1986 Chrysler Laser laser xe review from North America

At 49k miles, the cam seal blew out - repaired under new car warranty.

Head gasket blew somewhere around 90k.

A/C system re-done at about 200k.

Navigation computer buttons inoperable before 100k miles.

Digital dash odometer will not advance past 276k miles. Re-sets to 268k when ignition shut off. Been this way since 1/05.

I purchased this car new from a California dealer in September '86. Gunmetal Blue 5 speed with power everything and all options except leather and t-roof. At 23 yrs old this was the best it could get! Raced Z28's at toll booths and left 'Vettes behind in the mountain turns. Absolutely love this car - original clutch still. Alternator replaced only this year! It was mainly used for freeway commute with several long distance trips. What a cruiser - easy to squeal and smoke that front end 1st through 3rd! Quiet and smooth runner - great dash lights at night.

The car has style that represents the 80's well. Keeps me feeling young. My only regret is not testing the top speed when it was still young. Brought it to 124 mph once and could have kept going, but it's aged a bit too much to try again. Grocery store jaunts out here at Lake Powell AZ mean an easy 100 mph dash through the desert when the cops are sleeping. Interior faded, but in excellent shape, dash looks like new, paint is starting to fade but has been protected with car covers and garages it's entire life. Looking forward to restoration one fine day. Until then, I really do pet it while it "rests" in the garage next to my 1998 Dodge Durango (boat hauler - no comparison to an 80's time capsule!!!).

All you other original or otherwise owners out there that like these beauty's know what I'm talking about. We're lucky people. I'm still enjoying good times with my 1986 Laser XE at 42 yrs old. Many happy memories with a sexy car.