The Dodge Mirada was released in 1980 as the replacement for the Dodge Magnum until its end in 1983. It was a mid-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe, and was one of the three cars based on the Chrysler J platform.
The 1980 Dodge Mirada was a two door hatchback. It came with 3.7 liter, 5.2 liter V8, and 5.9 liter V8 engines. The 3.7 L engine was the standard engine in the base Mirada; the 5.2 L V8 was offered as optional, and the 5.9 L V8 was offered only as the standard engine in the Mirada CMX. The 3.7 liter was capable of producing 90 hp @ 3600 rpm, and 160 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. The suspension of the Mirada utilized transverse torsion bars in the front with an anti-sway bar and leaf springs in the rear. Transmission was three-speed automatic.
The interior of the Mirada was offered in a variety of styles and colors, although the most common color interior was dark red. The base model dashboard was black. The seat options were either vinyl bucket seats, leather bucket seats, or a 60/40 split cloth bench seat.
The Mirada was predicted to sell quite well and do well in its class against vehicles such as the Buick Regal, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and the Mercury Cougar, but it didn't fare well at all. With big rivals such as GM and Ford, the Mirada just didn't seem to get the consumers’ attention, and as a result it was produced for just three years.
