1990-1993 Chrysler New Yorker/New Yorker Salon: Road Test

Easily evoking Chrysler's big-car luxury heritage, the New Yorker is smooth and quiet, but unexciting. Though no scorcher, the V6 engine is adequate for most driving, but a bit more power would be welcome. The 3.3-liter V6 strains on upgrades with a full load and the air conditioning switched on. Adding to the deficits, the New Yorker's automatic transmission shifts harshly between gears, and downshifts slowly. It might even tend to vibrate during gear changes, while emitting an annoying whistling sound. Around-town handling is good and the ride is comfortable, even over bad pavement, but tires are likely to squeal in hard corners. Coupled with excessive body lean, that discourages spirited cornering. Although the chassis filters out most bumps, the car does not float excessively at speed. Even so, there's too much bouncing and pitching on the highway. Available antilock brakes provide good stopping power. This sensible sedan seats four in true comfort, and is far more capable than prior New Yorkers. Head and leg room are plentiful for four adults, but three abreast is a squeeze, in a rather narrow interior. Trunk space is ample. Controls are well-labeled and easy to reach. Electronic gauges are easy to read.

Value for the Money
Squarish, conservative styling is unlikely to draw many admiring glances. A more prudent choice than an Imperial or Fifth Avenue, the New Yorker offers most of the same features for a lower price.