Chrysler Cirrus
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged with Plymouth Breeze to Dodge Stratus. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2013. |
| Chrysler Cirrus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler |
| Production | 1995–2000 |
| Assembly | United States: Sterling Heights, Michigan (Sterling Heights Assembly) |
| Designer | Michael Santoro (1992) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Chrysler JA platform |
| Related | Chrysler Sebring convertible Dodge Stratus Plymouth Breeze |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 L EDZ I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L EDV/EDT I4 (t/c gasoline) 2.5 L 6G73 V6 (gasoline) |
| Transmission | 4-speed Ultradrive 41TE automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) |
| Length | 187 in (4,750 mm) |
| Width | 71.7 in (1,821 mm) |
| Height | 54.4 in (1,382 mm) (1999–2000 LX) 54.2 in (1,377 mm) (1999–2000 LXi) 52.5 in (1,334 mm) (1995–97 LX) 54.3 in (1,379 mm) (1998 LXi) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler LeBaron |
| Successor | Chrysler Sebring |
The Chrysler Cirrus was a compact executive 4-door sedan introduced for the 1995 model year as direct replacement for the aging Chrysler LeBaron sedan. Based on the new midsize JA platform, the Cirrus was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil for the 1995-2000 model years; DaimlerChrysler (now Chrysler) continued selling the Cirrus as a rebadged Chrysler Sebring in Mexico until the 2010 model year.
Design background
The production Chrysler Cirrus was based on the 1992 concept car of the same name which debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show.[1] Development of the Cirrus started in 1991, with the goal to create a car that was expressive looking and fun to drive, yet safe enough to transport an everyday family.[2]
The original concept featured rear suicide doors and a 400 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter two stroke engine.[2] Both the concept and eventual production model used the Chrysler Corporation's new cab-forward design, which was launched on the larger LH sedans in 1992. Cab-forward design was characterized by the long, dramatically slanted windshield, and short overhangs. The wheels were pushed further to the corners of the vehicle, which created a much larger passenger cabin than most other similarly sized vehicles of that time.
The Cirrus was designed with flowing lines with no distinct beginning or end. This was done to eliminate the common three-box design, which was characterized by distinct breaks between the engine, passenger, and trunk compartments.[3] Design work was done by famed Chrysler designer Michael Santoro during 1991 and 1992 when the final design was frozen for production. Design patents were filed on November 30, 1993 and granted on June 18, 1996.
1995–2000
The production Chrysler Cirrus was introduced alongside Dodge's lower priced variant the Stratus for the 1995 model year. A third JA variant, the Plymouth Breeze arrived the following year. The JA sedans were known collectively as the "Cloud Cars" because their names which referenced meteorological terms (cirrus, breeze, stratus).
The Cirrus was originally available in two trim levels: the well-equipped base LX and the luxury LXi. Both models featured sporty, black twin-post side mirrors, fog lights, the same body-side moldings, chrome bumper accents, and a low extending waterfall grille that was either chrome or body colored depending on color of the vehicle. The Cirrus was one of the first Chryslers to feature the rose medallion logo, which had not been used in 41 years.[4]
Trim levels
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 the Plymouth Breeze which was discontinued early in the 2000 model year.
- LX • 1995–1997; 2000
- LXi • 1995–2000
Engines
Model year changes
- 1995: The all-new Chrysler Cirrus sedan is launched in the United States and Canada.
- 1996: This year, a new DOHC 4-cylinder engine was available for 1996. The Chrysler-built 2.4 L 4-cylinder which produced 150 hp (112 kW) was standard in the LX, and was only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission as with the V6-powered Cirrus. The V6 was optional on LX models. Rear headrests were added this year.
- 1997: The 4-cylinder engine was made standard in both models, with the V6 as an option. The interior gained a new center console with a storage compartment and integrated armrest.
- 1998: The 4-cylinder engine and the LX trim level were eliminated, leaving only V6 LXi models.
- 1999: For its fifth model year, the Cirrus received a redesigned open grille with Chrysler's new winged grille badge. Chrysler's Sentry Key system was a new option. Sentry Key disabled the ignition unless the proper key was inserted. Standard 15-inch (380 mm) wheel covers could be upgraded to new 15-inch (380 mm) alloy wheels. Cirrus was the only one of the JA "cloud cars" to receive any form of facelift over the course of its production.
- 2000: For its final model year, the 4-cylinder LX model returned to join the V6-powered LXi sedan. Previously optional rear child seat anchorages, aluminum wheels, and an 8-speaker AM/FM cassette stereo were now listed as standard features. Last year of production; all mid-size Chryslers (redesigned for 2001) would carry the Sebring name beginning in 2001.
Accolades
The Cirrus was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1995 and on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.
Replacement
The replacement for the Cirrus was the 2001 Chrysler Sebring sedan, built on an updated version of the JA platform known as the JR. It is interesting to note that the 2001 Sebring sedan, Chrysler's midsize sedan and coupe/convertible shared the same name. This was also true for the Cirrus' predecessor, the LeBaron, which was sold in a sedan version and a coupe/convertible version. Also note, the Sebring name expanded from the Coupe/Convertible models to the sedan in 2001, just as the Stratus name expanded to the redesigned Dodge coupe for the 2001 model year.
See also
References
- ^ "1995-2000 Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
- ^ a b "Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus development story" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
- ^ "Styling" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
- ^ "How Chrysler Works: The Chrysler LHS and Chrysler Cirrus" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
External links
- AllPar.com
- ChryslerMexico.com - The 2007 Cirrus's homepage at Chrysler Mexico
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