Dodge Diplomat - Revision history

Yankee at 18:55, 6 July 2010

2010-07-06T18:55:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 6 July 2010
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	The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]], no doubt spurred by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] that was introduced a year earlier. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but after 1981 only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S.		The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]], no doubt spurred by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] that was introduced a year earlier. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but after 1981 only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S.

	An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.		An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this. The Diplomat would be offered all the way through the 1989 model year to be supplanted by the K-car based [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]].

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

Yankee at 18:19, 6 July 2010

2010-07-06T18:19:14Z

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	The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]], no doubt spurred by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] that was introduced a year earlier. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but after 1981 only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S. An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.		The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]], no doubt spurred by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] that was introduced a year earlier. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but after 1981 only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S.

	~~Here~~'s ~~a rundown from year~~ to ~~year:~~		An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.

	==1977==		Here's a quick rundown:

			==1977-1989==

	The Diplomat's inaugural year, it differed from its lesser Aspen twin mainly in its exterior styling and fancier interior appointments. Engine choices also mirrored the Aspen, the 110 hp 225 Slant-6 was standard, but the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 was a more popular option, and more suited to the Diplomat's upscale image. The 155 hp 360 2bbl V8 was also an option. A 3-speed manual was standard on the Slant-6, and a 4-speed was available on the Slant-6 and 318, but the automatic was only available on the 360. Most Dips were equipped with the automatic transmission, as a manual transmission surely seemed a bit out of character for such a car. T-bar roof (T-tops) were available on the coupes. The Diplomat became Dodge's second-best selling car for 1977 behind the Aspen.		The Diplomat's inaugural year, it differed from its lesser Aspen twin mainly in its exterior styling and fancier interior appointments. Engine choices also mirrored the Aspen, the 110 hp 225 Slant-6 was standard, but the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 was a more popular option, and more suited to the Diplomat's upscale image. The 155 hp 360 2bbl V8 was also an option. A 3-speed manual was standard on the Slant-6, and a 4-speed was available on the Slant-6 and 318, but the automatic was only available on the 360. Most Dips were equipped with the automatic transmission, as a manual transmission surely seemed a bit out of character for such a car. T-bar roof (T-tops) were available on the coupes. The Diplomat became Dodge's second-best selling car for 1977 behind the Aspen.

	~~==1978==~~		Not many changes at all for the Dip's second year, other than new colors. Automatic transmissions gained lockup torque converters on non-heavy duty applications. Sales remained high but the Dip got knocked down to third place this year with the introduction of the new subcompact [[Dodge Omni\|Omni]]. In 1979 the largest visual change was on the coupes, they sported a new, smaller and more formal rear quarter window. The 318 and 360 V8s gained a 4-barrel carburetor option, but all other drivetrain choices remained the same.

	Not many changes at all for the Dip's second year, other than new colors. Automatic transmissions gained lockup torque converters on non-heavy duty applications. Sales remained high but the Dip got knocked down to third place this year with the introduction of the new subcompact [[Dodge Omni\|Omni]].

	==1979==

	~~The~~ largest visual change was on the coupes, they sported a new, smaller and more formal rear quarter window. The 318 and 360 V8s gained a 4-barrel carburetor option, but all other drivetrain choices remained the same.

	~~==1980==~~

	The Diplomat received its first restyling this year, becoming more squared off and a little less glitzy from previous versions, and would remain the quintessential Diplomat style until the end of 1989. The coupes this year rode a smaller 108.7" wheelbase, while the sedan and wagon still rode the same 112.7" wheelbase. The Slant-6 lost its 2bbl carburetor this year and reverted back to a 1bbl, resulting in a horsepower drop to 90. The 318s and 360 continued as before, but all Dips would come with an automatic transmission this year - no more manuals (which were rarely ordered anyway).

	~~==1981==~~

	No visual changes, but the 360 V8 was now available only on police and taxi fleet models. Due to the Aspen's departure this year, the Diplomat would now become Dodge's lone intermediate model, which meant it was now (and would remain) a popular choice among police and taxi fleets.

	~~==1982==~~

	The largest visual change was the addition of the Chrysler pentastar badge over the exterior trunklid key lock. Also the Diplomat line was greatly simplified this year, as the coupe and wagon are discontinued - only the 4-door sedan remained. Now that the full-size [[Dodge St. Regis\|St. Regis]] was gone, the Diplomat was now Dodge's largest car. [[Plymouth]] now grafted the [[Plymouth Gran Fury\|Gran Fury]] nameplate on a Diplomat clone, which was indistinguishable from the Diplomat at more than 10 paces distance.

	~~==1983==~~

	~~The 318 V8 lost its 4bbl carb option on the "civilian" (non-fleet) models. Everything else remains the same.~~

	~~==1984==~~

	All radios are digital this year with an integrated clock. The Slant-6 is discontinued this year, the sole engine option for all models is now the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission. Dodge introduced an SE package this year, which included the [[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]'s front end, but had a crossbar in the grille (actually a sign of things to come for Dodge, as all Dodge models today use that same crossbar grille design in some shape or form). Other models remained the same.

	~~==1985==~~

	~~the se model remained the same from 84 to 89 with the fifth avenue front nose~~

	~~==1986==~~

	~~Other than the required Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, there were no changes this year.~~

	~~==1987==~~

	~~Other than a new steering wheel, there were no changes.~~

	~~==1988==~~		The Diplomat received its first (and only) restyling in 1980, becoming more squared off and a little less glitzy from previous versions, and would remain the quintessential Diplomat style until the end of 1989. Just like the Aspen, the coupes this year rode a smaller 108.7" wheelbase, while the sedan and wagon still rode the same 112.7" wheelbase. The Slant-6 lost its 2bbl carburetor this year and reverted back to a 1bbl, resulting in a horsepower drop to 90. The 318s and 360 continued as before, but all Dips would come with an automatic transmission this year - no more manuals (which were rarely ordered anyway). 1981 would hold no visual changes, but the 360 V8 was now available only on police and taxi fleet models. Due to the Aspen's departure this year, the Diplomat would now become Dodge's lone intermediate model, which meant it was now (and would remain) a popular choice among police and taxi fleets.

	~~A driver's side air bag would be phased in mid-year, becoming one~~ of the ~~first cars made in~~ the U.~~S. that would have an air bag~~ as ~~standard equipment~~. ~~Civilian sales were barely a blip on~~ the ~~sales radar by now~~, ~~but~~ the Diplomat ~~would still remain~~ a ~~popular choice among police and taxi fleets~~, ~~due to~~ its ~~inexpensive and proven sturdy design~~. ~~Dodge introduced~~ the K-~~car based [[~~Dodge ~~Dynasty\|Dynasty]]~~ this year, which ~~would eventually become~~ the ~~Diplomat~~'s ~~successor~~ (~~at least~~ in ~~spirit~~)~~, although Dodge did not offer a police package on~~ the ~~Dynasty~~.		The largest visual change for 1982 was the addition of the Chrysler pentastar badge over the exterior trunklid key lock. Also the Diplomat line was greatly simplified this year, as the coupe and wagon are discontinued - only the 4-door sedan remained. Now that the full-size [[Dodge St. Regis\|St. Regis]] was gone, the Diplomat was now Dodge's largest car. [[Plymouth]] now grafted the [[Plymouth Gran Fury\|Gran Fury]] nameplate on a Diplomat clone, which was indistinguishable from the Dip at more than 10 paces distance. In 1983, the 318 V8 lost its 4bbl carb option on the "civilian" (non-fleet) models. Everything else remained the same. For 1984, all radios went digital with an integrated clock. The Slant-6 was discontinued that year, the sole engine option for all models (including the fleet models) was the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission. Dodge introduced an '''SE''' package this year, which included the [[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]'s front end, but had a crossbar in the grille (actually a sign of things to come for Dodge, as most Dodge models today use that same crossbar grille design in some shape or form). Other models remained the same.

	~~==1989==~~		1985 saw virtually no changes, and for 1986, other than the required Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, there were no changes that year either. 1987s had a new steering wheel, but that was pretty much it. 1988 models would have a driver's side air bag that would be phased in mid-year, becoming one of the first cars made in the U.S. that would have an air bag as standard equipment. Civilian sales were barely a blip on the sales radar by now, but the Diplomat would still remain a popular choice among police and taxi fleets, due to its inexpensive and proven sturdy design.

	No changes at all as the Diplomat finally reached the end of the line. The Diplomat would become the last rear-drive Dodge passenger sedan until the 2006 [[Dodge Charger]], which ~~will~~ itself ~~offer~~ a police package in 2007.		1989s had no changes at all as the Diplomat finally reached the end of the line. The K-car based [[Dodge Dynasty\|Dynasty]] (introduced in 1988) would become the Diplomat's successor as Dodge's largest passenger car in 1990, although Dodge would not offer a police package on the Dynasty. The Diplomat would become the last rear-drive Dodge passenger sedan until the 2006 [[Dodge Charger]], which itself offered a police package in 2007.

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

Yankee at 18:00, 6 July 2010

2010-07-06T18:00:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 6 July 2010
Line 47:		Line 47:
	\|}		\|}

	The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]]. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but ~~later on~~ only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S. An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.		The '''[[Dodge]] Diplomat''' was introduced in 1977 alongside the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] as more upscale twins to the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volare]], no doubt spurred by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] that was introduced a year earlier. The Diplomat shared the same drivetrain and chassis of the Aspen, as well as exterior and interior dimensions. The "Dip" was initially available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, but after 1981 only the sedan would survive. Throughout 80s, the Diplomat would eventually become the darling of the police and taxi fleets throughout the U.S. An interesting fact about the Diplomat (and LeBaron) is that they were known as M-bodies, whereas the Aspen and Volare were F-bodies, even though they shared the exact same platform. Perhaps this was done to differentiate the differences between the Diplomat and Aspen, but it's not really known why Chrysler chose to do this.

	Here's a rundown from year to year:		Here's a rundown from year to year:

75.24.0.198: /* 1984 */

2009-08-19T16:11:13Z

1984

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	==1984==		==1984==

	All radios are digital this year with an integrated clock. The Slant-6 is discontinued this year, the sole engine option for all models is now the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission.		All radios are digital this year with an integrated clock. The Slant-6 is discontinued this year, the sole engine option for all models is now the 140 hp 318 2bbl V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission. Dodge introduced an SE package this year, which included the [[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]'s front end, but had a crossbar in the grille (actually a sign of things to come for Dodge, as all Dodge models today use that same crossbar grille design in some shape or form). Other models remained the same.

	==1985==		==1985==

75.24.0.198: /* 1985 */

2009-08-19T16:10:27Z

1985

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	==1985==		==1985==

	~~Dodge introduced an SE package this year, which included~~ the ~~[[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]'s front end, but had a crossbar in~~ the ~~grille (actually a sign of things~~ to ~~come for Dodge, as all Dodge models today use that same crossbar grille design in some shape or form). Other models remained~~ the ~~same.~~		the se model remained the same from 84 to 89 with the fifth avenue front nose

	==1986==		==1986==

Yankee: /* 1982 */

2008-02-22T16:04:46Z

1982

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 22 February 2008
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	==1982==		==1982==

	The largest visual change was the addition of the Chrysler pentastar badge over the exterior trunklid key lock. Also the Diplomat line was greatly simplified this year, as the coupe and wagon are discontinued. Now that the full-size [[Dodge St. Regis\|St. Regis]] was gone, the Diplomat was now Dodge's largest car. [[Plymouth]] now grafted the [[Plymouth Gran Fury\|Gran Fury]] nameplate on a Diplomat clone, which was indistinguishable from the Diplomat at more than 10 paces distance.		The largest visual change was the addition of the Chrysler pentastar badge over the exterior trunklid key lock. Also the Diplomat line was greatly simplified this year, as the coupe and wagon are discontinued - only the 4-door sedan remained. Now that the full-size [[Dodge St. Regis\|St. Regis]] was gone, the Diplomat was now Dodge's largest car. [[Plymouth]] now grafted the [[Plymouth Gran Fury\|Gran Fury]] nameplate on a Diplomat clone, which was indistinguishable from the Diplomat at more than 10 paces distance.

	==1983==		==1983==

Red marquis at 22:30, 13 February 2007

2007-02-13T22:30:30Z

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	\|-		\|-
	! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Dodge]]		! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Dodge]]
	\|
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Production		\| Production

Red marquis at 06:49, 6 February 2007

2007-02-06T06:49:30Z

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	{\| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"		{\| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
	\|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" \| ~~{{{~~Image~~}}}~~		\| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" \| [[Image:DodgeDiplomat1.jpg\|300px]]
	\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"		\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
	! colspan=2 \| '''Dodge Diplomat'''		! colspan=2 \| '''Dodge Diplomat'''

131.10.254.61 at 17:55, 5 February 2007

2007-02-05T17:55:35Z

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	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Engines		\| Engines
	\| 3.7L (225 cid) [[I6]] (1977-1983)<br>5.2L (318 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1989)<br>5.~~9 litre~~ (360 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1980)		\| 3.7L (225 cid) [[I6]] (1977-1983)<br>5.2L (318 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1989)<br>5.9L (360 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1980)
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Power		\| Power

131.10.254.61 at 17:55, 5 February 2007

2007-02-05T17:55:19Z

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	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Engines		\| Engines
	\| 3.~~7 litre~~ (225 cid) [[I6]]~~<br>~~(1977-1983)~~<br>~~<br>5.~~2 litre~~ (318 cid) [[V8]]~~<br>~~(1977-1989)~~<br>~~<br>5.9 litre (360 cid) [[V8]]~~<br>~~(1977-~~1983~~)		\| 3.7L (225 cid) [[I6]] (1977-1983)<br>5.2L (318 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1989)<br>5.9 litre (360 cid) [[V8]] (1977-1980)
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Power		\| Power
	\| ~~{{{Horsepower and torque rating}}}~~		\| 90-155 hp
	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Similar		\| Similar
	\| [[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]<br>[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]		\| [[Chrysler LeBaron]]<br>[[Chrysler Fifth Avenue]]<br>[[Plymouth Gran Fury]]
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Platform		\| Platform