1989 Chrysler LeBaron GTC 2.5

Summary:

Engineering perfection, will always drive one

Faults:

I agree with the previous reviews, and had the same exact problems.

The transmission doesn't like third gear when it's still cold.

The top has a few rips in it.

The timing belt went at almost exactly 115,000 miles.

And I am cautious of the engine, although it has never given me a reason to doubt it's reliability, but it missed a few oil changes and the oil pressure needle dips very low on hot summer days at times.

General Comments:

I would take my Le Baron over my 1996 Cadillac S.T.S anyday, and have.

None of this is even remotely a problem! The car cost me 528$ and has shown itself to be indestructible, an accident in which I was forced off road and into a tree off of a cliff merely dented the front fender, which popped back out with a rubber hammer. the car even started and drove away from the accident!

The gas mileage is great, people who don't think so, need to clean their fuel system out sometime, dirt and residue builds up over... a decade plus? I get 26 MPH in city conditions, and 33 MPH on the open road! It's insane, as long as you clean the fuel system and use semi synthetic oil, they tool along sipping gas.

The turbo charger really saves gas, as it adds your exhaust fumes potential energy to your engine, taking less gas as long as you don't stop it.

My Le Baron, with a simple 30$ tightening of the banding, runs 0-60MPH in 7.2 seconds.

The luxury and comfort are unmeasurable, I can drive literally hours in this car, and I'm 6'3. the power everything and individual sub-supported speakers make this a very developed ride, and extremely fun!

Cannot beat the bang for the buck, or the summer fun and winter stability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003

1989 Chrysler LeBaron GT 2.5 turbo charged

Summary:

It's a great-looking car, and the styling belies its age

Faults:

The inner lining of the convertible top has shrunk slightly, making the Velcro fasteners difficult to line up with each other.

The original leather seats have begun to tear at the stitched seams, and re-upholstery is needed.

Although several mechanics and alignment shops have checked the car, the front end is very unstable on less than smooth highways. It feels like the front end is "coming apart," although we cannot find any loose or faulty suspension components.

General Comments:

This car is surprisingly agile, and accelerates quickly and strongly even at higher speeds. I have "pulled it down" a gear at 60-65 miles per hour, and it seems to grab a ton of horsepower, even at higher engine speeds.

I have put Gabriel gas shocks all the way around the car, but this car is one of the "stiffest" rides I've ever owned. It's very uncomfortable on rough pavement. It's possible that the shocks are just "too stiff" for the weight of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2003

17th Jul 2006, 18:26

Chrysler cars of this era did ride very stiff. I've owned several, a 1992 Plymouth Acclaim, 1989 Chrysler Lebaron Coupe, and 1990 Plymouth Sundance. They all rode exactly the same. They ride very firm and are harsh over rough pavement, but they do have responsive handling in exchange and there's very little body lean in turns.

1989 Chrysler LeBaron Premium 2.5 turbo

Summary:

Great value, and great styling, great performance

Faults:

Overall a good car, but there are some small things...

When I got the car the turbo and head gasket were bad.

The convertible top was in horrid shape.

Stereo was not working.

General Comments:

Overall it's a GREAT car! I got it for $750.00 in 2001 to replace my 1979 Omni TC-3, which died.

The Le Baron needed a new head gasket, turbo and convertible top. After fully rebuilding the turbo engine, and replacing over $500.00 worth of parts, the Le Baron runs and looks like the day it drove off the showroom floor. The original paint was just in need of a good waxing. The top was the most expensive thing I had to buy, $150.00.

I love my Le Baron, it's a 1989 Premium convertible. Many people think these cars are crap, but these brought back the convertible to America, and those people who say that these cars are worthless, it's obvious that they never driven one.

High points-

Fast 4 cylinder turbo car! I LOVE the turbo

Surprisingly roomy

Still stylish

Great handling

Surprisingly reliable

Good brakes (original)

Larger trunk for a convertible

Adjustable cloth seats are comfortable

Digital dash is cool

Transmission is still good

An American classic (well, soon to be)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2003