechanical design that is approachable for experienced owners.
Multiple body lengths allow buyers to prioritize maneuverability or interior room.
Classic full-size-van character with strong conversion and camping potential.

Cons

Fuel consumption is high compared with modern vans and minivans.
Three-speed automatic lacks an overdrive ratio for efficient highway cruising.
No modern airbags, ABS, stability control, or driver-assistance technology.
Large dimensions and slow steering can make parking and city driving demanding.
Age-related corrosion and deferred maintenance can turn a cheap purchase into an expensive project.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable published annual maintenance-cost estimate for this exact 1987 B150/B250 Wagon configuration is not available, and actual costs now depend more on condition, rust, mileage, local labor rates, and prior maintenance than on scheduled service alone. Commonly reported concerns for this generation include corrosion in the body, undercarriage, suspension, and steering-box areas; carburetor and fuel-delivery problems after long storage; aging ignition and charging-system faults; automatic-transmission leaks or poor shifting caused by worn seals, low fluid, or linkage issues; and worn brake, steering, or suspension components. Cruise-control faults are also reported for the 1987 B250, although available complaint data is limited.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.2/10. Design: 7.0/10 for its useful, timeless full-size-van packaging. Comfort: 6.5/10, with generous room but basic materials and ride refinement. Performance: 6.0/10, thanks to V8 torque but held back by weight and a three-speed automatic. Technology: 2.5/10 by current standards. Safety: 3.5/10 because modern protective and active-safety systems are absent.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the Dodge’s space, old-school character, and ease of basic mechanical work. Positive experiences usually involve well-maintained examples, while negative experiences often trace back to rust, long storage periods, or neglected driveline and brake service.

Owners value the spacious cabin and flexible use for families, bands, campers, and work crews.
The V8 is appreciated for low-speed pulling power and familiar mechanical simplicity.
Many buyers stress that rust inspection is more important than cosmetic appearance.
Fuel costs and highway noise are frequent complaints on long trips.
Well-kept examples can be dependable, but neglected vans need a careful mechanical budget.

Best Cars in This Category

1987 Ford Econoline Club Wagon
1987 Chevrolet G20 Sportvan
1987 GMC G2500 Rally Wagon
1987 Dodge B350 Maxi Wagon
1987 Ford E250 Econoline Club Wagon

Summary

The 1987 Dodge B150/B250 Wagon 2WD is best suited to buyers who need real passenger volume, appreciate classic American vans, and are prepared to inspect and maintain an older vehicle carefully. It is not an economical or modern choice, but a solid, rust-free, properly serviced example can still be an appealing family hauler, conversion-van base, or vintage utility vehicle with more character and capacity than most modern alternatives.