Faults:

Freeze out plugs went at least 3 times in the 90's.

It has had, and still has, oil leaks.

Power Steering pump has been replaced.

Air conditioning was fixed in 1992, but no longer works as of 2008.

The radiator was replaced in 1995 and 2008.

The radio was rebuilt in the 90's.

Three complete muffler systems over the years.

The top was replaced in 1994, and will need to replaced next year.

The Power window switch was replaced in 2008

General Comments:

I have owned this car since 1992. In 1997 at 115k, after spending a lot on repairs, things still kept breaking. Since it wasn't worth anything I parked it in the barn and forgot about it.

In 2008 I decided to see if it would start. I threw a new battery in it and it started right up, even though it sat for 11 years. I sank $1000 into it fixing mostly maintenance items like brakes and belts. Now I have a 20 year old car that looks and drives great and gets 23 MPG.

This is the best riding car I have ever owned, and that's saying a lot for a 20 year old car. It handles great and has turbo power. And the best part is the compliments I get on what a nice looking car it is.

Faults:

Water pump replaced at 90000, again at 130000, again at 180000

Replaced motor for power top.

Replaced passenger side rear window assembly.

Still on original alternator and turbo.

General Comments:

This has been a great car for me. Mine is the Premium convertible with leather interior. Seats are a perfect fit for my 5'4" frame, power and performance are more than adequate, even at this high mileage. I started it on a total diet of synthetic lubricants at 60000, and it has done well. Original turbo-very peppy still.

Faults:

Radiator needed replacement, approx. 98,000 miles.

Head gasket needed replacement, approx. 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

I have owned 2 LeBarons. A 1986 Mark Cross Convertible with 2.2 turbo and currently, a 1989 coupe 2.5 turbo. Both have been very enjoyable cars with really comfortable interiors and wonderful seats.

Power is more than adequate (remember, these are not high-performance turbos). Ride quality is very good, the ’86 had a feel like a larger American luxury car. The ’89 drives a bit tighter, more responsive, but still solid, and heavy (in a good way).

The small 4 cyl. Chrysler products from the '80s were, overall, very good cars. Please note - many of the earliest LeBarons came with 2.6L 4 cylinder Mitsubishi engines, and from 1990 - 1995 with 3.0L 6 cyl. Mitsubishis. Those engines were low power / performance, and a little costly to repair (ie: 3.0L water pump).

The Chrysler 4 cyl. engines, on the other hand, were well engineered and offered increased horsepower through the years. Yes, as most engines, they have their weaknesses (don't let them overheat - the aluminum head can warp). Generally, they were well-built and long-lived if maintained correctly.

The reader who posted on 29th Dec 2007 and said these cars were problematic was not well informed. The trannies were more than adequate - these were not high-performance cars even with the turbo, except the Turbo IV engine - only available with 5 speed.

There were occasional turbo problems, as almost all turbo-ed cars of the era had. This was because owners were never told to cool down the turbo before shutting off the engine!

I bought my '89 coupe 2.5 turbo at 97,000 miles. It drove so well, it felt like a car with no more than 40K miles - tight, solid, well-built, and no squeaks or rattles.

Sadly, Chrysler did cheapen the car in 1990 with a minor make-over, and went with the 3.0L Mits. engine I mentioned above. The car had more plastic content. For instance, although having an appealing dashboard design, it felt and looked cheap. They also didn’t stay tight and squeak-free into high mileage.

The ‘80s Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth with Chrysler 4 bangers, were economical, reliable, and comfortable.