The Michigan: A Kei Car Sold by Chrysler Under the Dodge Name
If you’re a car enthusiast, you may have heard of the Michigan, a kei car sold by Chrysler under the Dodge name. This car is a bit of an enigma, as it was only available in Japan despite being named after a state in the United States. In this article, we’ll explore the history and features of the Michigan, and try to unravel some of the confusion surrounding this unique vehicle.
What is a Kei Car?
Before we dive into the Michigan specifically, let’s first define what a kei car is. Kei cars are a type of small vehicle that originated in Japan in the 1940s. They are designed to meet certain size and engine displacement requirements set by the Japanese government, which makes them cheaper to own and operate than larger vehicles. Kei cars are typically used for city driving and commuting, and are popular among young drivers and older people who don’t need a lot of space or power.
The Michigan: A Brief History
The Michigan was introduced by Chrysler in 1990, and was sold exclusively in Japan. It was based on the Mitsubishi Minica Toppo, which was also sold as the Dodge Trazo in Mexico. The Michigan was marketed as a stylish and affordable kei car, with features like power windows, air conditioning, and a CD player that were not common in other kei cars at the time.
One of the most interesting things about the Michigan is its name. It’s unclear why Chrysler chose to name a Japanese kei car after a state in the United States, but it’s possible that they thought the name would be exotic or appealing to Japanese consumers. Whatever the reason, it’s certainly a unique choice that adds to the Michigan’s mystique.
Features and Specifications
The Michigan was available in both two-door and four-door models, with a variety of engine options ranging from 660cc to 1000cc. It had a front-wheel drive layout and a four-speed automatic transmission. The interior was surprisingly spacious for a kei car, with room for four passengers and a decent amount of cargo space.
One of the standout features of the Michigan was its styling. It had a distinctive boxy shape that was reminiscent of 1980s American cars, with a front grille that resembled the Dodge Ram logo. The Michigan also had unique taillights that wrapped around the sides of the car, giving it a futuristic look.
The Michigan Today
Today, the Michigan is a rare and sought-after collector’s item in Japan. Its unusual name and styling make it a conversation piece, and its rarity makes it a valuable addition to any car enthusiast’s collection. However, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see the Michigan on American roads, as it was never sold outside of Japan and would not meet U.S. safety and emissions standards.
Conclusion
The Michigan is a fascinating example of how global automakers can create unique and unexpected vehicles for specific markets. Its name and styling may be confusing to some, but they add to the car’s charm and appeal. While we may never get to drive a Michigan ourselves, we can appreciate it as a quirky and interesting piece of automotive history.
