Dodge Lancer

Please note: The "first" Dodge Lancer was a twin to the Plmouth Valiant in 1961-1962. Please see the Plymouth Valiant entry for more information on that model. This page covers the Dodge Lancer of 1985-1989.

The Dodge Lancer was another K-car spinoff introduced in 1985 as a more direct competitor to Europe and Japan's sport sedans, which were coming of age in the mid-1980s. The Lancer was available only as a 5-door hatchback and was known internally at Chrysler as an "H" body. Chrysler would also introduce a version called the LeBaron GTS, differing mainly in grilles and other various trim. Base engine was a fuel-injected 93 hp 2.2L (135 cid) I4 engine, with the 146 hp 2.2L (135 cid) Turbo optional. Either engine was available with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. There were base Lancers or higher-lever Lancer ES, and all models were very well equipped and had full instrumentation (and of course digital dashes were optional). The 100 hp 2.5L (153 cid) I4 became optional in 1986, but other engines and transmission choices continued.

1987 models remained unchanged other than the usual exterior color changes, but the big news in 1988 was the Lancer Shelby, which had the 174 intercooled turbo 2.2L engine borrowed from the high-performance Daytona models. Exterior enhancements included a roof-mounted spoiler atop the rear hatch, ground effects and special Shelby badging. Base and ES models carried on as before, and all three models would continue thru 1989 unchanged, which would be their final year. Reasons for their short lifespan would be a result of a large model overlap within Chrysler, plus sales, while respectable, never reached expectations. There would be no direct successor to the Dodge Lancer.