Chrysler LeBaron
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Chrysler introduced the LeBaron model in 1978 as its lowest priced model, and the name was used on various Chryslers until 1995. The name originates from the 1930s coach builder, and designated the top of the line Imperial models through 1975.
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[edit] 1977-1981
Although the LeBaron name had been used before on Imperials, this was the first time the name was used on a Chrysler. The first LeBaron was a rebadged Dodge Diplomat, and was sold from 1977 to 1981. It was replaced by a new front-wheel drive LeBaron for the 1982 model year, as well as the downsized Chrysler New Yorker, which was now Chrysler's M-body car.
[edit] 1982-1988
The 1982 LeBaron was based on the Chrysler K platform and was a rebadged Dodge Aries. It was available in sedan, coupe, and convertible versions. This generation featured Chrysler's Electronic Voice Alert, a computerized voice which admonished drivers with phrases like "Please fasten your seat belt" and "A door is ajar". A station wagon version, dubbed the Town and Country was added as well. A special Town and Country convertible was also made from 1983 to 1986 in limited quantities, which featured fake wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s version.
[edit] 1985-1989 LeBaron GTS
The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the Chrysler H platform. As a 5-door hatchback still derived from the K-car, the GTS (and the similar Dodge Lancer) was more of a performance vehicle. In base configuration, the car was powered by Chrysler's 2.2 L I4 engine, later replaced by a 2.5 L TBI I4 engine, generating 93 hp. A turbocharged 2.2 L engine, good for 146 hp, was also available. The GTS moniker was dropped for 1989, after the K-based LeBaron sedan was discontinued. Production also ended in 1989.
[edit] 1987-1995 coupe/convertible
After the discontinuation of the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron in 1987, built on the J platform and available as a coupe or convertible. The new LeBaron featured headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers, a waterfall grille, and curved (coke bottle) style rocker panels.
Availiable engines were the stock 2.2l and 2.5l, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year a 3.0l Mitsubishi V6 became availiable.
The LeBaron was equipped with a trip & fuel economy computer and full instrumentation. For 1990, the instrument panel was redesigned.
In 1993, the LeBaron's exterior was slightly restyled. The hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favour of less costly aerodynamic replaceable-bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. Available engines were naturally-aspirated 2.5 L and turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's I4, and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6. The coupe was discontinued after 1993, and the convertible in 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring.
[edit] 1990-1994 sedan
The last LeBaron sedan was built on the front wheel drive A platform, another K derivative, and existed as an entry-level mid-size sedan. It was similar to the Plymouth Acclaim and Dodge Spirit, as well as the European Chrysler Saratoga and differed mostly in detail and trim choices. The top-line Landau model came with a distinctive vinyl roof. All LeBarons came with a standard driver's side airbag, could seat up to six passengers, and had a relatively large trunk. In 1993 the LeBaron sedan saw a refresh of the rear fascia, which included new tail lights. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued after the 1994 model year, and was replaced in 1995 by the "Cloud Car" Chrysler Cirrus.
[edit] Safety
1994 NHTSA crash test results gave the LeBaron a 4 out of 5 for the front-impact, driver and a 3 out of 5 for the front-impact, passenger tests.
[edit] In pop culture
- The K-based Town & Country convertible went on to minor fame in the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
- The same car is featured in an episode of the TV show Seinfeld, where George purchases what he believes to be the actor Jon Voight's LeBaron, but it turns out to have been owned by a Manhattan dentist with the same name. In a later episode George allows a mechanic with a mental illness to work on the car, causing it to catch fire.
- The LeBaron is featured in the TV series Veronica Mars as the car driven by the titular lead character.
- The LeBaron is featured in Tom Green's movie Freddie Got Fingered, as it was given as a gift to Tom Green.
[edit] References
- Allpar: LeBaron Coupe
- Consumer Guide: 1990-1995 LeBaron coupe/convertible reviews
- Consumer Guide: 1990-1994 LeBaron Sedan reviews
| DaimlerChrysler AG | Chrysler road vehicle timeline, North American market, 1990s-present - | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Compact | PT Cruiser | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | LeBaron | Sebring | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cirrus | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Fifth Avenue | Concorde | |||||||||||||||||||
| Imperial | LHS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| New Yorker | 300M | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Prowler | Crossfire | |||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | Pacifica | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Aspen | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | Town and Country | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Voyager | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GT | TC | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Chrysler Corporation | Category | Vehicles | | |
| Current: | |
| Cars: | 300 | Crossfire | PT Cruiser | Sebring |
| Vans / SUVs: | Aspen | Pacifica | Town and Country | Voyager / Grand Voyager (outside North America) |
| Historic: | |
| Cars: | 300 series | 300M | Airflow | Airstream | Cirrus | Concorde | Conquest | Cordoba | E-Class | Fifth Avenue | Imperial | Imperial Parade Phaeton | Laser | LeBaron | LHS | Neon | Newport | New Yorker | Prowler | Royal | Saratoga | TC by Maserati | Town and Country | Turbine Car | Windsor |
| Vans / SUVs: | TEVan | Voyager |
| Concept: | |
| Cars: | Airflite | Akino | Atlantic | California Cruiser | CCV | Chronos | Citadel | Falcon | Firepower | Imperial Concept | Java | ME Four-Twelve | Nassau | Norseman | Phaeton | Pronto Cruizer |
