Chrysler LeBaron

Using a name that was once an Imperial model, the Chrysler LeBaron started out as a twin to the Dodge Diplomat, and they were both upscale twins to the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. The LeBaron was Chrysler's first "intermediate" car and at first was an M-body just like the Diplomat, even though it shared the exact same chassis and running gear as the "compact" F-body Aspen and Volare. The LeBaron nameplate would end up on no less than four different Chrysler models throughout its tenure, it seemed that just about any Chrysler car in the 1980s was either some sort of LeBaron or New Yorker variation, but this page will discuss three generations of the LeBaron and include links to other LeBaron models to minimize any confusion.

1st Generation (1977-1981)

The first generation LeBaron was built on a 112.7" wheelbase, and, like its Diplomat twin, was available in a 2-door coupe (which had a 108.7" wheelbase), a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon, known as the "Town & Country". The LeBaron's styling differed from the Diplomat's with a different nose that contained the parking lamps above the headlights, and larger taillights. Town & Country wagons could have a "woody" treatment with its faux-wood paneling on the sides, harking back to the Chrysler woodys of the 1940s with its wood treatments along the doors and bodyside moldings - some liked it, others detested it - but it was at least distinctive. Styling would remain more or less the same until a restyle in 1980. The LeBaron would be changed over to the new front-wheel-drive K-car chassis in 1982, but the previous rear-drive body would live on to become the New Yorker with a few styling differences. It would later become known as the Fifth Avenue.

See the Dodge Diplomat entry for more detailed information on the first generation Chrysler LeBaron.

2nd Generation (1982-1988)

The LeBaron was now an upscale K-car twin to the Dodge 400, which was of course based on the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. The 1982 LeBaron and 400 would have the distinction of being the first American cars since the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado to be available as convertibles. Along with the convertible was the 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon, still known as the Town & Country and still with its controversial "woody" treatment. A turbo 2.2L (135 cid) I4 would become available in 1984, even on the wagon models. New larger taillights would also appear that year. 1986 LeBarons would also have another taillight treatment along with a slightly restyled nose, and would keep the same body through the 1988 model year. An all-new LeBaron would debut in 1989, but it was still based on the previous K-car chassis.

See the Dodge Aries entry for more detailed information on the second generation Chrysler LeBaron.

In 1985, the LeBaron GTS debuted, which was another K-car spinoff that was a twin to the Dodge Lancer.

In 1987, a all-new new coupe and convertible model would debut (the previous coupe was discontinued). This bodystyle was based on the K-car, but it would not be offered as a Dodge or Plymouth model. See more about the LeBaron coupe on the LeBaron Coupe page.

3rd Generation (1989-1994)

The final LeBaron was now an upscale model of the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim, save for some unique styling differences. The LeBaron would be dropped completely after 1994, to be replaced by the all-new Cirrus.

See the Dodge Spirit entry for more detailed information on the third generation Chrysler LeBaron.