1988 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

Pros: Affordable stylish convertible
Cons: Everything but the above

A 1988 Lebaron Convertible was my first car. I bought it used in 1996 for $6,000 with only 48,000 miles on it. I thought with such low miles the car would be a good first vehicle and college car.

Then little by little things began going...

Pros: looks good, still runs
Cons: lots of problems!

My husband (then boyfriend) bought this car because he wanted a sporty convertable, but couldn't afford anything really fancy.

I think he now wished he'd spent the same money on something boring and reliable, that wouldn't have given him so...

Pros: Cute Reliable Extremely fun
Cons: Louder engine (4 cyl.) Slow take-off (small engine) A little loose at high speeds

I bought mine my senior year of high school, in 2002. I have had to replace the engine, the previous owner broke a piston, but otherwise nothing major that wouldn’t be expected from a older car. Outside of the initial engine replacement I may have...

Pros: Looks really sharp...
Cons: It's a piece of junk...

I was pretty happy when I first got my 1988 LeBaron Convertible. I was going to be a chick magnet. When I first got this car, I was the happiest kid alive. I would cruise around town, picking up girls and what not. Hopping in and out without...

Pros: Looks great.....maybe
Cons: Read on.

I finally got my first car after months and months of shopping around. My intent was to get a Miata, but my dad thought this car was a great deal and just had to have it for me. Well I threw a fit. First off we noticed that the radiator was leaking...

Pros: Style, reliability, economical, pretty plush for a low-priced car (e.g. top has headliner)
Cons: Drips oil and tranny fluid after 17 years.

I bought my '88 LeBaron Convertible in 2003 for $1750 with 123,000 miles on it. I needed it as a temporary vehicle while I was having the clutch and transmission overhauled in my pickup truck. I liked the LeBaron so much that I kept it and now my 16 year old daughter is using it for her first car. Despite the concerns and frequent reports of questionable Chrysler quality, my LeBaron has been very reliable for a 17 year old vehicle. I had to replace the radiator and a drive gear in the odometer, and the power quarter windows needed some attention (not a job for the faint of heart). The top is starting to look ratty, but I don't think it has ever been replaced. Otherwise, the condition of the car has remained very good, mechanically and cosmetically. All the electronic devices work, and this car has its share of electronic devices. I especially like how economical the car is. It takes 87 octane gas and easily gets 30 mpg on highway trips. I'm thinking of putting on a new top and keeping the LeBaron for another 5 years.

Pros: Beautiful looks, Reliable, and fun to drive
Cons: nothing so far

I bought my 1988 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible in 2004 for $1,600 with 90,000miles. It has the 2.2L turbocharged 4cyl. engine with an automatic transmission. It has been reliable and is so beautiful I love to cruise around with the top down! The only problems I have had is we just replaced the fuel pump. Other than that it was very minor repairs and has been very reliable and fun to drive.