Dodge Conquest Sales Figures

Dodge Conquest

When the Conquest was discontinued in 1987, the smaller Dodge Daytona was intended as its successor, even though both nameplates were introduced in 1983. Today, the Conquest and Starion have a dedicated enthusiast base and are considered classic examples of 1980s sports car design and engineering. Their unique position as badge-engineered models spanning both Japanese and American brands adds to their intrigue in automotive history.

Dodge Conquest Overview

The Dodge Conquest is a bit of a unique entry in the history of badge-engineered vehicles in the United States. It’s a product of the 1980s and exemplifies the collaborative era between American and Japanese automakers.

The Dodge Conquest was essentially a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Starion. It was a sporty rear-wheel-drive coupe produced by Mitsubishi in Japan and imported to North America. Chrysler Corporation, which had a partnership with Mitsubishi at the time, marketed the car under several of its brands. In addition to being sold as the Dodge Conquest, the vehicle was also available as the Plymouth Conquest and, more prominently, the Chrysler Conquest. The Mitsubishi version was called the Starion, and it was sold at Mitsubishi dealerships simultaneously with the Conquest models at Chrysler-affiliated dealerships.

The Conquest/Starion was notable for its wide, flared fenders, giving it a distinctive and aggressive look. This “widebody” design became iconic for the model. The car was equipped with a turbocharged inline-four engine, and over its production run, various enhancements were made to increase its power output. It became known as a performance-oriented model, competing with other sports cars of its era. Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the engine were available, with the turbocharged variant being the more popular and sought-after option. The Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Conquest was sold in the North American market from the early 1980s to the late 1980s.

The Conquest and Starion were generally well-received for their performance, handling, and distinctive style. They were part of a wave of Japanese turbocharged performance cars that emerged in the 1980s, including competitors like the Nissan 300ZX and Mazda RX-7. They also played a role in boosting the sporty image of both Mitsubishi and Chrysler during this period.