Dodge Dynasty

The Dodge Dynasty was introduced in 1988 and was another K-car based sedan that succeeded both the 600 and eventually the rear-drive Diplomat. The Dynasty's squared-off styling was a bit of a departure from the now-fashionable aero "jelly bean" styling that Ford pioneered with the Taurus two years earlier. In fact, Car and Driver magazine claimed at the Dynasty's introduction that "Chrysler has turned back the clock and revived the flying brick". The Dynasty was introduced alongside the newest and latest car (among many) to use the Chrysler New Yorker nameplate and also spunoff a new stretched Imperial model in 1990. The Dynasty would be replaced by the all-new Intrepid in 1993.

Here's a quick rundown:

1988-1993
The Dynasty was offered in base and LE models, and used Chrysler's 100 hp 2.5L I4, with Mitsubishi's 141 hp 3.0L V6 as an option (standard on the upper LE models). Transmissions were the 3-speed automatic on the I4 and V6, with the 4-speed automatic optional on the V6. Both engines used fuel injection. The Dynasty was thus far the longest K-car based platform in production, and could be considered a true 6-passenger car, unlike some of Chrysler's previous K-car offerings that made the same claim. Dashboards had a temp gauge, voltmeter and oil pressure gauge as standard even on the base models, a bit of an unusual but welcome touch. There were no notable changes in 1989 other than a couple of new colors.

In 1990, the Dynasty became Dodge's largest car now that the Diplomat was finally gone. Also, not counting the truck line, all of Chrysler's offerings were now front wheel drive (until the 1992 Viper). A new Chrysler-built 147 hp 3.3L V6 was offered as an option this year with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. Dashboards were slightly revised but the overall layout remained the same. A driver's side airbag became standard this year. Dodge had some more competition this year with Chevrolet's new Celebrity replacement Lumina, but the Dynasty had become a strong seller for Dodge by now, appealing to those who preferred a more conservatively styled unassuming sedan than the Lumina or Taurus would otherwise offer. Chrysler introduced a base New Yorker Salon model this year, which was purely a Dynasty clone minus its crossbar (or "gunsight") grille.

There were no changes to the Dynasty in 1991, all drivetrain options remained unchanged. 1992s were virtual reruns from the prior year as well. 1993 held only a few changes, namely a stainless steel exhaust system, along with a tamper-resistant odometer and an upgraded stereo system as the Dynasty was in its abbreviated final year. In what seemed to be a classic case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", the Dynasty's replacement Intrepid was everything the Dynasty wasn't: sleekly and aerodynamically styled, had sporting pretentions and, most important, wasn't another mere K-car knockoff.

The Dynasty was a good strong seller for Dodge and made no apologies for its boxy conservative styling, but it was clearly time for something more modern and competitive. Dodge answered that call with its all-new LH platformed Intrepid.

Main Competitors

 * Buick Century
 * Chevrolet Lumina
 * Ford Taurus
 * Honda Accord
 * Mazda 626
 * Mercury Sable
 * Nissan Maxima
 * Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
 * Pontiac 6000
 * Toyota Camry
 * Volkswagen Passat