What year did Dodge Shadow come out?
The Dodge Shadow debuted for the 1987 model year.
The Shadow was Dodge’s entry in Chrysler’s refreshed K-car lineup, created to offer an affordable, practical compact car alongside its Plymouth Sundance sibling. It helped modernize Dodge’s small-car family during the late 1980s and continued in production into the mid-1990s before the Neon era began.
Context and Development
In the 1980s, Chrysler revised its K-car strategy to improve efficiency, fuel economy, and practicality. The Dodge Shadow arrived as part of that refresh, bringing updated styling, interior improvements, and continued front-wheel-drive packaging that had proven popular with buyers seeking economical daily transportation. It was developed to complement the Plymouth Sundance and broaden Dodge’s presence in the compact-car segment.
Design approach and market positioning
The Shadow prioritized practicality and value, offering multiple trim levels and option packages aimed at cost-conscious buyers. Its design focused on interior comfort, reliability, and straightforward maintenance, rather than sporty performance.
Release Year and Production Span
Key milestones around the Shadow’s release and production timeline are summarized below.
- Introduced for the 1987 model year as part of Chrysler’s new K-car lineup, with a Dodge Shadow introduced alongside the Plymouth Sundance.
- Built on the front-wheel-drive K-car platform, sharing engineering with other small Chrysler models of the era.
- Produced from 1987 through 1994, with a mid-cycle styling refresh in the early 1990s to keep the model visually current.
- Discontinued as Chrysler shifted to newer designs, with the Neon replacing the K-car-based lineup in the mid-1990s.
In sum, the Dodge Shadow first appeared in 1987 and remained in production until 1994, marking a later chapter in Chrysler’s K-car era before the Neon era took over the segment.
Legacy and Market Position
The Shadow’s legacy lies in its role as a practical, affordable compact during a pivotal period for American small cars. It demonstrated Chrysler’s ability to adapt the K-car platform to evolving market demands and helped shape Dodge’s approach to entry-level transportation through the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Summary
Answer: The Dodge Shadow came out in 1987. It was introduced as part of Chrysler’s K-car refresh and remained in production through 1994, before the Neon era began.
