Chrysler's front-drive Cirrus sedan was introduced in late 1994 to replace the dowdy LeBaron, and it competed with cars that the LeBaron never could, such as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable and Toyota Camry. The Cirrus was positioned at the premium end of this market.
Cirrus was intended to serve as an entry-level model for Chrysler's luxury car and minivan lineup. Aimed at a younger buyer than the typical Chrysler customer, and one who would ordinarily consider an import before a domestic car, the design team focused on the five features import-intenders said they look for, styling, packaging of comfort and convenience features, safety, dependability and a fun-to-drive feel.
The Cirrus was a 5-passenger sedan with front bucket seats. It had the most rear-seat legroom and the largest trunk in its class. The trunk had a lockable pass-through, full-folding rear seats and a remote release.
Year-to-year changes[]
1995[]
Two models were available for the Cirrus sedan (LX and LXi), both equipped with the same 164-hp 2.5-liter 24-valve sohc V6 and an advanced 4-speed automatic transaxle with adaptive electronic controls. The interior featured numerous storage compartments in both front and rear, as well as cup- and juice-holders. Dual airbags, ABS, power door locks and variable-assist power steering were standard. The LXi added an 8-way power driver's seat, theft alarm, leather upholstery, aluminum wheels and a premium sound system with power antenna.
1996[]
The innovative cab-forward design endows the Cirrus with ample interior room with a large back seat and trunk. Like the larger Concorde, the Cirrus is available as the LX or LXi. The biggest difference between the two is their standard powertrains: the LX comes with a 150-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the upscale LXi features a 2.5-liter V6 making 168 hp. The V6, which is optional on LX versions, boasts more responsive performance this year thanks to various refinements. Both engines are teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is not available.
The Cirrus LX and LXi boast plenty of standard features, including antilock brakes, dual airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks and remote keyless entry. Speed-sensitive windshield wipers, heated mirrors and foglights aid poor-weather driving. The LXi adds a standard 8-way power driver's seat, leather upholstery, aluminum wheels and touring tires and a 100-watt 8-speaker cassette stereo. A power sunroof and CD player are optional for both models, as so are an optional ashtray and cigarette lighter.
The Cirrus is quite a driver's car, with A-arm suspension front and rear, stabilizer bars at both ends, speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering and 15-in. wheels. A Sport Package with firm-feel suspension tuning is optional for the LXi model.
1997[]
The ascent to a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus starts with acclaimed cab-forward design and a spacious, five-passenger, 95.9-cubic foot interior cabin. Quickly rise to new heights of performance with the quietly responsive 2.5-liter overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine, or the standard -- and high-spirited -- 2.4-liter dual overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine. Finally, soar to a reassuring level of safety with standard driver and front-passenger airbags, a four-wheel antilock brake system, dynamic side-impact protection and Chrysler's award-winning available Integrated Child Safety Seat.
Retail prices[]
As of August 14, 1994:
- $17,435 (1995 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $19,365 (1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4DR Sedan)
As of June 15, 1995:
- $17,600 (1995 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4DR Sedan)
- $19,530 (1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4DR Sedan; optional)
As of August 7, 1995:
- $17,560 (1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX)
- $19,095 (1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi)
As of July 27, 1997:
- $18,160 (1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX)
Shipping prices[]
- $535 (1995-1999 models)
Gallery[]
