Chrysler Cirrus

{{About|the car sold from 1994 to 2000|the car sold from 2000 to 2010 in Mexico|Chrysler Sebring}} {{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox automobile | image = 2000 Chrysler Cirrus LX, front left, 09-09-2023.jpg | caption = | name = Chrysler Cirrus | aka = {{Unbulleted list| Chrysler Stratus | Plymouth Breeze | Dodge Stratus (1st. Generation) }} | manufacturer = {{Unbulleted list| [[Chrysler Corporation]] (1995–1998) | [[DaimlerChrysler]] (1998–2000) }} | model_years = {{Unbulleted list| 1995–2000 (Cirrus & Stratus) | 1996–2000 (Breeze) }} | production = June 1994–2000 | predecessor = {{Unbulleted list| [[Chrysler LeBaron]] (Cirrus) | [[Plymouth Acclaim]] (Breeze) | [[Dodge Spirit]] & [[Dodge Dynasty]] (Stratus) | [[Eagle 2000GTX]] }} | successor = {{Unbulleted list| [[Chrysler Sebring]] (Cirrus) | [[Dodge Stratus]] (Stratus & Breeze) }} | class = [[Mid-size car]] | body_style = 4-door [[notchback]] [[Sedan (automobile)#Notchback sedans|sedan]] | assembly = United States: [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]] ([[Sterling Heights Assembly]]) | platform = [[Chrysler JA platform]] | layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]] | engine = {{Unbulleted list| 2.0 L ''[[Chrysler Neon engine#A588|A588]]'' [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (gasoline) (Breeze & Stratus only) | 2.4 L ''[[Chrysler Neon engine#2.4 and 2.4 Turbo|EDZ/EY7]]'' I4 (gasoline) | 2.4 L ''[[Chrysler Neon engine#2.4 and 2.4 Turbo|EDV/EDT]]'' I4 ([[turbocharger|turbocharged]] gasoline) | 2.5 L ''[[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine#6G73|6G73]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] (gasoline) }} | wheelbase = {{convert|108|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|186.0|-|186.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|71.0|-|71.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|2911|-|3181|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|54.1|-|54.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | transmission = {{Unbulleted list| 4-speed ''[[Ultradrive#A604/41TE|Ultradrive 41TE]]'' automatic | 5-speed ''[[New Venture Gear|NV]] T350'' manual (Breeze & Stratus only) }} | related = [[Chrysler Sebring#First generation (FJ/JX; 1995–2000)|Chrysler Sebring]] convertible | designer = Michael Santoro (1991) | sp = us }} [[File:Son stratus 2L.ogg|thumb|2.0 L engine sound]]

The '''Chrysler Cirrus''' is a [[mid-size car|mid-sized]] 4-door [[notchback]] [[Sedan (automobile)#Notchback sedans|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 from [[meteorological]] terms, including the mid-priced [[Dodge Stratus]] it was based on introduced at the same time, and the low-priced [[#Plymouth Breeze|Plymouth Breeze]] 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.<ref name="allpar">{{cite web|url= http://www.allpar.com/model/cirrus.html |title=1995-2000 Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus |work=allpar |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref>

The [[concept car]] designed for the 1992 [[auto show]] circuit featured rear [[suicide doors]] and a {{convert|400|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} turbocharged 3.0 L two-stroke engine using [[alcohol fuel]].<ref name="allpar"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Digital Collections: Chrysler Cirrus Concept Car |url= https://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/item/39641 |website=Free Library of Philadelphia |access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref> The concept also foreshadowed a hood-line with almost no break with the windshield to improve aerodynamics.<ref>{{cite web |title=1992 Chrysler Cirrus Concept |url= https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10017/chrysler-cirrus-concept.aspx |website=conceptcarz.com |access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref>

Both the concept and production model used the [[Chrysler Corporation]]'s new [[cab-forward]] design, which was launched on the larger [[Chrysler LH platform|LH]] sedans in 1992. This [[Three-box styling|three-box]] 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 four-door [[notchback]] [[Sedan (automobile)#Notchback sedans|sedan]] was designed with flowing lines with no distinct beginning or end, but almost resembled a [[Three-box styling|two-box]] [[fastback]].<ref name="allpar"/> 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]] sedan. It was often compared to other smaller [[mid-size car]]s such as the [[Chevrolet Malibu]], yet judged roomier than the [[Ford Contour]] 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 (car)|fascia]], rear [[bumper (car)|bumper]], [[taillight]]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]] offering, sharing [[headlight]]s, and [[Grille (car)|grille]] designs.

All three variants of the platform were available with most of the same standard features: [[four-wheel drive|four-wheel]] independent [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] (double wishbone in the front with a multilink rear), [[air conditioning]], tilt [[steering wheel]],<ref>{{cite book|author=''Old Cars Weekly'' Staff |title=Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1914-2000 |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2012 |isbn=9781440232367}}</ref> and driver and front-passenger air bags and available options, such as the following: an optional four-speed [[automatic transmission]] ([[Autostick]] was not available on the Breeze), [[anti-lock brakes]], [[cruise control]], [[power window]]s, [[power door lock]]s, [[power mirror]]s, 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.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

[[File:1999-2000 Chrysler Cirrus.jpg|thumb|right|1999 or 2000 Chrysler Cirrus LXi]] 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]]s, [[fog light]]s, the same body side moldings, chrome bumper accents, an [[automatic transmission]] and a low extending [[Grille (car)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/chrysler15.htm |title=How Chrysler Works |date=1 June 2007 |work=How Stuff Works |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> 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]] that was discontinued early in the 2000 model year. It was replaced by the 2001 [[Dodge Stratus]] sedan.

The Cirrus was used as a patrol cruiser by the [[Macedonian police]] from 2000 to the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Picture |url=http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/2451/7429992173d70a6c1780821zn7.jpg|date=2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107165802/http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/2451/7429992173d70a6c1780821zn7.jpg |archive-date=7 November 2012 |access-date=15 July 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2012/08/30/macedonia-replaces-trademark-police-cars/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107165802/https://balkaninsight.com/2012/08/30/macedonia-replaces-trademark-police-cars/|archive-date = 2012-11-07|title = Macedonia's Trademark Police Cars Drive into History|date = 30 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://fh1w93s8iw-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/macedoniapolice.jpg |title=Archived copy |website=fh1w93s8iw-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107165802/https://fh1w93s8iw-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/macedoniapolice.jpg |archive-date=7 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/cc-capsule-1999-chrysler-cirrus-lxi/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208113251/http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/cc-capsule-1999-chrysler-cirrus-lxi/ |archive-date=2019-02-08 |website=Curbside Classic |title=1999 Chrysler Cirrus LXi – Remember when Chrysler Showed Hope?|date=6 February 2019 }}</ref>

===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 AM/FM 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 AM/FM stereo with cassette player and integrated CD changer controls, keyless entry, chrome accents, a premium front grille, and wood grain interior trim.

===Engines=== *2.4 L [[Straight-4|I4]] *2.5 L [[V6 engine|V6]]

===Model year changes=== *'''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 {{convert|15|in|mm|adj=on}} wheel covers could be upgraded to new {{convert|15|in|mm|adj=on}} 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 broadcasting|AM]]/[[FM broadcasting|FM]] radio stereo were now listed as standard features.

The '''Plymouth Breeze''' was released in 1995 as a 1996 model. Although it did not match the sales of its predecessor, the [[Plymouth Acclaim|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.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of American Cars |entry=Plymouth "Chrysler Production Figures" |pages=280–281 |publisher=Publications International |year=2006 |isbn=9781412713542}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite book |author=Yates, Brock |title=The Critical Path: Inventing an Automobile and Reinventing a Corporation "Showtime in St.Louis" p. 209–11 |publisher=Little, Brown |year=1996}}</ref> 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]] transmission, all of which were offered on the Stratus and Cirrus.<ref name="allpar"/><ref name="1999brochure">Daimler-Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1999 Plymouth lineup"</ref>

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]], 2.4 L I4 engine (available with automatic transmission only), [[anti-lock brake]]s, [[cruise control]], [[power window]]s, [[power door lock]]s, [[power mirror]]s, cassette or CD player, and a power sunroof. Additionally, 1998 and 1999 Breezes offered an "Expresso Package" similar to the one available on the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager]] and [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]]. "Expresso" content included special badging, unique wheel covers, upgraded audio system, and premium interior cloth in unique "Rhythm" pattern.<ref name="1999brochure"/> The Breeze was discontinued early in the 2000 model year,<ref name="allpar"/> as part of [[Plymouth (automobile)#Final years|Chrysler's phaseout of the Plymouth brand]]; the last Breeze rolled off the [[Sterling Heights Assembly]] line on January 7, 2000.

===Trim levels=== The '''Base''' (1996–2000) was the least-expensive trim level of the Plymouth Breeze from 1996 to 1999, and the only available trim level for the Breeze's final year of production in 2000. The Base included the following standard equipment: a 2.0 L I4 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, fourteen-inch black steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, an A/M-F/M stereo with six speakers, full instrumentation, air conditioning, cloth seats, and manual windows and door locks.

The '''Expresso''' (1998–1999) was the top-of-the-line trim level of the Plymouth Breeze, but was discontinued after 1999. The Expresso added the following equipment to the Base trim level: power windows and door locks, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and six speakers, premium cloth seats, exterior color-keyed side mirrors and door handles, and a 2.4 L I4 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. An "Expresso" decal adorned both front doors, as well as the rear trunk lid.

===Engines=== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Engines !Displacement !Power at rpm !Torque at rpm !Years |- |'''2.0''' |{{Convert|1996|cm3|cuin|abbr=on}} |{{convert|132|hp|abbr=on}} at 6000 |{{convert|129|lbft||abbr=on}} at 5000 |1996 - 2000 |- |'''2.4''' |{{Convert|2429|cm3|cuin|abbr=on}} |{{convert|150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5200 |{{convert|167|lbft||abbr=on}} at 4000 |1997 - 2000 |}

===Year-to-year changes=== ===1996=== * [[Plymouth Breeze]] sedan is released to replace the [[Plymouth Acclaim]]. * New window tints. * During mid-96 a [[sunroof]] is added as an option.

===1997=== * A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders. ===1998=== * The 2.4 L [[straight-4|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 the base model Breeze was available.

==Dodge Stratus== [[File:1st Dodge Stratus ES.jpg|thumb|right|1996 Dodge Stratus ES]] [[File:Chrysler Stratus Interior.jpg|thumb|right|Dodge Stratus Interior]] {{Main|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 [[Straight-4|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 [[Dodge Spirit|Spirit]] and [[Dodge Dynasty|Dynasty]] ([[United States]] only) to favorable reviews, but lower sales.

Mexico: A [[turbocharged]] version of the Stratus was sold in Mexico, with the 2.4 L [[DOHC]] 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]] with [[AutoStick]]. This engine produced {{convert|168|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 5200 rpm and {{convert|216|lb·ft|N·m|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 2200 rpm.

In 2000, the Stratus was available for its last year of sales in Canada, with the [[Chrysler Sebring]] 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, South Korea, Argentina, and Brazil. In Brazil, the Stratus had the same engines as the North American version but a higher [[ground clearance]] 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=== * The headrest is now "pillow" like on all seats. ===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.

===Engines=== *2.0 L [[Straight-4|I4]] *2.4 L [[Straight-4|I4]] *2.5 L [[V6]]

==Accolades== * The Cirrus was ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine's [[Car of the Year]] for 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.motortrend.com/news/1995-chrystler-cirrus-lxi/ |title=1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXi - Car of the Year |date=1 January 1995 |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> * The Cirrus LXi was on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1995. * The Cirrus and Stratus were on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.caranddriver.com/features/1996-10best-cars-1996-chrysler-cirrus-dodge-stratus-page-5 |title=1996 Chrysler Cirrus/Dodge Stratus 1996 10 Best Cars |date=January 1996 |first=Csaba |last=Csere |work=Car & Driver |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> * The Cirrus, Breeze, and Stratus were on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.caranddriver.com/features/1997-10best-cars-1997-chrysler-cirrus-dodge-stratus-plymouth-breeze-page-6 |title=1997 Chrysler Cirrus/Dodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze 1997 10 Best Cars |date=January 1997 |first=Csaba |last=Csere |work=Car & Driver |access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref>

==Production figures==

===Breeze=== {|class="wikitable" |- ! Model year ! Sales |- | 1996 | 46,355 |- | 1997 | 70,549 |- | 1998 | 66,620 |- | 1999 | 47,911 |- |2000 | 2,030 |- |Total |233,465<ref>Encyclopedia of American Cars "Plymouth Production Figures" pp. 719.</ref> |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category}} * {{imcdb vehicle|make=Chrysler|model=Cirrus|Chrysler Cirrus}} * {{imcdb vehicle|make=Plymouth|model=Breeze|Plymouth Breeze}}

[[Category:Chrysler vehicles|Cirrus]] [[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Mid-size cars]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:2000s cars]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1994]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1995]]