Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking comfort, space, and American styling
Competitors:
Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight/Ninety-Eight, Chevrolet Caprice, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial, a stretched version of the front-wheel-drive LH platform
Interior Appointments:
Spacious interior, focus on comfort and quiet ride, upscale materials for its time
Powertrain Options:
V6 and V8 engine options, emphasizing smooth power delivery
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), driveline, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on model), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, ignition switch, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, diagnostic connectors, fuses and relays, starting and charging system
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, adjustments
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic codes, diagnostic connectors, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repair
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.3L (201 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Naturally aspirated, overhead valve (OHV), V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 4400 rpm (approximate)
Engine 1 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.8L (230 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Naturally aspirated, overhead valve (OHV), V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
162-170 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Torque:
200-210 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.8L Supercharged
Engine 3 Configuration:
Supercharged, overhead valve (OHV), V6
Engine 3 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not rated for this specific model year period in modern standards, but designed to meet contemporary safety requirements.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select models/trims
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbag optional on some later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts in front and rear, shoulder belts at all seating positions
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, power antenna, premium speaker systems on higher trims
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-I diagnostic port, typically located under the dashboard
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Engine Oil:
10W-30 (API SG or higher) for most conditions, check owner's manual for specifics
Coolant:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT) and distilled water
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Potential vacuum leaks due to gasket degradation on certain engine variants
Transmission Problems:
Early 4-speed transmissions (Ultradrive 42LE) could be prone to shifting issues if not properly maintained; fluid changes are critical.
Electrical Component Failure:
Aging electrical components, such as power window motors or solenoids, may require attention.
Suspension Wear:
Typical wear items like ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links can require replacement with age and mileage.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge's history of producing large, comfortable, and often value-oriented sedans and coupes.
Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 as a 1988 model year vehicle, replacing the Dodge 600.
Styling Direction:
Evolved from the more angular 1980s designs to a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile characteristic of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Platform Transition:
Transitioned to the front-wheel-drive Y-body platform, shared with Chrysler siblings, offering improved interior space and handling.
Production Years:
1988-1993
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Belvidere, Illinois)
