Chrysler Cirrus

Chrysler Cirrus

Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1995–2000
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Predecessor	Chrysler LeBaron
Successor	Chrysler Sebring
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler JA platform
Engine	2.4 L EDZ I4 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6
Transmission	4-speed 41TE automatic
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)
Related	Dodge Stratus Plymouth Breeze

The Chrysler Cirrus was a mid-size 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 1993. 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]

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

1999–2000 Chrysler Cirrus LXi

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

• 2.4 L I4
• 2.5 L V6

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.

Cirrus in Mexico

The first generation Cirrus was sold in Mexico with a turbocharged version of the 2.4 L DOHC I4 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. The Cirrus' engine was rated at 168 hp (125 kW) at 5200 rpm and 216 lb·ft (293 N·m) torque at 2200 rpm.

When the Cloud Cars were redesigned, the Cirrus name was dropped in the U.S., (the Chrysler Sebring sedan was its replacement) but in Mexico the name continued (Sebring was already registered for a product name there, and Chrysler's usage would constitute trademark infringement.)

Trim levels on the 2001 versions were LX and LXi for the sedan, the convertible was available in one trim level only. All versions were equipped with automatic transmissions.

The second generation Mexican Cirrus comes in two versions: a sedan with Chrysler's turbocharged 2.4 L DOHC engine, and a convertible with the Mitsubishi 2.5 L V6. The turbocharged 2.4 L engine received a power upgrade to 215 hp (160 kW) in 2001.

In March 2004, power was increased to 225 hp (168 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) of torque at 4200 rpm. Cirrus models with this engine are identified with a "High Output" badge on the back of the vehicle.

In Mexico the current Chrysler Sebring sedan was still sold as the Cirrus until the 2010 model year, when the Chrysler 200 replaces both the Sebring/Cirrus nameplates for the 2011 model year.

The third generation Cirrus sedan was released in 2007. There are three engines available: a 2.4 L DOHC I4 engine producing 172 hp (128 kW) at 6000 rpm, a 2.7L V-6 with 189 hp (141 kW) or a 3.5 L V6 engine producing 232 hp (173 kW) at 6400 rpm. It is available in base, Touring, and Limited trims (the same as the 2007 U.S. and Canadian-specification versions). The convertible continues, with same trim levels as the sedan version.

See also

• Chrysler Sebring
• Dodge Stratus
• Plymouth Breeze

References

1. ^ "1995-2000 Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
2. ^ ^{a b} "Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus development story" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
3. ^ "Styling" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–05–09.
4. ^ "How Chrysler Works: The Chrysler LHS and Chrysler Cirrus" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, retrieved on 2010–05–09.

• http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2128/

External links

• AllPar.com
• ChryslerMexico.com - The 2007 Cirrus's homepage at Chrysler Mexico