Reviews and Specifications

The information contained on this page refers primarily to the 1987-1995 ‘J’ body Chrysler LeBaron coupe and convertible.

Reviews

"A handsomely designed car, the LeBaron convertible is built on what originally started life as Chrysler's K-car. Chrysler president Bob Lutz doesn't like the comparisons to the basic inexpensive K-cars, commenting that the LeBaron--especially the trim convertible--is like a hammer that's had its handle changed five times and its head changed three times. So people shouldn't think it's still the same hammer. "…" Interior trim is above average for a domestic convertible, and particular details we like are the cupholders and climate controls of the LeBaron. "…" it's the best-selling convertible on the market."

Car And Driver

1992 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

"With a Mitsubishi V-6 beneath the hood, the shapely LeBarons gained refined power to match their sharp looks. "…" delivering spirited acceleration and brisk passing response. "…" If you simply must have a turbocharged engine, note that the 2.5-liter turbo is less raucous than the earlier 2.2, which disappeared after 1990. "…" few LeBarons have a 5-speed manual gearbox, which was improved for '90. If you can find one, the stick is smooth and direct."…" look for a GTC with its performance suspension and tires. But be prepared for a choppy ride over rough pavement.

The new, modern interior installed for 1990 is a vast improvement over prior dashboards, positioning controls closer to the driver. Gauges are easy to see, controls easy to use. Climate and radio controls are readily accessible. "…" Six-footers are likely to be comfortable in front. Backseats are bigger than in most coupes, but insufficient for adults on long drives.

Chrysler managed to keep its 2-door LeBarons looking fresh, well into the '90s, by making subtle styling touchups on a regular basis. "…" they still look sharp and perform reasonably well--at least with the smooth V-6 engine. One safety bonus: All LeBarons have at least a driver-side air bag, and many have anti-lock braking. Final models sold at reasonable prices when new, well-equipped--part of Chrysler's "one-price" strategy. They can also be found today for modest cost."

Edmund’s Automobile Buyer’s Guides


Specifications

Available Powertrains

The Mitsubishi built 3.0 liter V-6, introduced as an option for 1990, develops 141 horsepower. The V-6 might be found in any LeBaron that year except the GTC, which employed Chrysler's new 2.2-liter intercooled VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbo) Turbo IV engine, making 174 horsepower. Only a 5-speed manual transmission could be installed in the GTC, but other LeBarons might have either manual shift or a 3-speed automatic; or, for the first time, a 4-speed automatic that was standard on some models, optional on others. Base engine was a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A V-6 went into LX and GTC models for 1991. The potent 2.2-liter turbo disappeared that year, in favor of a 2.5-liter that could go into either a base LeBaron or GTC.

Engine Specifications

Engine
Designation
2.5L I4
N/A
2.2L I4
Turbo-II
2.2L I4
Turbo-IV
2.2L/2.5L I4
Turbo-I *
3.0L V6
MMC
Years Used1987-19931989-199019901987-1993 *1990-1995
TurbochargerNoneGarrett T04Garrett VNT25Mitsubishi TD04None
Size, cc./cu.in.2508/1532212/1352212/1352508/1532973/181
Fuel DeliveryT.B.I.M.P.I.M.P.I.M.P.I.E.F.I.
Bore and Stroke3.44"x4.09"3.44"x3.62"3.44"x3.62"3.44"x4.09"3.59"x2.99"
Comp. Ratio8.9:18.1:18.1:17.8:19:1
Horsepower100@4800175@5200174@5200150@4800141@5000
Torque (lbs/ft.)135@2800175@2200200@3700180@2000171@2800
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. 3.0L V6 Engine
* The Turbo-I displaced 2.2L from 1987-88 and 2.5L from 1989-93. The 2.5L engines had chain driven balance shafts. A 'high-torque' 2.5L Turbo-I was available from 1991-93 mated only to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

EPA mpg(city/hwy)2.5L I4Turbo-IITurbo-IMMC V6
5-speed OD manual24/3420/2820/2719/28
3-speed automatic23/28n/a19/2421/27
4-speed OD automaticn/an/an/a20/29
1988 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Coupe

Dimensions and Capacities

1990-1995 'J' LeBaronCoupeConvertible
Wheelbase, in.100.5100.6
Overall Length, in.184.8184.8
Overall Width, in.69.269.2
Overall Height, in.53.352.4
Curb Weight, lbs.28633010
Cargo Vol., cu ft.14.410.3
Fuel Capacity, gals.14.014.0
Seating Capacity54
Front Headroom, in.37.638.3
Max. front legroom, in.42.542.5
Rear Headroom, in.36.337.0
Min. rear legroom, in.33.033.0
2.2L Intercooled Turbo I Engine

1995 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible


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Last update: January 18, 2002.