Dodge Spirit

Dodge Spirit
1991 Dodge Spirit R/T
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge (Chrysler)
Also called	Plymouth Acclaim Chrysler Spirit Chrysler Saratoga
Production	1989–1994
Model years	1989–1995
Assembly	Newark Assembly, Delaware, U.S. Toluca Car Assembly, Toluca, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	AA-body
Related	Chrysler LeBaron Chrysler Saratoga Plymouth Acclaim
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L Turbo III I4 2.5 L K I4 2.5 L Turbo I I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Transmission	5-speed A523 manual 5-speed A568 manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1989–1990: 103.3 in (2,624 mm) 1991–95: 103.5 in (2,629 mm)
Length	181.2 in (4,602 mm)
Width	1991–95: 68.1 in (1,730 mm) 1989–1990: 67.3 in (1,709 mm)
Height	53.5 in (1,359 mm)
Curb weight	2,901 lb (1,316 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge 600 Dodge Aries Dodge Lancer
Successor	Dodge Stratus

The Dodge Spirit is a mid-size 5- or 6-passenger sedan that was introduced in January 1989 as a replacement for the similarly sized Dodge 600. The Spirit was Dodge's version of the Chrysler AA platform, a stretched variation of the Chrysler K platform. It was assembled at Newark Assembly in Newark, Delaware as well as Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico, and shared its basic design with the 1990 to 1994 Chrysler LeBaron sedan, the 1989 to 1995 Plymouth Acclaim, and the export-only 1989 to 1995 Chrysler Saratoga.

The Spirit has also been described as a replacement for the smaller Aries and the hatchback Lancer, though the Shadow launched in 1987 is closer than the Spirit in most dimensions to the Aries and Lancer. A total of 60,000 Dodge Spirits were sold in its first year, enough that Aries production was stopped mid-season. Spirit production ended on December 9, 1994, along with the Plymouth Acclaim and it was marketed through 1995. The "cab-forward" Stratus was introduced as a replacement.

The Spirit could accommodate six people with an optional front split-bench seat. It had a large trunk, a solid-beam rear axle, and a MacPherson strut front suspension. The Spirit differed from the other A-bodies primarily in the grille and rear lamp styling, and in the availability of a sportier, higher-performing R/T version.

The Spirit is dimensionally comparable to its contemporaneous Ford Tempo, and was also compared with the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry by Consumer Reports. The Spirit sold well; with higher consumer acceptance than the Stratus that replaced it.