Chrysler Cirrus: the cab-forward cloud car

The Chrysler Cirrus was a mid-size four-door saloon introduced for the 1995 model year. The first of Chrysler’s JA-platform “cloud cars”, it shared its body with the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze, brought the company’s cab-forward design into the mid-size class and was replaced in 2001.

Chrysler Cirrus at a glance

History of the Chrysler Cirrus

A cab-forward mid-sizer

Development of the Cirrus started in 1991 with the aim of building an affordable, expressive and fun-to-drive car that was still safe enough for a family. The concept car prepared for the 1992 show circuit had rear-hinged “suicide” doors and a 400 hp turbocharged 3.0-litre two-stroke engine running on alcohol, and it foreshadowed a bonnet line with almost no break to the windscreen. Both the concept and the production car used Chrysler’s cab-forward design, launched on the larger LH saloons in 1992: a large cabin in proportion to a short bonnet and boot, a long, steeply slanted windscreen and short overhangs, with the wheels pushed towards the corners. Design work was done during 1991 and the final version was signed off for production in 1992.

Equipment and trims

The Cirrus replaced the Chrysler LeBaron sedan and was judged roomier than the Ford Contour by magazines such as Consumer Reports. Its body was almost identical to the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze, differing mainly in the front fascia, rear bumper, tail lamps and wheels, while the interiors were nearly the same apart from the name on the steering wheel. All three had four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and front airbags, with optional four-speed automatic, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, power windows and a sunroof. A five-speed manual was standard with the 2.0-litre engine, but the 2.4-litre was never offered with a manual. From 1995 to 1997 the range ran from the entry LX to the luxury LXi; both had black twin-post mirrors, fog lights, an automatic transmission and a low waterfall grille, and the Cirrus was one of the first Chryslers to wear the rose medallion logo after 41 years.

Year-by-year changes

Rear headrests were added for 1996. For 1997 the four-cylinder became standard in both models with the V6 optional, and the interior gained a new centre console with a storage compartment and armrest. In 1998 the four and the LX were dropped, leaving only V6 LXi cars. The 1999 model received a redesigned open grille with Chrysler’s winged badge, optional Sentry Key, and 15-inch alloy wheels as an upgrade; the Cirrus was the only one of the cloud cars to be facelifted. For its final year the four-cylinder LX returned alongside the V6 LXi, with rear child-seat anchorages, aluminium wheels and an eight-speaker stereo now standard. It was replaced in 2001 by the Dodge Stratus sedan.

Design and features

• Cab-forward design: a long, steeply raked windscreen, short overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners.
• Four-wheel independent suspension: double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle.
• Three sister cars: the same body and interior served the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze.
• Rose medallion badge: one of the first Chryslers to carry the revived logo.
• Facelift in 1999: the only one of the JA cloud cars to get a new grille and badge.

Chrysler Cirrus versions

• LX (1995–1997, 2000): the base trim with the 2.4-litre four and an automatic.
• LXi (1995–2000): the luxury trim with alloy wheels, keyless entry and woodgrain trim.
• 1999 facelift: open grille with the winged badge and optional Sentry Key.

The Cirrus shared its platform with the Chrysler Stratus sold in Europe and was replaced in the range by cars that led to the Chrysler Sebring. More cars are in the Chrysler collection.

Video: 1998 Chrysler Cirrus test drive video tour

Video by Keith Explores The Internet on YouTube.

Sources

• Chrysler Cirrus, English Wikipedia: development, design, trims, model years
• Chrysler Cirrus, Wikimedia Commons: photographs