The JA platform was Chrysler's smaller complement to the LH cars which were larger than the K's, 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 and was the basis for the Cloud Cars - the Chrysler Cirrus/Dodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze starting in 1995. Like the LH, it was a cab forward design. While this platform was numerically successful, the highest volume for family cars competing against cars like the Taurus, Accord or Camry would move to the LH platform cars, which were often classified as full-size.
The first JA cars were the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus. These were available with either a 2.0 L 16-valve SOHC, 2.4 L 16-valve DOHC, or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L 24-valve SOHC V6 engine. The Plymouth Breeze was introduced in 1996 with most of the same options available to the other two models (minus the V6 engine).
A 5-speed manual transmission (NV-T350) was available with the 2.0 L engine, and a 4-speed automatic (A604) came with the larger engines. AutoStick was an option for some trim levels with the 2.5 L engine. The wheelbase was a long 108 inches.
All JA sedans were built at the Chrysler Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
In Europe this car became known as Chrysler Stratus, where a 2.0 engine with 4-speed automatic (A604)was available as well.