Dodge Aries

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Dodge
Aries Station Wagon.JPG
Aries
Production period: 1980-1989
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines: Otto engines :
2.2–2.6 liters
(62.5–75 kW)
Length: 4470-4547 mm
Width: 1742 mm
Height: 1331-1341 mm
Wheelbase : 2545 mm
Empty weight : 1042-1083 kg
Previous model Dodge Aspen
successor Dodge Spirit

The Dodge Aries was a mid-range car with front-wheel drive offered by the US automobile manufacturer Dodge from 1980 to 1989.

The Aries debuted in the 1981 model year as the successor to the rear-wheel drive Dodge Aspen . It was based on Chrysler's new K platform , making it the sister model of Plymouth Reliant and Chrysler LeBaron .

Compared to the Aspen, the Aries was over 60 cm shorter, 300 to 450 kg lighter and much more economical; nevertheless, it offered no less interior space than its predecessor.

Model history

For the 1981 model year, Dodge presented the new Aries as a coupé, sedan and station wagon in the basic, custom and special edition equipment versions. It differed from the Plymouth Reliant only in the emblems and a brand-typical, slightly forward radiator grille with four horizontal chrome bars. Either a 2.2-l in-line four-cylinder with electronic carburettor built by Chrysler, optionally with a manual four-speed gearbox or automatic, as well as a 2.6-l in-line four-cylinder with balancer shafts taken over from Mitsubishi , which was only offered with automatic transmission, served as the drive .

In 1982 there was a convertible roof with a vinyl roof that looked like an open convertible top for an extra charge. However, only 86 copies of the convertible version were ordered.

Custom coupé and custom sedan were discontinued for the 1983 model year, the custom station wagon continued to exist. The output of the 2.2-liter was increased to 95 hp, and on request the smaller four-cylinder could also be ordered with a five-speed gearbox operated by cables.

From the 1984 model year, the Chrysler corporate emblem, the five-pointed star known as the Pentastar, was emblazoned on the center of the radiator grille . The Mitsubishi engine now developed 102 hp due to modifications to the carburettor.

From 1985 the Aries was again available in three equipment levels: in the basic version (not as a station wagon), as SE and LE. At the same time, it was given a facelift with a now inclined, wider radiator grille and enlarged indicators, also visible from the side, as well as enlarged rear lights. The 2.2-liter now developed 97 hp.

From the 1986 model year, the Aries lettering on the rear was supplemented by a capital K. The four-speed gearbox was no longer available; The basic drive was the now injected 2.2-liter with five-speed gearbox. The 2.6-liter from Mitsubishi was replaced by an in-house 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder, which was basically combined with an automatic transmission.

In 1987, the SE equipment was discontinued, and for the first time individual seats were standard in place of the front bench seat, which reduced the number of seats from 6 to 5.

As with the Dodge Omni in the previous year, there was only one equipment level for the Aries from the 1988 model year, called Aries America. The number of extras has been reduced, the price from 7655 to 6995 dollars.

In 1989 the station wagon was no longer offered and Aries production was completely stopped in the summer. A total of 972,000 copies were made of the Dodge Aries.

Engines

  • 2.2 l four-cylinder in-line engine (62.5-71 kW)
  • 2.5 l four-cylinder in-line engine (74.2 kW)
  • 2.6 l four-cylinder in-line engine (68-75 kW)

swell

  • Flammang, James M./Kowalke, Ron: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 , Krause Publications, Iola 1999. ISBN 0-87341-755-0

Web links

Commons : Dodge Aries  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files