| Chrysler Cirrus | |
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 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
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| Also called |
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| Production | June 1994–2000 |
| Model years |
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| Assembly | United States:Sterling Heights, Michigan (Sterling Heights Assembly) |
| Designer | Michael Santoro (1991) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car |
| Body style | 4-doornotchbacksedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler JA platform |
| Related | Chrysler Sebring convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) |
| Length | 186.0–186.7 in (4,724–4,742 mm) |
| Width | 71.0–71.7 in (1,803–1,821 mm) |
| Height | 54.1–54.4 in (1,374–1,382 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,911–3,181 lb (1,320–1,443 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
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| Successor |
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TheChrysler Cirrus is amid-sized 4-doornotchbacksedan introduced by Chrysler motors for the 1995 model year. Built on theChrysler JA platform, the 4-door notchback sedan joined Chrysler's roster of "Cloud Car" models drawing their names frommeteorological terms, including the mid-pricedDodge Stratus it was based on introduced at the same time, and the low-pricedPlymouth Breeze variant a year later.
Development of the Cirrus started in 1991, with the goal of creating an affordable, expressive-looking, fun-to-drive vehicle that was still safe enough to transport an everyday family.[1]
Theconcept car designed for the 1992auto show circuit featured rearsuicide doors and a 400 hp (298 kW; 406 PS) turbocharged 3.0 L two-stroke engine usingalcohol fuel.[1][2] The concept also foreshadowed a hood-line with almost no break with the windshield to improve aerodynamics.[3]
Both the concept and production model used theChrysler Corporation's newcab-forward design, which was launched on the largerLH sedans in 1992. Thisthree-box design was characterized by a large passenger cabin in proportion to a comparatively short hood and trunk, highlighted by a long, dramatically slanted windshield and short overhangs. Pushing the wheels further to the corners of the body created a much larger cabin than most other similarly sized vehicles of that time.
The a four-doornotchbacksedan was designed with flowing lines with no distinct beginning or end, but almost resembled atwo-boxfastback.[1] Design work was done during 1991, with the final version moved on for production by 1992.
The Cirrus was introduced for 1995 as a replacement for theChrysler LeBaron sedan. It was often compared to other smallermid-size cars such as theChevrolet Malibu, yet judged roomier than theFord Contour by many magazines such asConsumer Reports. The exteriors of the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, and Plymouth Breeze were very similar, with the frontfascia, rearbumper,taillights, and wheels being the main differences. The interiors had little variation between the three models; being almost identical, save for the name on thesteering wheel, and a few available options. The fascias of each JA car corresponds with each brand'sminivan offering, sharingheadlights, andgrille designs.
All three variants of the platform were available with most of the same standard features:four-wheel independentsuspension (double wishbone in the front with a multilink rear),air conditioning, tiltsteering wheel,[4] and driver and front-passenger air bags and available options, such as the following: an optional four-speedautomatic transmission (Autostick was not available on the Breeze),anti-lock brakes,cruise control,power windows,power door locks,power mirrors, sunroof. A five-speed manual was standard with the 2.0 L. The 2.4 L was not offered in a manual because of its high torque and difficult drivability issues, mainly due to excessive wheel spinning at speeds over 100 mph.[citation needed]
The Cirrus was originally available in two trim levels: the well-equipped baseLX and the luxuryLXi. Both models featured sporty, black twin-postside mirrors,fog lights, the same body side moldings, chrome bumper accents, anautomatic transmission and a low extendingwaterfall grille that was either chrome or body-colored depending on the color of the vehicle. The Cirrus was one of the first Chrysler vehicles to feature the rose medallion logo, which had not been used in 41 years.[5] From 1995 to 1997, the Cirrus was offered in two trim levels: the entry-level LX and the luxury LXi. The LX model was dropped for the 1998 model year, but returned in 2000 to compensate for thePlymouth Breeze that was discontinued early in the 2000 model year. It was replaced by the 2001Dodge Stratus sedan.
The Cirrus was used as a patrol cruiser by theMacedonian police from 2000 to the 2010s.[6][7][8][9]
TheLX (1995–1997; 2000) was the base Chrysler Cirrus trim level. It included the following standard equipment: a 2.4 L I4 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, black steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and six speakers, air conditioning, full instrumentation, power windows and door locks, exterior color-keyed side mirrors and door handles, and premium cloth seats.
TheLXi (1995–2000) was the top-of-the-line Chrysler Cirrus trim level. It added the following equipment to the LX trim level: alloy wheels, a premium AM/FM stereo with cassette player and integrated CD changer controls, keyless entry, chrome accents, a premium front grille, and wood grain interior trim.
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ThePlymouth Breeze was released in 1995 as a 1996 model. Although it did not match the sales of its predecessor, theAcclaim, the Breeze did manage to sell over 230,000 units and total production was greater than that of its Chrysler Cirrus sibling, which was produced for nearly two additional years.[10]
As part of Chrysler's new marketing strategy which addressed concerns that its brands were treading into each other's marketing territory, Plymouth, as Chrysler Corporation's low-price brand for essentially its entire existence, was to focus exclusively on value.[11] As a result, the Breeze (as well as the base model Stratus) filled the position as the entry-level JA car. Due to this, the Breeze lacked certain features including an available V6 engine, alloy wheels, leather interior, body-colored door handles, fog lights, and Chrysler'sAutostick transmission, all of which were offered on the Stratus and Cirrus.[1][12]
The Plymouth Breeze came only as one basic model. Equipped similarly to a base model Dodge Stratus, the Breeze came standard with the 2.0 L I4 engine, five-speed manual transmission, 14-inch wheel covers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo, and driver and front-passenger airbags. The Breeze was also available with many options including a four-speedautomatic transmission, 2.4 L I4 engine (available with automatic transmission only),anti-lock brakes,cruise control,power windows,power door locks,power mirrors, cassette or CD player, and a power sunroof. Additionally, 1998 and 1999 Breezes offered an "Expresso Package" similar to the one available on theVoyager andNeon. "Expresso" content included special badging, unique wheel covers, upgraded audio system, and premium interior cloth in unique "Rhythm" pattern.[12] The Breeze was discontinued early in the 2000 model year,[1] as part ofChrysler's phaseout of the Plymouth brand; the last Breeze rolled off theSterling Heights Assembly line on January 7, 2000.
TheBase (1996–2000) was the least-expensive trim level of the Plymouth Breeze from 1996 to 1999, and the only available trim level for the Breeze's final year of production in 2000. The Base included the following standard equipment: a 2.0 L I4 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, fifteen-inch black steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, an A/M-F/M stereo with four speakers, full instrumentation, air conditioning, cloth seats, and manual windows and door locks.
TheExpresso (1998–1999) was the top-of-the-line trim level of the Plymouth Breeze, but was discontinued after 1999. The Expresso added the following equipment to the Base trim level: power windows and door locks, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and six speakers, premium cloth seats, exterior color-keyed side mirrors and door handles, and a 2.4 L I4 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. An "Expresso" decal adorned both front doors, as well as the rear trunk lid.
The Dodge Stratus was introduced in February 1995, with two trims: base (later renamedSE for 2000), which came standard with the 2.0 LI4 or optional 2.4 L; and the ES, which came standard with the a 2.0 L from 1994 to 1997, and had a DOHC 2.4 L and a 2.5 L V6 as optional. In 1998 the 2.4 L was standard and the 2.5 L V6 was optional on the ES, and from 1999 to 2000, the 2.5 L V6 was the only engine on the ES model.
The Stratus directly replaced the high-volumeSpirit andDynasty (United States only) to favorable reviews, but lower sales.
Mexico:Aturbocharged version of the Stratus was sold in Mexico, with the 2.4 LDOHC 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speedautomatic transmission withAutoStick. This engine produced 168 hp (125 kW; 170 PS) at 5200 rpm and 216 pound force-feet (293 N⋅m) of torque at 2200 rpm.
In 2000, the Stratus was available for its last year of sales in Canada, with theChrysler Sebring taking over as the company's only lower mid-size sedan -Dodge did not sell the equivalent version in Canada.
The Stratus was marketed as theChrysler Stratus in markets that theDodge name was not used; such as Europe, Argentina, and Brazil. In Brazil, the Stratus had the same engines as the North American version but a higherground clearance for the road conditions there. In Europe, only the 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine or the 2.5 L V6 engine were available. The European version also had chrome accent moldings along the doors and bumpers.
TheBase (1995–1999) was the least expensive trim level of Stratus from 1995 to 1999. The Base was equipped with a 2.0 L I4 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, fifteen-inch black steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, an A/M-F/M stereo with four speakers, air conditioning, manual windows and door locks, cloth seats, and a full instrument cluster.
TheSE (1999–2000) was the least expensive trim level of Stratus in 2000. The SE included the same standard equipment as the previously-base Base trim level of Stratus.
TheES (1995–2000) was the top-of-the-line trim level of Stratus from 1995 to 2000. The ES added the following equipment to the Base or SE trim levels: a 2.4 L I4 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels, a premium A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and integrated CD changer controls with six speakers, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver's seat, premium cloth seats, and exterior color-keyed side mirrors and door handles.
| Model year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 46,355 |
| 1997 | 70,549 |
| 1998 | 66,620 |
| 1999 | 47,911 |
| 2000 | 2,030 |
| Total | 233,465[16] |
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A division ofChrysler Corporation (1928–2001) | |
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