Dodge Dynasty


The Dodge Dynasty is a mid-size car that was marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation from the 1988 to 1993 model years. Developed as the successor of the Dodge 600 sedan, the Dynasty was slotted below the Diplomat in the Dodge sedan model line. Through its production, the model line was offered solely as a four-door sedan.
The Dynasty uses the front-wheel drive Chrysler C/AC platform, an extended-wheelbase version of the Chrysler K-chassis; the Dynasty shares its body with the 1988-1993 Chrysler New Yorker. The 1990-1993 and Chrysler Imperial are extended-wheelbase versions, using the Chrysler Y platform.
The Dynasty was assembled by Chrysler at its Belvidere Assembly Plant alongside the New Yorker, New Yorker Fifth Avenue, and Imperial; the final vehicle was produced on May 28, 1993. For the 1994 model year, the Dodge Intrepid was introduced, replacing both the Dynasty and the Monaco.

History

Origin of name

The Dodge Dynasty 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. However, it is most likely that Chrysler named its late 1980s and early 1990s C-Bodied cars on a "royalty" theme, which stemmed 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 automobile 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.

Model design

Although it was fairly popular, the Lee Iacocca-dictated styling was boxy and conservative compared to more aerodynamically styled competitors such as the Ford Taurus and the Chevrolet Lumina. When the new front-wheel-drive Chrysler Corporation C-body cars debuted for the 1988 model year, they were the first mass-produced cars in the world to have a fully multiplexed, fiber-optic wiring buss connecting all electronic accessories and controllers, which greatly reduced the amount and weight of wiring harnesses in the car. All models featured power locks that automatically locked when the car's speed exceeded 15 miles per hour. Dynasty trim levels included base and LE. Additionally, a "Brougham" package was offered on 1992-93 LE models that added a padded "landau" vinyl roof.

Specifications

A 2.5-litre inline-4 Chrysler engine, a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-litre V6, the 6G72 engine, and a Chrysler-built 3.3-litre V6 were available, although the 3.3 L V6 was not available until 1990. The four-cylinder came equipped with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, as did the 3.0 L in 1988. The 1988 3.0L V6 models with TorqueFlite transmission were rated at 18 city / 24 highway MPG. The 1989-1990 Ultradrive equipped models came with a 2.36:1 axle ratio, which was revised to 2.52:1 for 1991-1993. EPA mileage ratings were 21 city/25 highway MPG with the 4 cylinder & 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. In 1989 the EPA rating for the 3.0/Ultradrive power-train changed to 18 city / 26 highway MPG. Also, 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.
The new 3.3L V6 engine for 1990, with the Ultradrive transmission, was rated at 19 city/ 26 highway MPG. The new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, known as the Ultradrive or A604, debuted in 1989, and became the sole transmission for V6 models through the 1993 final production year of the Dynasty. In 1989 the EPA rating for the 3.0/Ultradrive power-train changed to 18 city / 26 highway MPG. The new 3.3L V6 engine for 1990, with the Ultradrive transmission, was rated at 19 city/ 26 highway MPG.

Features

The vast majority of Dynastys sold new to private customers had V6 engines, while four-cylinder base Dynastys were primarily sold to fleets. Dynasty models were all equipped with a driver's side airbag starting in 1990. A Bendix anti-lock braking system was available on V6 models during those years as well at a list price of ~$900. The 1993 models were the only year to feature a stainless steel exhaust system and a tamper-proof odometer.
The 1988 LE models featured rear headrests, but were deleted for 1989-1993. Early production models featured standard cornering lamps and remote fuel door release even on base trim models. By 1991-1993 those features were gradually removed from all Dodge passenger cars. By 1993, the only Dodge products that offered a remote fuel door release were the minivans and trucks, but in the late 1980s, this was standard on every Chrysler Corporation car including the Omni and Horizon twins. The base models lost cornering lamps for 1991, and the LE models lost them for 1992.
Leather seats were optional on the LE models, but very few were so equipped. Also available were load-leveling suspension, 14-inch alloy wheels, wire wheel covers, illuminated entry system, Infinity stereo with equalizer and power antenna, power trunk pull-down, dual 6-way power seats with memory for driver's seat and outside mirrors.

Trim levels

In Canada and Mexico, Chrysler marketed the model line under the Chrysler Dynasty nameplate. Chrysler of Canada replaced the Dodge 600 with the Dodge Spirit, with the Chrysler Dynasty replacing the Chrysler LeBaron GTS hatchback.
Within the model line, the Dynasty was slotted between the LeBaron sedan and the New Yorker. Largely identical to the base-trim Chrysler New Yorker Salon introduced in 1990, the Chrysler Dynasty received its own grille. In Canada, both four-cylinder and V6 engines were offered; only V6 engines were offered in Mexico.