Dodge 600

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Dodge 600
1983-1985 Dodge 600 coupe
ManufacturerDodge
Parent companyChrysler Corporation
Production1983–1988
PredecessorDodge 400
Dodge Mirada
SuccessorDodge Spirit (Canada)
Dodge Dynasty (United States)
ClassMid-size
Body style(s)2-door convertible
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformE-body (sedan)
K-body (convertible and coupe)
Engine(s)2.2 L K I4
2.2 L Turbo I I4
2.5 L K I4
2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4
Transmission(s)5-speed A520 manual
5-speed A525 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
Wheelbase103.3 in (2624 mm)
Length185.2 in (4704 mm)
Width68.0 in (1727 mm)
Height53.1 in (1349 mm)
RelatedChrysler E-Class
Chrysler New Yorker
Plymouth Caravelle
ManualsService Manual

The 600 was Dodge's version of the Chrysler E-Class luxury car of the 1980s. It was introduced in 1983, as a 1984 model, as a small mid-size car on the Chrysler E platform and was discontinued after the 1988 model year. It was Chrysler's attempt to compete with the GM A-body, whereas the M-body Dodge Diplomat would compete with full-size cars. It replaced both the 400 and the Mirada coupe. (Dodge 600 coupes and convertibles were, essentially, rebadged 400s.) Like the preceding 400, it slotted between the Aries and Diplomat.

The 600 was intended to be Dodge's answer to the European sedans of the day. Its numerical name and rear-end styling was designed to evoke thoughts of Mercedes-Benz models, however it fell more in line with North American contemporaries such as the Chevrolet Celebrity, Pontiac 6000 and the Ford Fairmont (the 600 actually resembled the Dodge Mirada more than any European car). It debuted as a four-door sedan, available in two trims: base and ES ("Euro/Sedan"). Power was provided by Chrysler's 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine, with the Mitsubishi-built 2.6 L 4-cylinder available as an option.

Sales of the 600 nearly doubled in its second year. This was in large part due to the addition of the former 400's coupe and convertible body styles to the 600's range (which continued to stay on the K platform). Like most midrange-to-upscale K-car derivatives, digital dashboards and the Electronic Voice Alert were options. A turbocharged version of the 2.2 L engine was also added as an option in 1984, providing a much-needed increase in power output (up to 142 hp).

Production Figures
Year Units
1983 33,488
1984 61,637
1985 58,847
1986 59,677
1987 40,391
1988 55,550
Total Production = 309,590

Several changes were made to the 600 in 1985. The 600 sedan was moved to a longer wheelbase and the former base and ES trims were dropped, replaced by a new SE trim. This was due in part to the new Lancer, which would have competed directly with the 600 (the 5-speed manual transmission was no longer offered as well, in an attempt to keep competition between the Lancer and 600 to a minimum). The coupe and convertible remained relatively unchanged except for minor trim and interior changes. The only significant advancement was the replacement of the 2.2 L engine's two-barrel Holley electronic feedback carburetor by an electronic throttle-body fuel injection system.

The sedan's base trim returned in 1986, while all 600s were given new, restyled front and rear fascias (the front in particular adopted the now familiar "crosshair" grille, dropping the Mirada-inspired horizontal slats). The 2.6 L engine was replaced by a larger 2.5 L version of the Chrysler 2.2 L.

The 600 was nearing its end. The coupe and convertible were dropped for 1987, while the sedan would only last another year, ending production in 1988. The 600 was replaced by the 1988 Dynasty (badged as a Chrysler in Canada, whereas the Canadian successor is the Dodge Spirit).