Dodge Aries - Revision history

Yankee: /* 1981-1989 */

2010-11-22T18:27:34Z

1981-1989

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:27, 22 November 2010
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	1987 saw no appreciable changes to the Aries or Reliant other than a stainless steel exhaust system. K-car spinoffs this year were the [[Dodge Shadow]] and [[Plymouth Sundance]], as well as a new handsome [[Chrysler LeBaron Coupe]]. In 1988, following the Omni and Horizon's lead, the Aries and Reliant were now offered in value-oriented '''America''' trim, making many previously optional items standard, such as AM/FM stereo, power steering and brakes, etc. Transmissions on both engines gained lock-up torque converters. Spinoffs this year were the larger [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]] and [[Chrysler New Yorker]] sedans.		1987 saw no appreciable changes to the Aries or Reliant other than a stainless steel exhaust system. K-car spinoffs this year were the [[Dodge Shadow]] and [[Plymouth Sundance]], as well as a new handsome [[Chrysler LeBaron Coupe]]. In 1988, following the Omni and Horizon's lead, the Aries and Reliant were now offered in value-oriented '''America''' trim, making many previously optional items standard, such as AM/FM stereo, power steering and brakes, etc. Transmissions on both engines gained lock-up torque converters. Spinoffs this year were the larger [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]] and [[Chrysler New Yorker]] sedans.

	Other than the station wagon model being discontinued, the Aries and Reliant stood pretty much pat for their final year~~. The 2.5L engine received a power boost to 100 hp~~. Although the Aries and Reliant were at the end of their respective roads this year, the "K-car" platform was by no means dead. Another spinoff this year was the rather curious [[Chrysler TC by Maserati]] (the car's actual name), a 2-seat convertible which was a short-lived joint venture between Chrysler and [[Maserati]]. The Aries and Reliant were replaced by the new [[Dodge Spirit\|Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim\|Acclaim]] that were introduced this year, which also used the K platform.		Other than the station wagon model being discontinued, the Aries and Reliant stood pretty much pat for their final year. Although the Aries and Reliant were at the end of their respective roads this year, the "K-car" platform was by no means dead. Another spinoff this year was the rather curious [[Chrysler TC by Maserati]] (the car's actual name), a 2-seat convertible which was a short-lived joint venture between Chrysler and [[Maserati]]. The Aries and Reliant were replaced by the new [[Dodge Spirit\|Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim\|Acclaim]] that were introduced this year, which also used the K platform.

	===Main Competitors===		===Main Competitors===

Yankee at 18:23, 22 November 2010

2010-11-22T18:23:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 22 November 2010
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received ~~Loans~~ that were guaranteed by the ~~Government~~ prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received loans that were guaranteed by the government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.

	Here's a quick rundown:		Here's a quick rundown:

Yankee at 23:49, 31 October 2010

2010-10-31T23:49:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 31 October 2010
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]~~. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car~~. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.

	Here's a quick rundown:		Here's a quick rundown:

Yankee at 03:55, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T03:55:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:55, 17 October 2010
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and [[Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.

	Here's a quick rundown:		Here's a quick rundown:

Yankee at 03:54, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T03:54:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:54, 17 October 2010
Line 47:		Line 47:
	\|}		\|}

	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin ~~'''~~[[Plymouth~~''' Reliant\|~~Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin [[Plymouth Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]). The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.

	Here's a quick rundown:		Here's a quick rundown:

Yankee: /* 1981-1989 */

2010-10-17T03:53:04Z

1981-1989

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:53, 17 October 2010
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	==1981-1989==		==1981-1989==

	1981 was the Aries/Reliant's premier year, base engine was the all-new 2.2L 84 hp I4, available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Optional was the [[Mitsubishi]]-built 2.6L "Hemi" 96 hp I4, automatic only. Bodystyles included a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. Trim levels were base and ''SE'''. Styling was the basic 3-box type. Aries styling differed from the Reliant's only by a different grille and taillights. The K-cars were off to an admirable start in their inaugural year, racking up over 300,000 sales between the Aries and Reliant. There were only minor changes for the 1982 K-cars, such as a counterbalanced hood eliminating the need for a prop-rod. The rear door windows in the sedans and wagons actually rolled down this year (they were fixed in place on the 81 models). Engine choices remained the same as last year. Also the "K" badges were removed from the exterior nameplates. The K-car's first 2 spinoffs happened this year in the form of the new [[Chrysler LeBaron]] and [[Dodge 400]], with more upscale surroundings than the Aries/Reliant.		1981 was the Aries/Reliant's premier year, base engine was the all-new 2.2L 84 hp I4, available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Optional was the [[Mitsubishi]]-built 2.6L "Hemi" 96 hp I4, automatic only. Bodystyles included a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. Trim levels were base and '''SE'''. Styling was the basic 3-box type. Aries styling differed from the Reliant's only by a different grille and taillights. The K-cars were off to an admirable start in their inaugural year, racking up over 300,000 sales between the Aries and Reliant. There were only minor changes for the 1982 K-cars, such as a counterbalanced hood eliminating the need for a prop-rod. The rear door windows in the sedans and wagons actually rolled down this year (they were fixed in place on the 81 models). Engine choices remained the same as last year. Also the "K" badges were removed from the exterior nameplates. The K-car's first 2 spinoffs happened this year in the form of the new [[Chrysler LeBaron]] and [[Dodge 400]], with more upscale surroundings than the Aries/Reliant.

	The biggest change in 1983 was an additional 10 hp for the 2.2L I4, to 94 hp. Otherwise there were no real changes to speak of this year. This year's K-car spinoffs were the larger (and short-lived) [[Chrysler E-Class]] and [[New Yorker]], and the [[Dodge 600]]. All new dashboards with temp and oil pressure gauges were the order of the day for 1984, and all radios were now digital. Both the Aries and Reliant gained the Chrysler pentastar badge mounted squarely in the middle of their grilles. It is interesting to note that 1984 was the only year Aries and Reliant did not carry a "K" on the back of them as a trim line. The "K" had gained somewhat of a bad reputaton as a very common car and Chrysler attempted to distance themselves from this by dropping the "K" (it would return in 1985). The 2.6L I4 received a slight horsepower boost to 101. This year the K-cars spunoff the [[Chrysler Laser]] and [[Dodge Daytona]] sport coupes and the [[Dodge Caravan]] and [[Plymouth Voyager]] minivans. It should be noted that the various turbo variants of the 2.2L (and later 2.5) engines were never offered on the Aries or Reliant.		The biggest change in 1983 was an additional 10 hp for the 2.2L I4, to 94 hp. Otherwise there were no real changes to speak of this year. This year's K-car spinoffs were the larger (and short-lived) [[Chrysler E-Class]] and [[New Yorker]], and the [[Dodge 600]]. All new dashboards with temp and oil pressure gauges were the order of the day for 1984, and all radios were now digital. Both the Aries and Reliant gained the Chrysler pentastar badge mounted squarely in the middle of their grilles. It is interesting to note that 1984 was the only year Aries and Reliant did not carry a "K" on the back of them as a trim line. The "K" had gained somewhat of a bad reputaton as a very common car and Chrysler attempted to distance themselves from this by dropping the "K" (it would return in 1985). The 2.6L I4 received a slight horsepower boost to 101. This year the K-cars spunoff the [[Chrysler Laser]] and [[Dodge Daytona]] sport coupes and the [[Dodge Caravan]] and [[Plymouth Voyager]] minivans. It should be noted that the various turbo variants of the 2.2L (and later 2.5) engines were never offered on the Aries or Reliant.

	The K-cars sported restyled noses and tails in 1985, becoming more rounded at the front and more formal in the rear. The Aries and Reliant again differed only in their grilles and taillights. Despite the changes, exterior and interior dimensions remained the same as before. Engine and transmission choices also remained the same. K-car spinoffs this year included the [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS]] and [[Dodge Lancer]], resurrecting an old nameplate last used in the early '60s. For 1986, the biggest change was the demise of the Mitsubishi 2.6L I4, replaced by a Chrysler-built 100 hp 2.5L I4. Fuel injection made its way to both the 2.2 and 2.5 engines this year - horsepower for the 2.2 remained at 97. The only exterior change was the addition of the mandatory Center High-Mounted Stop Light in the rear.		The K-cars sported restyled noses and tails in 1985, becoming more rounded at the front and more formal in the rear. The Aries and Reliant again differed only in their grilles and taillights. Despite the changes, exterior and interior dimensions remained the same as before. Engine and transmission choices also remained the same. K-car spinoffs this year included the [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS]] and [[Dodge Lancer]], resurrecting an old nameplate last used in the early '60s. For 1986, the biggest change was the demise of the Mitsubishi 2.6L I4, replaced by a Chrysler-built 100 hp 2.5L I4. Fuel injection made its way to both the 2.2 and 2.5 engines this year - horsepower for the 2.2 remained at 97. The only exterior change was the addition of the mandatory Center High-Mounted Stop Light in the rear. Base and SE models continued on both lines.

	1987 saw no appreciable changes to the Aries or Reliant other than a stainless steel exhaust system. K-car spinoffs this year were the [[Dodge Shadow]] and [[Plymouth Sundance]], as well as a new handsome [[Chrysler LeBaron Coupe]]. In 1988, following the Omni and Horizon's lead, the Aries and Reliant were now offered in value-oriented '''America''' trim, making many previously optional items standard, such as AM/FM stereo, power steering and brakes, etc. Transmissions on both engines gained lock-up torque converters. Spinoffs this year were the larger [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]] and [[Chrysler New Yorker]] sedans.		1987 saw no appreciable changes to the Aries or Reliant other than a stainless steel exhaust system. K-car spinoffs this year were the [[Dodge Shadow]] and [[Plymouth Sundance]], as well as a new handsome [[Chrysler LeBaron Coupe]]. In 1988, following the Omni and Horizon's lead, the Aries and Reliant were now offered in value-oriented '''America''' trim, making many previously optional items standard, such as AM/FM stereo, power steering and brakes, etc. Transmissions on both engines gained lock-up torque converters. Spinoffs this year were the larger [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]] and [[Chrysler New Yorker]] sedans.

Yankee at 03:51, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T03:51:36Z

@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 |}
-The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon".  The Aries (and its K-car twin '''Reliant''') was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]].  It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car, and had a 100.1" wheelbase.  The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction.  Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form.  But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).
+The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon".  The Aries (and its K-car twin '''[[Plymouth''' Reliant|Reliant]]) was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]].  It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car.  The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction.  Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form.  But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).  The Aries and Reliant would continue through 1989 to be replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]] and Plymouth Acclaim]] that same year.
-See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Dodge Aries Review]]'''.
+==1981-1989==
 ===Main Competitors===
@@ Line 65: / Line 75: @@
 *[[Toyota Camry]]
 *[[Volkswagen Jetta]]
 {{Dodge}}

Red marquis at 00:31, 19 February 2009

2009-02-19T00:31:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:31, 19 February 2009
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin '''Reliant''') was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car, and had a 100.1" wheelbase. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were ~~garaunteed~~ by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin '''Reliant''') was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car, and had a 100.1" wheelbase. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were guaranteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).

75.128.228.230: It wasn't a Bailout

2009-02-18T22:12:50Z

It wasn't a Bailout

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:12, 18 February 2009
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin '''Reliant''') was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car, and had a 100.1" wheelbase. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received ~~numerous government assistance and bailouts on behalf of Chairman Lee Iacocca~~ prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).		The '''[[Dodge]] Aries''', otherwise known as a "K-car", is ultimately best described as "the car that saved [[Chrysler]]'s bacon". The Aries (and its K-car twin '''Reliant''') was all new in 1981, replacing the departed [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]. It was Chrysler's first domestic front wheel drive car, and had a 100.1" wheelbase. The K-cars were a huge gamble for Chrysler, who had just received Loans that were garaunteed by the Government prior to their introduction. Had the K-cars turned out to be sales duds, it's very likely Chrysler would not exist today, at least in its present form. But not only were they successful, the K-car chassis spawned multiple spinoffs, not the least of which were sport coupes and minivans (in fact, by the mid-80s the only Chrysler cars that ''weren't'' K-car knockoffs were the L-body [[Dodge Omni]]/[[Plymouth Horizon]] and the rear-drive M-bodies ([[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]/[[Dodge Diplomat]]/[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]).

Red marquis at 01:53, 25 January 2009

2009-01-25T01:53:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:53, 25 January 2009
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	===1985===		===1985===

	The K-cars ~~were horrible~~ sported restyled noses and tails, becoming more rounded at the front and more formal in the rear. The Aries and Reliant again differed only in their grilles and taillights. Despite the changes, exterior and interior dimensions remained the same as before. Engine and transmission choices also remained the same. K-car spinoffs this year included the [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS]] and [[Dodge Lancer]], resurrecting an old nameplate last used in the early '60s.		The K-cars sported restyled noses and tails, becoming more rounded at the front and more formal in the rear. The Aries and Reliant again differed only in their grilles and taillights. Despite the changes, exterior and interior dimensions remained the same as before. Engine and transmission choices also remained the same. K-car spinoffs this year included the [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS]] and [[Dodge Lancer]], resurrecting an old nameplate last used in the early '60s.

	===1986===		===1986===