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1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue.
1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Review
Stretching the basic front-drive New Yorker's platform by five inches produced twin luxury models, introduced for the 1990 season. Imperial was the showboat "flagship" of the new full-size 4-door sedan duo, four inches longer than the New Yorker overall but on the same wheelbase. The difference in length is mainly in the body's front and rear overhang. In their first year, each model carried a 147-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 with 4-speed automatic transmission. Both cars were well-equipped, including highline trim inside and out, automatic rear load leveling, power windows and door locks, heated power mirrors, and an automatic climate-control system.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue: A bigger (3.8-liter) V6 engine became standard in the '91 Imperial (optional in Fifth Avenue), with a slight horsepower increase but yielding considerably more torque. Imperials got standard cloth upholstery this year, losing the former leather. The Fifth Avenue's air conditioner got manual instead of automatic controls, and its steering wheel lost the former leather wrapping.
1992 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue: Revised front/rear styling gave the Fifth Avenue a slightly rounded nose and tail, with a new hood, grille, and headlamps. In contrast, the Imperial kept its straight-edged appearance.
1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue: Minor equipment changes were seen on both luxury sedans, as they faced their final season, replaced by the new Concorde (and later, a completely different Concorde-based New Yorker).
1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Road Test
Pros Cons
Antilock brakes (Imperials and some Fifth Avenues) Ride/handling
Cargo room Engine noise
Automatic-transmission performance
Shoulder room
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Because of its greater torque output, a 3.8-liter V6 beats the 3.3-liter's ample low-speed acceleration and adequate passing response. Either way, though, Chrysler's automatic transmission suffers sloppy gear changes and is reluctant to downshift for passing. Engine noise is more noticeable than expected, and the 3.3-liter, in particular, sounds too gruff for this class. These cars also exhibit a thirst for fuel around town, though highway mileage isn't bad. Their soft suspensions do not filter out imperfections well, yielding a harsher ride than customary for this class of car. In fact, the suspension tends to hammer over bumps, rather than attempting to soak them up. You can expect squealing tires and plenty of body lean, too, when taking a hard corner. Despite the cars' official 6-passenger capacity, interior room is adequate for only four adults, though you get ample leg space in front and rear. On the plus side, wide doors permit easy entry/exit. An impressive load of standard equipment includes automatic rear load leveling and automatic climate control. Imperials might also have an air suspension. All interiors flaunt cushy upholstery, fake wood, and shiny buttons, which some shoppers might adore and others detest.
Value for the Money
Truth be told, there's little to recommend an Imperial or New Yorker over likely rivals, unless the price is really right.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue 3.3-liter Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 5
Total: 48
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner: Lack of cooling is caused by the AC evaporator freezing up because the compressor does not cycle off. (1991-93)
Automatic transmission: Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop or slip when shifting. (1990-93)
Automatic transmission: Transaxle may have delayed shift when car first started, which requires replacement of the valve body and filter. (1993)
Engine noise: The serpentine belt may squeal unless a new tensioner and belt are installed after the mounting bracket hole on the power steering pump is chamfered. (1991-93)
Engine noise: Piston slap requires replacement pistons and rods on 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines. (1990-93)
Suspension noise: Sway bar bushing wear causes a squeaking noise from the front suspension. (1992-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $425
Alternator $300
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,055
Brakes $275
Constant Velocity Joints $440
Exhaust System $370
Radiator $335
Shocks and/or Struts $645
Timing Chain or Belt $280
NHTSA Recall History
1990 Fifth Avenue: On cars with grey interior, airbag inflator modules may not contain diffuser holes between igniter and propellant chambers, so airbag would not deploy during an impact.
1990-91 w/ABS: High-pressure hose in antilock brake system may leak or detach at crimped end fitting.
1990-93 w/ABS: Hydraulic control unit can experience excessive piston seal wear; antilock braking could fail, and power assist might be reduced.
1991 Fifth Avenue: On cars without automatic temperature control, water leakage under windshield cowl may result in corrosion of heater blower resistor terminals.
1991: Front-outboard seatbelt may become difficult to latch and/or unlatch.
1992: Zinc plating of some upper steering column shaft bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt, which could result in loss of steering control.
1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1990
Imperial $1,100-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
New Yorker Fifth Ave. $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
1991
Imperial $1,200-1,700 $700-1,000 $100-200
New Yorker Fifth Ave. $1,100-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
1992
Imperial $1,400-1,900 $900-1,200 $200
New Yorker Fifth Ave. $1,300-1,800 $800-1,100 $200
1993
Imperial $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
New Yorker Fifth Ave. $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Imperial 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 109.6
Overall Length, in. 203.0
Overall Width, in. 68.9
Overall Height, in. 55.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3519
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.0
Seating Capacity 6
Front Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.0
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 42.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 147-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 with multipoint fuel injection was standard each year in Fifth Avenue sedans. Developing three more horsepower, but 20 more pound-feet of torque, the 3.8 liter V6 became standard in Imperials starting in 1991, and optional in the Fifth Avenue. Both engines drove a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.3 / 201 147 183 4-speed automatic: 19/25 4-speed automatic: --
ohv V6 3.8 / 230 150 203 4-speed automatic: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 18.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1991 Imperial
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 1
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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