The Chrysler E Class is a mid-size car that was produced by Chrysler from 1983 to 1984. Taking its name from its Chrysler platform designation, the E Class commenced an era of downsized Chrysler vehicles, serving as a companion model for the first front-wheel drive Chrysler New Yorker.
Alongside the twelfth-generation New Yorker, the E Class shared the Chrysler E platform with the Dodge 600 and the Plymouth Caravelle (initially sold by Chrysler Canada).
For its entire production, Chrysler assembled the E Class in its Jefferson Avenue Assembly facility (Detroit, Michigan).
Model overview
left|thumb|1984 Chrysler E Class
left|thumb|1983 Chrysler E Class
In launching the E Class, Chrysler introduced its first front-wheel drive cars larger than its K-Cars, as its R and M-platform cars were far larger than the mid-size segment. Along with the New Yorker adopting the new chassis, the E Class inherited the role of the long-running Chrysler Newport; sharing its body with the New Yorker, the model line was slotted between the K-car LeBaron and the M-body Fifth Avenue in size.
While Ford would not produce a mid-size sedan with front-wheel drive until the 1986 Taurus/Sable, Chrysler targeted the E Class against the Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera (among the best-selling model lines for each brand). Originally intended to be named the "Chrysler Grand LeBaron", the E Class name (styled without the hyphen, in contrast to Mercedes-Benz) was selected instead, in deference to its E platform.
Chassis
The Chrysler E Class utilizes the Chrysler E platform (E=extended), which increases the K platform wheelbase 2.8 inches (from 100.3 to 103.1 inches).
The standard engine was a 2.2 L I4 (producing 94 hp) and a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.6 L I4 (producing 92 hp, with increased torque); a 3-speed automatic transmission was paired to both engines.), Chrysler dropped the E Class from its model line for 1985. The same car made its return to Chrysler-Plymouth dealer networks, as Chrysler repackaged it as the Plymouth Caravelle (previously sold only in Canada). The 1985 Caravelle inherited its design from its Canadian namesake, adopting the front fascia of the Dodge 600 (with an eggcrate grille); a 1986 update adopted the front bodywork of the Chrysler LeBaron (with its own grille).
The E platform New Yorker remained in production into the 1988 model year, fitted with a modified version of the front bodywork of the 1983-1984 E Class. After 1988, Chrysler replaced its E platform model lines with the AC platform (alongside the Y platform, the largest sedan variants of the K-car chassis).
Sales
{|class="wikitable"
|+ Production
|-
! Model Year
! Units
|-
! 1983
| 39,258
|-
! 1984
| 32,237
|-
! Total
! 71,495
|}