To my eyes as a kid in the 80s, the most modern-looking vehicle on American roads during my teenage years was Chrysler LeBaron. Especially in convertible form, Chrysler’s longstanding LeBaron has gone from looking like a box to it going into something like something designed to glide through the wind. Of course, I’d love to have a monochrome shot that’s ’90s-appropriate.
We covered the second-generation LeBaron in our Used Car Highlights before, so this time we’ll focus on the aerodynamic third-generation model.
Read more: 1982-1986 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible | Used car spotlight
Why Chrysler LeBaron?
The LeBaron will always be a classic for those of us who grew up in our 80s and 90s, but the third-generation LeBaron is also a legitimate performance car. It’s not to compete with Mustang and Camarosbut its turbocharged four-cylinder engine range punches a punch for the times, and when paired with the available five-speed manual transmission, the sporty little car is fun to drive.
These third-generation Chrysler LeBaron models are built on top of the automaker’s J-platform, itself derived from the K-car chassis that is credited with saving Chrysler from the brink of non-existence. . And LeBaron also helped save convertibles from the brink. In fact, from 1982 – and remember the 1982 Chrysler LeBaron was the first domestic convertible since 1976 Cadillac Eldorado – until the third generation LeBaron ran from 1987-1995, no automaker sold more convertibles than Chrysler. That bit of notoriety might not make it an instant classic, but it can at least add credence to its future status as a fun local entry. your car show.
Which Chrysler LeBaron to choose?
Chrysler made several changes to the third-generation LeBaron during production. The 1987-1989 models had a blocky interior; we prefer the more modern version that hit the market in 1990 because it better suits the sweeping exterior style. For ’93, Chrysler removed the hidden headlights and replaced them with narrower units. Both look pretty good, but the hidden lights lured us in like a relic of the times. So if we were to shop, we’d be looking for a 1990-1992 model.
We also recommend using one of the turbocharged four-cylinder engines instead of the V6 offered by Mitsubishi. The turbo not only feels more modern, but it’s also more fun to drive. Chrysler’s famous line of 2.2-liter turbocharged engines is heavily featured in the LeBaron, with the best versions featuring intercoolers and delivering up to 174 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. -feet. A 2.5-liter turbo-four is also offered with 152 hp and 211 lb-ft.
Our list of used cars It can be helpful to find a good deal near you. Narrow services by radius around your ZIP code and pay attention to the deal rating on each listing to see how one vehicle compares to others in the same area.
Read more: All of our past Used Car Spotlight articles
What else to consider?
If you’re looking for something rad from the ’80s or ’90s, you’re spoiled for choice. Besides LeBaron, Chevrolet offers several memorable versions of the Camaro. The Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am are obvious choices, as well as Fiero. And of course, Ford Mustang GT and its 5.0-liter V8 was also an icon of the times.
