The Dodge Colt was replaced by different models in the United States, primarily transitioning into the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance liftbacks for the 1989 model year within the Dodge and Plymouth lineups. Simultaneously, the sedan bodywork, which the Colt had offered, became available to American consumers under the name Eagle Summit.
Transition to New Models
Following the fifth generation, the Dodge Colt sedan was no longer sold under that name in the United States for its sixth generation. Instead, its market segment was reconfigured with new offerings designed to appeal to a broader audience while providing updated designs and features.
Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance
The primary successors within the Dodge and Plymouth brands were the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance. Introduced for the 1989 model year, these vehicles were compact liftbacks. They took over the role of a compact offering in the lineup, providing a more contemporary design and targeting a similar buyer demographic as the outgoing Colt.
- Key Aspects of Shadow/Sundance:
- Body Style: Primarily offered as 2-door and 4-door liftbacks.
- Market Position: Served as the new compact car offering for Dodge and Plymouth.
- Introduction: Launched in 1989.
The Eagle Summit: A Familiar Body Under a New Name
While the Colt name exited the U.S. sedan market, the actual sedan bodywork of the sixth-generation Colt did not disappear entirely. It was rebranded and sold as the Eagle Summit. This allowed American consumers to continue accessing a vehicle with the Colt sedan's familiar dimensions and design, albeit under a different marque, reflecting Chrysler's evolving brand strategy at the time.
- Eagle Summit's Role:
- Form Factor: Provided the sedan bodywork identical to the sixth-generation Colt.
- Availability: Offered to American consumers through the Eagle brand.
- Continuity: Maintained the sedan form factor previously associated with the Colt.
Summary of Replacements
To clarify the lineage, here's an overview of what superseded the Dodge Colt in the U.S. market:
| Original Model | Replacement Models (U.S. Market) | Primary Body Style | Year Introduced (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Colt | Dodge Shadow / Plymouth Sundance | Liftback | 1989 |
| (Colt Sedan form) | Eagle Summit | Sedan | 1989 |
This strategic shift allowed Chrysler to refresh its compact car offerings and align them with new brand identities and market demands, effectively replacing the Dodge Colt with a multi-pronged approach.
