1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan
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1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan
- Price Range: $0 - $1,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Visibility
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Quietness
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
The new LeBaron sedan was a derivative of the front-drive Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim. All three shared the same chassis, but the 6-passenger LeBaron came only with V6 power. The three differed mainly in detail and trim choices--and the fact that the Spirit and Acclaim could have 4-cylinder engines. All LeBaron sedans have a driver-side airbag. The LeBaron's touring suspension package included front gas-charged struts, plus front and rear anti-sway bars.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chrysler Lebaron Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan:
Antilock braking became optional in LeBaron sedans for 1991. A new electronic analog speedometer with a secondary metric scale was accompanied by a tachometer, as well as odometer and gauge readouts.
1992 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan:
An expanded lineup for '92 gave LeBaron buyers more powertrain choices. Base, LX, and Landau editions now were available, the latter with a distinctive vinyl roof. Base and Landau LeBarons dropped to a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which sent 100 horsepower to a 3-speed automatic transmission. A V6 engine and 4-speed automatic was standard in the LX sedan and optional in other models.
1993 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan:
LeBaron sedans gained fresh taillamps and a new rear fascia for '93. The mid-level LX disappeared, leaving only a base model (renamed LE) and the top-of-the-line Landau.
1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan:
LE and Landau LeBaron sedans returned for '94, adding a motorized shoulder belt for the front passenger, to meet passive restraint requirements. No more 4-cylinder engines were installed, leaving only the V6, now driving a 3-speed automatic transmission. The 4-speed overdrive automatic was an option.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Quiet and competent, the luxurious compact LeBaron sedan is quite a pleasant surprise. Handling is reasonably good and the ride is pleasing, helped by a touring-type suspension. Acceleration with the 6-cylinder engine, at least, is smooth and responsive. On the downside, early automatic transmissions downshift too sluggishly for easy passing on the highway. Brake feel and control are good, too, though the nose dives a bit in hard stops. A tauter handling suspension might be found on later models, and LeBarons had a choice of several fixed and split bench seats. On the whole, though, new LeBarons did not come with the suspension and seating choices that faced buyers of the Dodge Spirit. Chrysler promised more rear leg room than any domestic sedan in its class. Roomy interiors offer top-notch visibility. Bench seats are comfortable in the traditional mode, if not quite sufficiently supportive to suit everyone. The LeBaron's big, flat-floored trunk is easy to load.
Value for the Money
No, there's nothing startling about a 4-door LeBaron, but these are solid, capable family sedans offering entry-level luxury and a likable persona, plus a distinctive appearance. Although they lag behind Japanese rivals in overall quality, they're also cheaper secondhand.
No, there's nothing startling about a 4-door LeBaron, but these are solid, capable family sedans offering entry-level luxury and a likable persona, plus a distinctive appearance. Although they lag behind Japanese rivals in overall quality, they're also cheaper secondhand.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chrysler Lebaron Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
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 LeBaron Sedan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler LeBaron Sedan .
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:
If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the AC evaporator to freeze up. (1991-94)
Alternator belt:
Unless a shield is installed under the engine on the right side, deep snow could knock the serpentine belt off the pulleys of 3.0-liter engines. (1991-94)
Automatic transmission:
41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-94)
Cold-starting problems:
2.2- or 2.5-liter engines may idle rough or stumble when first started below freezing temperatures unless a revised intake manifold (with an "X" cast into the number 1 runner) was installed (1992), a revised computer (PCM) was installed (1992-93), or the computer was reprogrammed (1994).
Engine noise:
The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)
Oil consumption:
High oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust valve guides that slide out of the heads. (1990-93)
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 | $450 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $905 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $375 |
| Exhaust System | $310 |
| Radiator | $315 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $340 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $345 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler LeBaron Sedan details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| LeBaron | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| LeBaron | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| LeBaron | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| LeBaron | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1990 | |||
| LeBaron | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
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 LeBaron Sedan include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2971 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For 1990-91, the LeBaron sedan employed just one powertrain: a Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 engine with multi-point fuel injection, connected to an Ultradrive 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. A 4-cylinder engine arrived in 1992, standard on base and Landau sedans, while mid-range LX sedans used the V6. A year later, the LX was gone but Landaus got the V6 as standard fare. For their final season, all LeBarons carried a V6, with a choice of 3- or 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 100 | 135 | 3-speed automatic: 23/28 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 141 | 171 | 4-speed automatic: 20/28 | 4-speed automatic: 21.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler LeBaron Sedan include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 LeBaron |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow oil to leak, which could cause a fire.
1990:
On cars with grey interior, airbag inflator modules may not contain diffuser holes between ignitor and propellant chambers, so airbag would not deploy in an impact, which could lead to driver injury.
1991:
Both airbag system front impact sensors may not be secured to mounting brackets, so airbag would not deploy in a frontal collision.
1991:
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not be adequately tightened and could loosen, which could cause reduced braking effectiveness that might result in accident.
1991:
Front-outboard seatbelt may become difficult to latch and/or unlatch; latch may then open during accident or sudden stop, increasing risk of injury.
1992:
Zinc plating of some upper steering column shaft coupling bolts could cause hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
1994:
Seatbelt assembly on small number of cars may fail in accident.
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