1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
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1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
- Price Range: $600 - $1,200
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Specifications & Safety
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Antilock brakes (Imperials and some Fifth Avenues)
Cons
- Engine noise
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Shoulder room
- Ride/handling
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue.
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).
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue is right for you.
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.
Truth be told, there's little to recommend an Imperial or New Yorker over likely rivals, unless the price is really right.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue .
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:
Piston slap requires replacement pistons and rods on 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines. (1990-93)
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)
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Imperial | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| New Yorker Fifth Ave. | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Imperial | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| New Yorker Fifth Ave. | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Imperial | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| New Yorker Fifth Ave. | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Imperial | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| New Yorker Fifth Ave. | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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