rich@gatech.CSNET (Rich LeBlanc) (07/08/85)
Following is a collection of the responses I received to my query about
the Chrysler Lebaron GTS. As a number of people pointed out, the Dodge
Lancer ES is an equivalent car.
For a number of reasons, I've decided it's not exactly what I am looking
for at this time. However, if you are interested in a car that performs
well, can carry 4 or 5 adults comfortably and can alternatively car a
lot of cargo, you should definitely look at this car. To get the good
performance, the turbo version with a manual transmission is required.
The one I drove with an automatic was unbelievably slow off the line.
Note that a number of reviewers have recommended waiting for the 86
model, expecting a significant second-year improvements.
The responses I received included the following:
I bought a Dodge Lancer about 6 weeks ago, it is practically identical
to a LeBaron GTS. Actually I took delivery 6 weeks ago, the car was
ordered 2 months before that. It seems very nice so far.
I got: Desert Bronze exterior, tan cloth interior,
turbo, 5 speed, Sport suspension II (most expensive suspension, with
15" wheels, and low-profile Goodyear Eagle tires, etc),
power seat, rear defrost, rear wiper/washer.
Paid about 95% of list, $12K.
I did not get digital dash, "Turbo" decals, two-tone paint, sunroof.
Detailed evaluation: I still have a bit of trouble driving the 5-speed
smoothly, but don't mind it at all. The turbo gives less power at low
engine speeds than the non-turbo (I think), below about 1800 rpm. This
makes it a bit harder to start smoothly uphill from a stop, but you just
have to get used to it. Also, the shifter is not as solid as some I have
used - you have to shift slowly to be smooth. On the plus side, it is
very quick under acceleration (above 2800 rpm), great brakes, darts
around corners very nicely and has pretty high cornering limits.
You get up to speed very quickly once the turbo comes in, but there is
a bit of a lag if you start from cruise without downshifting. When
starting from a stop, the sequence is : Start off; Turbo hits; Shift
to Second; Turbo hits much quicker; Ooops, 50 mph already, back off.
The car is very quiet when cruising at 200-2400 rpm. This can be done
easily with the overdrive 5th gear. It is too noisy to be comfortable
at 3000 rpm (since I find a given 4 cylinder noise more annoying than
a louder V-8 noise), but you never have to cruise at 3000. For trailer
towing a non-turbo automatic gearbox car is recommended. I like the
hatchback and fold-down rear seats. It looks pretty good, too.
With some highway driving thrown in, it gives I think 25 mpg.
The light-tan interior comes with some plastic pieces near the floor which
can pick up a black stain from Vibram soled shoes.
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Car & Driver did a review on this car in the June 1985 issue.
It was a favorable review if I remember correctly. The
issue is no longer on the news stand.
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For another viewpoint on the car, see the reviews in Car and Driver or Road
& Track. Taken together with the CR review, you may get a balanced opinion.
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Hi,
I don't know much about the Lebaron, but I do know about the
Laser XE Turbo. I really recommend that you get the turbo option (or
is it standard?). That engine always runs great. Good cold morning
starts (never had to try twice untill I got some bad gas), no
hesitating or stumbling, and good on gas. My Laser gets ~26 around
town, and that is making good use of the turbo.
I did see an article in one of the car mags. They couldn't decide if
they liked the car or not. Overall driving ability, it did very good
for them.
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I believe that C/D did a report not too long ago. Basically everything
I've seen on the car has been fairly positive, but there still seems to be
some minor bug complaints. Have you also looked at Dodge's Lancer ES?
Basically it's the same car and may be a little less expensive. If I
personally was considering buying the car I would wait for an '86 model
for two reasons. First, this was the first model year for the car and there
probably are some minor bugs that'll hopefully be worked out for next year's
model. Second, Chrysler is going to produce an intercooled version of its
2.2 liter engine with a new fastburn head which will be good for 170hp (about
20+ hp more than their current turbo 2.2) for 1986. This should really move
this car along nicely, but maybe this isn't a major concern in your buying
the car. I dont really know the reasons why you are considering buying the
car at this moment so I dont know if it is even possible for you to wait.
Dealers will sometimes give you a better price on a car towards the end of the
sales year than they will at the beginning so maybe this is influencing you,
which it probably should.
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You should read the article in Car and Driver, May or June 85 issue.
Their basic conclusion is that its a lovely concept but that they
haven't yet finished its development properly -- too many rough edges.
Next year's model should be better.
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Regarding the Chrysler Lebaron GTS, I've been looking at the Dodge
Lancer ES, the Lebaron's twin, and I've been very impressed so far.
The cars got rave reviews from "Road and Track" (or was ir "Car and
Driver"?, I can never keep them straight) about 6 months ago when they
did their Car of The Year evaluations. I am impressed by the
versatility of the 4-dr hatchback with the fold down split back seat.
And I like the performance, excellent handling and plenty of power with
the Turbo. I probably won't do anything until my current car (Renault
Fuego) dies, but if I were buying one today, the Lancer/Lebaron would
be at the top of the list for its price/performance ratio. Be sure if
you order one that it has the sport handling package, I don't know if
its standard on the GTS, I think it is. The stiffer suspension and
shocks really help the car's road holding and handling abilities.
OneCom, Inc.
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--
Richard J. LeBlanc
School of Information & Computer Science, Georgia Tech, Atlanta GA 30332
CSNet: Rich @ GATech ARPA: Rich%GATech.CSNet @ CSNet-Relay.ARPA
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