6th Jul 2011, 13:10

Chrysler still had a few things to teach the industry in 1982. The LeBaron series was what the Cimarron SHOULD have been. Everyone knows the LeBaron is a K-Car in a party dress. However, from the start it was packaged as a Chrysler, with all the traditional Chrysler luxury features that prospective buyers would recognize from the make's larger, more traditional cars.

The fact that the LeBarons were available in 4 body styles was proof of Chrysler's commitment to its market share. I understand the lack of a wagon or convertible, but why the Cimarron was not produced in coupe form is a mystery.

Last note: I see early 80s LeBarons and K-Cars on the road every day. GM sold 10-times as many X and J Cars, yet I very rarely see first generation examples. And what happened to all of Ford's Fox-platform cars of the same era: Fairmont, Zephyr, LTD, Marquis? They, too, handily outsold the Chrysler cars. Why, 30-years on, are the only American cars on the road those much-maligned Chryslers?

9th Jul 2011, 12:44

I don't know where you live, but I don't notice a lot of K cars on the road anymore. I do however see a lot of older full-sized GM cars, some big Fords, but I see very few older Chryslers of any size. I think of the older cars I notice, an astounding amount are large and mid-size Buicks from the mid-late 80's, that are still going strong.

10th Jul 2011, 16:13

I have to admit after posting the last comment, I did see a K car from the mid-late 80's last night, (I think it was a Plymouth). Anyway, if there are as many of them out there as you claim, I sure don't usually notice them.

11th Jul 2011, 06:09

Obviously full sized cars, particularly full-frame V8 full sized cars, are far more durable than smaller cars. For a small car, the K-cars are very good and quite durable, but comparing them to something like a big, solid Oldsmobile Delta 88 or Chevrolet Caprice, is apples and oranges.

12th Feb 2012, 14:33

It did use a carburetor in its first year ('82). Click the link below, and it will explain how the '83 and up models changed to EFI: http://www.100megsfree4.com/cadillac/cad1980/cad83.htm

17th Mar 2012, 21:49

I own a Cadillac Cimarron 1984, and I think it's a great car, considering the year. All cars, if you don't take good care of them, they are gonna fail sooner or later.