What is the history of the Dodge Mirada?
The Dodge Mirada was a two-door personal-luxury coupe produced by Dodge from 1980 through 1983.
Overview and context
The Mirada arrived during a period of reform at Chrysler, when the automaker sought to modernize its image with more stylish, feature-focused two-doors while still leveraging an existing chassis. It was introduced as a distinct, more upscale alternative within Dodge's two-door lineup and shared its underpinnings with the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volaré.
Platform and engineering
The Mirada relied on the rear-wheel-drive M-body platform, a durable mid-size chassis Dodge used for several models in the 1970s and early 1980s. This choice allowed Dodge to launch a personal-luxury two-door without the cost of an all-new design, but also meant that the Mirada carried the aging mechanicals of an era that Chrysler was trying to move beyond.
Styling and interior features
Visually, the Mirada was styled to look more premium than Dodge’s basic coupes, with a more upmarket interior and exterior trim to appeal to buyers seeking a more comfortable, stylish ride in a mid-size two-door package. Options typically included upgraded upholstery, trim accents, and convenience features aligned with the personal-luxury segment of the time.
Model year highlights
Below is a concise look at how the Mirada evolved across its four-year run, including the subtle updates that kept it competitive in a tightening market.
- 1980 model year — introduction as a premium two-door on the M-body, aimed at buyers wanting more luxury without stepping into a larger, more expensive car.
- 1981 model year — minor cosmetic updates and option refinements; the Mirada retained its emphasis on comfort and style.
- 1982 model year — continued adjustments to trim and equipment; Chrysler’s broader mid-market strategy influenced available features.
- 1983 model year — final production year; Dodge did not extend the Mirada beyond this point as the company realigned its lineup in the early 1980s.
These yearly adjustments reflect Dodge’s effort to keep the model relevant in a market that was increasingly shifting toward front-wheel drive and more efficient platforms, even as the Mirada’s aging underpinnings limited long-term appeal.
Reception, impact, and legacy
Sales for the Mirada were modest, and it did not achieve the breakout success of some contemporary personal-luxury rivals. In the years since, the Mirada has become a niche collectible within the Mopar community, appreciated for its place in Chrysler’s transitional era and for the styling cues that captured late-70s to early-80s automotive design. Fewer than many of its peers survive in complete, original condition, making good examples sought after by enthusiasts.
Summary
The Dodge Mirada stands as a brief but telling chapter in Dodge’s history: a four-year effort to offer a stylish, mid-size two-door with a touch of luxury, built on aging underpinnings and priced to attract buyers during a tumultuous period for American automakers. Its short life mirrors the broader challenges Chrysler faced in the early 1980s, and today it remains a distinctive, if uncommon, relic of its era.
How many Dodge Miradas were made?
| Dodge Mirada | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Model years | 1980–1983 52,947 produced |
| Assembly | Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Designer | Ernie Barry |
How much horsepower does a 1981 Dodge Mirada have?
This Mirada in Black with a Saddle interior is fully equipped with all the luxury features of the time, and powered by a 318cid V8 rated at 130 horsepower linked to a Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission.
Did the Dodge Brothers build engines for Ford?
They did such a great job that Ford Motor Company asked them to help build engines and other parts for Ford cars. From 1903 to 1913, the Dodge brothers worked closely with Ford. They even became part-owners of the company! Their shop grew so big that they had to open a second factory to keep up with orders.
Who makes Mirada cars?
Chrysler Corporation
The Dodge Mirada is a personal luxury coupe produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation.
