.
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 three different Chrysler models throughout its tenure (some at the same time), 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)
| |
| Chrysler LeBaron | |
|---|---|
| Chrysler | |
| Production | 1977 - 1981 |
| Class | Intermediate |
| Body Style | 2-Door Coupe 4-Door Sedan 5-Door Wagon |
| Length | 204.6" |
| Width | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.1" |
| Wheelbase: | 108.7 in 112.7 in |
| Weight | 3200 - 3500 lb |
| Transmissions | 4-Speed Manual, RWD 3-Speed Automatic, RWD |
| Engines | 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1977-1981) 5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1977-1981) 5.9L (360 cid) V8 (1977-1980) |
| Power | 90-155 hp |
| Similar | Dodge Diplomat |
| Platform | M |
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. Standard engine was the stalwart 90 hp 3.7L (225 cid) "Slant-6", with the 140 hp 5.2L (318 cid) and 150 hp 5.9L (360 cid) V8s as options. Virtually all LeBarons would have the 3-speed automatic transmission.
1978 LeBarons would have a slightly revised grille and other minor trim changes, but would remain otherwise largely unchanged. The Slant-6 engine gained a 2-barrel carburetor this year, upping its hp to 110. The largest styling change on the 1979 models would be for the coupe, which sported a new upright formal rear quarter window. All other models remained mostly unchanged. The LeBaon 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)
| {{{Image}}} | |
| Chrysler LeBaron | |
|---|---|
| Chrysler | |
| Production: | 1982-1988 |
| Class: | Compact |
| Body Style: | 2-Door Coupe, 2-Door Convertible, 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon |
| Length: | 178.6" |
| Width: | 68" |
| Height: | 52.5" |
| Wheelbase: | 100.1" |
| Weight: | 2600-2900 lbs |
| Transmissions: | 4-Speed Manual FWD 5-Speed Manual, FWD 3-Speed Automatic, FWD |
| Engines: | 2.2L (135 cid) I4 (1982-1988) 2.2L (135 cid) Turbo I4 (1984-1988) 2.6L (156 cid) I4 (1982-1985) 2.5L (153 cid) I4 (1986-1988) |
| Power: | 84-146 hp |
| Similar: | Dodge Aries Dodge 400 Plymouth Reliant |
| Platform: | K |
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 (the woody treatment was also available on the convertibles as well). 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, still based on a modified K-car platform.
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. See more about the GTS on the Chrysler LeBaron GTS page.
In 1987, an all-new LeBaron 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.
A 1986 LeBaron convertible with the "woody" treatment was prominently featured in the 1987 hit movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
3rd Generation (1989-1994)
| |
| Chrysler LeBaron | |
|---|---|
| Chrysler | |
| Production | 1989-1994 |
| Class | Compact |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Length | 181.2" |
| Width | 68.1" |
| Height | 53.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" |
| Weight | 2800 - 3100 lb |
| Transmissions | 5-Speed Manual, FWD 3-Speed Automatic, FWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD |
| Engines | 2.5L (153 cid) I4 (1989-1994) 2.5L (153 cid) Turbo I4 (1989-1992) 3.0L (181 cid) V6 (1989-1994) |
| Power | 96-150 hp |
| Similar | Dodge Spirit Plymouth Acclaim |
| Platform | K |
The final LeBaron was now an upscale model of the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim, save for some unique styling differences. The LeBaron sedan 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.
