The Chrysler Cirrus is a mid-sized 4-door notchbacksedan introduced by Chrysler motors for the 1995 model year. Built on the
Chrysler JA platform
The JA platform was Chrysler's smaller complement to the LH cars which were larger than the Ks, and a direct size replacement for the last extended K cars, the Acclaim and Spirit. It was a mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform that was t ...
, the 4-door notchback sedan joined Chrysler's roster of "Cloud Car" models drawing their names from meteorological terms, including the mid-priced
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus is a mid-size car that was introduced by Dodge in December 1994 and was based on the 4-door sedan Chrysler JA platform. The Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus were all on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best li ...
it was based on introduced at the same time, and the low-priced
Plymouth Breeze
The Chrysler Cirrus is a mid-sized 4-door notchback sedan introduced by Chrysler motors for the 1995 model year. Built on the Chrysler JA platform, the 4-door notchback sedan joined Chrysler's roster of "Cloud Car" models drawing their names ...
variant a year later.
Design
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.
The
concept car
A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...
designed for the 1992 auto show circuit featured rear
suicide doors
A suicide door is an automobile door hinged at its rear rather than the front. Such doors were originally used on horse-drawn carriages, but are rarely found on modern vehicles, primarily because they are perceived as being less safe than a fro ...
and a turbocharged 3.0 L two-stroke engine using alcohol fuel. The concept also foreshadowed a hood-line with almost no break with the windshield to improve aerodynamics.
Both the concept and production model used the Chrysler Corporation's new cab-forward design, which was launched on the larger LH sedans in 1992. This
three-box
The configuration of a car body is typically determined by the layout of the engine, passenger and luggage compartments, which can be shared or separately articulated. A key design feature is the car's roof-supporting pillars, designated from fron ...
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-door notchbacksedan was designed with flowing lines with no distinct beginning or end, but almost resembled a two-box
fastback
A fastback is an automotive styling feature, defined by the rear of the car having a single slope from the roof to the tail. The kammback is a type of fastback style.
Some models, such as the Ford Mustang, have been specifically marketed as ...
. Design work was done during 1991, with the final version moved on for production by 1992.
Features
The Cirrus was introduced for 1995 as a replacement for the
Chrysler LeBaron
The Chrysler LeBaron, also known as the Imperial LeBaron, is a line of automobiles built by Chrysler from 1931-1941 and from 1955-1995. The model was introduced in 1931, with a body manufactured by LeBaron, and competed with other luxury cars o ...
sedan. It was often compared to other smaller mid-size cars such as the
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-dr ...
, yet judged roomier than the
Ford Contour
The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II ...
by many magazines such as '' Consumer Reports''. The exteriors of the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, and Plymouth Breeze were very similar, with the front fascia, rear
bumper
Bumper or Bumpers may refer to:
People
* Betty Bumpers (1925-2018), American activist, First Lady of Arkansas, wife of Dale Bumpers
* Dale Bumpers (1925–2016), American politician, governor of Arkansas and senator
* Bumper Robinson (born 197 ...
,
taillight
The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted to or integrated into the front, rear, sides, and in some cases the top of a motor vehicle. They illuminate the road ahead for the driver and increase th ...
s, and wheels being the main differences. The interiors had little variation between the three models; being almost identical, save for the name on the steering wheel, and a few available options. The fascias of each JA car corresponds with each brand's
minivan
Minivan (sometimes called simply as van) is a North American car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows. The equivalent classification in Europe is ...
offering, sharing
headlight
A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, ''headlamp'' is the term for the device itself and ''headlight'' is the term for ...
s, and
grille
Grill or grille may refer to:
Food
* Barbecue grill, a device or surface used for cooking food, usually fuelled by gas or charcoal, or the part of a cooker that performs this function
* Flattop grill, a cooking device often used in restaurants, ...
designs.
All three variants of the platform were available with most of the same standard features: four-wheel independent
suspension
Suspension or suspended may refer to:
Science and engineering
* Suspension (topology), in mathematics
* Suspension (dynamical systems), in mathematics
* Suspension of a ring, in mathematics
* Suspension (chemistry), small solid particles suspende ...
(double wishbone in the front with a multilink rear),
air conditioning
Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...
, tilt steering wheel, and driver and front-passenger air bags and available options, such as the following: an optional four-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...
(
Autostick
The name Autostick has been used for a Volkswagen semi-automatic transmission, which is a vacuum-operated automatic clutch system, coupled with a conventional 3-speed manual transmission. The "AutoStick" system designed by Chrysler allows for ma ...
was not available on the Breeze),
anti-lock brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a automobile safety, safety anti-Skid (automobile), skid Brake, braking system used on aircraft and on land motor vehicle, vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing t ...
,
cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a s ...
,
power window
Power windows or electric windows are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by pressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a crank handle.
History
Packard had introduced hydraulic window lifts (power windows) in fall of ...
s, 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.
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 mirror
A side-view mirror (or side mirror), also known as a wing mirror, is a mirror placed on the exterior of motor vehicles for the purposes of helping the driver see areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, outside the driver's peripheral ...
s, fog lights, the same body side moldings, chrome bumper accents, an
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...
and a low extending waterfall 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. 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
The Chrysler Cirrus is a mid-sized 4-door notchback sedan introduced by Chrysler motors for the 1995 model year. Built on the Chrysler JA platform, the 4-door notchback sedan joined Chrysler's roster of "Cloud Car" models drawing their names ...
that was discontinued early in the 2000 model year. It was replaced by the 2001
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus is a mid-size car that was introduced by Dodge in December 1994 and was based on the 4-door sedan Chrysler JA platform. The Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus were all on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best li ...
sedan.
The Cirrus was used as a patrol cruiser by the Macedonian police from 2000 to the 2010s.
Trim levels
The LX (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 A/M-F/M 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.
The LXi (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 A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and integrated CD changer controls, keyless entry, chrome accents, a premium front grille, and wood grain interior trim.
*1995: The all-new Chrysler Cirrus sedan is launched in the United States and Canada in late 1994.
*1996: Rear headrests were added.
*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 wheel covers could be upgraded to new alloy wheels. Cirrus was the only one of the JA "cloud cars" to receive any form of a 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 radio stereo were now listed as standard features.
Plymouth Breeze
The Plymouth Breeze was released in 1995 as a 1996 model. Although it did not match the sales of its predecessor, the Acclaim, 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.
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. 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's
Autostick
The name Autostick has been used for a Volkswagen semi-automatic transmission, which is a vacuum-operated automatic clutch system, coupled with a conventional 3-speed manual transmission. The "AutoStick" system designed by Chrysler allows for ma ...
transmission, all of which were offered on the Stratus and Cirrus.Daimler-Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1999 Plymouth lineup"
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-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...
, 2.4 L I4 engine (available with automatic transmission only),
anti-lock brake
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintai ...
s,
cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a s ...
,
power window
Power windows or electric windows are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by pressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a crank handle.
History
Packard had introduced hydraulic window lifts (power windows) in fall of ...
s, 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 the Voyager and Neon. "Expresso" content included special badging, unique wheel covers, upgraded audio system, and premium interior cloth in unique "Rhythm" pattern. The Breeze was discontinued early in the 2000 model year, as part of the Chrysler's phaseout of the Plymouth brand; the last Breeze rolled off the
Sterling Heights Assembly
The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (abbrevriated SHAP), is a automotive manufacturing factory in Sterling Heights, Michigan currently operated by Stellantis North America.
*1996: Plymouth Breeze sedan is released.
*1997: A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders.
*1998: The 2.4 L I4 is added as an option, and the ''Expresso'' trim level.
*1999: Revised suspension tuning for a smoother ride.
*2000: Breeze production was halted early in 2000, due to the phaseout of the Plymouth brand name. Only a base model Breeze was available.
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus was introduced in February 1995, with two trims: base (later renamed ''SE'' for 2000), which came standard with the 2.0 L I4 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-volume
Spirit
Spirit or spirits may refer to:
Liquor and other volatile liquids
* Spirits, a.k.a. liquor, distilled alcoholic drinks
* Spirit or tincture, an extract of plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol
* Volatile (especially flammable) liquids, ...
and
Dynasty
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family,''Oxford English Dictionary'', "dynasty, ''n''." Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1897. usually in the context of a monarchical system, but sometimes also appearing in republics. A ...
(
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
only) to favorable reviews, but lower sales.
Mexico:
A turbocharged version of the Stratus was sold in Mexico, with the 2.4 L
DOHC
An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion cha ...
4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...
with
AutoStick
The name Autostick has been used for a Volkswagen semi-automatic transmission, which is a vacuum-operated automatic clutch system, coupled with a conventional 3-speed manual transmission. The "AutoStick" system designed by Chrysler allows for ma ...
. This engine produced at 5200 rpm and of torque at 2200 rpm.
In 2000, the Stratus was available for its last year of sales in Canada, with the
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring ( ) is a line of mid-size automobiles that was sold from 1995 through 2010 by Chrysler. Three generations of convertibles, two generations of sedans, and two generations of coupes were produced. Although the coupe shared the ...
taking over as the company's only lower mid-size sedan - Dodge did not sell the equivalent version in Canada.
Chrysler Stratus
The Stratus was marketed as the Chrysler Stratus in markets that the Dodge 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 higher
ground clearance
Ride height or ground clearance is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the lowest point of the automobile (typically the axle); or, more properly, to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest p ...
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.
Year-to-year changes
*1995: Stratus sedan is released.
*1996: No changes
*1997: A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders.
*1998: 2.4 L becomes standard on ''ES''
*1999: V6 engine becomes standard on ''ES''
*2000: ''Base'' trim renamed ''SE''
Trim levels
The Base (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.
The SE (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.
The ES (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.
Motor Trend
''MotorTrend'' is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, and designated the first Car of the Year, also in 1949.
Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles published ''MotorTrend'' until 1998, when it was sold to ...
'' magazine's
Car of the Year Car of the Year (COTY) is a common abbreviation for numerous automotive awards.
The "Car of the Year" phrase is considered to have been introduced by ''Motor Trend'' magazine in 1949 when the new publication named Cadillac as Motor Trend Car of the ...
for 1995.
* The Cirrus, Breeze, and Stratus were ''
Car and Driver
''Car and Driver'' (''CD'' or ''C/D'') is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. In 2006 its total circulation was 1.23 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011. It was f ...
Cirrus
Cirrus may refer to:
Science
*Cirrus (biology), any of various thin, thread-like structures on the body of an animal
*Cirrus (botany), a tendril
* Infrared cirrus, in astronomy, filamentary structures seen in infrared light
*Cirrus cloud, a typ ...