Dodge Dynasty

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Dodge Dynasty
1991-93 Dodge Dynasty
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
Also calledChrysler Dynasty (Canada)
Production1988–1993
AssemblyBelvidere, Illinois, USA
PredecessorDodge 600
SuccessorDodge Intrepid
ClassMid-size
Body style(s)4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformC-body
Engine(s)2.5 L K I4
3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
3.3 L EGA V6
Transmission(s)3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A670 automatic
4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase1988-1990: 104.3 in (2649 mm)
1991-93: 104.5 in (2654 mm)
Length192.0 in (4877 mm)
Width1988-1990: 68.5 in (1740 mm)
1991-93: 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height1988-1990: 53.5 in (1359 mm)
1991-93: 53.6 in (1361 mm)
RelatedChrysler New Yorker
ManualsService Manual

The Dodge Dynasty was a front-wheel drive sedan that was introduced in 1987 as a 1988 model to replace the 600 as Dodge's mid-size car. The Dodge Dynasty was related to the Chrysler New Yorker; both cars were built on the Chrysler C platform.

The Dynasty is also similar to the Chrysler Imperial, which was available from 1990 to 1993 and was on the same extended wheelbase chassis as the Fifth Avenue version of the Chrysler New Yorker. All Dynasty models were produced in Belvidere, Illinois.

Specification

A 2.5-litre inline-4 Chrysler engine, a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-litre V6, and a Chrysler-built 3.3-litre V6 were available, although the 3.3 V6 was not available until 1990. The four-cylinder and 3.0 L V6 were available with an A413 three-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.3 L was offered solely with Chrysler's then-new (and troublesome) electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission, known as the Ultradrive or A604. The 3.0 engine is a non-interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt breaks, it is less likely to damage valves and pistons when it does so.

Dynasty models were all equipped with a driver's side airbag from 1990 to 1993.

A Bendix antilock braking system was available on all models during those years as well. The 1993 models were the only year to feature a stainless steel exhaust system and a tamper-proof odometer.

Although fairly popular, the Lee Iacocca-dictated styling was boxy and conservative compared to aerodynamically-styled competitors such as the Ford Taurus.

Production ended on May 28, 1993 and the Belvidere plant was retooled to build the Dodge Neon. The Dynasty and its siblings were replaced by the new-for-1993, cab-forward Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, and Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler New Yorker, and Chrysler LHS.

The name is believed to be a reference to the popular 1980s primetime ABC-TV series, "Dynasty." In fact, one magazine declared, "Blake and Krystle, your car is ready," when the car debuted for the 1988 model year. But, to be objective, it seems more likely that Chrysler named its late 1980s and early 1990s C cars on a "royalty" theme--stemming from the classic Imperial badge--to attract customers, including the Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue and the standard Chrysler New Yorker (the Dynasty was considered the budget auto of the three, with the standard New Yorker in the middle and the Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue as the top of the line model).

International versions

1998-1990 Chrysler Dynasty (Canada)

In Canada and Mexico it was marketed as the Chrysler Dynasty. There, it got the V6 engine only, and the four-cylinder variant was not available (except in Canada).