Dodge Shadow

The Dodge Shadow]] and its identical twin Plymouth Sundance, known internally at Chrysler as the "P" cars, were introduced in 1987 (the name Sundance as formerly an option package on the Plymouth Satellite coupes in 1973-1974). Originally they were to be replacements for the Omni and Horizon, but those plans changed when Chrysler decided to keep the Omni and Horizon around alot longer than planned due to their continued strong sales, so for four model years they were sold side by side. The Shadow and Sundance were built on the K-car chassis, but they were actually a tad shorter than the Aries and Reliant. And unlike those, they were actually hatchbacks, despite their notchback design (much in the same vein as the larger Dodge Lancer). True to form with Dodges and Plymouths in this era, the only differences between a Shadow and a Sundance were a different grille and taillights - otherwise they were identical, and this report covers both models except where noted. Chrysler offered no version of the Shadow or Sundance.

Here's a rundown for both models:

The Shadows and Sundances offered perhaps a sporty alternative to an Aries or Reliant. Standard engine was the fuel-injected 93 hp 2.2L I4, with the 146 hp 2.2L I4 Turbo, or "Turbo I" as it was known, as an option. 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions were available on either engine. They are offered as 3- or 5-door hatchbacks, and even base models came with full instrumentation including a tachometer, volt meter, oil pressure and turbo boost gauge (on turbo models). As noted above, all models were hatchbacks with split-folding rear seatbacks. 1988 models differed very little, other than the addition of a removable cup holder mounted in the standard full-length center console. Changes to the 1989 models were very little also other than the usual new-color shuffle.

To be continued...