1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue 5.2L V8 from North America

Summary:

One of a kind vehicle. Would own another one

Faults:

- Fan clutch.

General Comments:

This was one of my first cars. I paid $500 for it when I was 17 and had no idea how to maintain a car. I carelessly drove it without doing any maintenance at all, but it never once broke down. The only thing I ever repaired was the fan clutch, because it was one of the obviously loud components. I don't think I ever changed the oil once. I drove it in the Wisconsin winters with bald tires. I clearly remember the cords sticking out of the tires. This was stupid, but as a 17 year old making $6 bucks an hour, I don't think I had tires in the budget.

I sold the car for $400 in 2003 at 218,000 miles. This thing rode amazing. I can't think of any car that rode as well as this vehicle. The seats are extremely comfortable leather that you sink right into. It is unlike any other vehicle I have EVER owned out of nearly 100 different vehicles. I would like to find another one.

The only thing I did not like were the spoked hubcaps. I had picked up a set of Cragar SS wheels with tires at a garage sale for $20 and they looked spectacular on this vehicle.

For having a 318 cubic-inch V8, this was not in any way a fast vehicle. It was rather slow and did not seem to have the torque you'd think a V8 would have.

The paint held up very well, as did the body. I don't recall any rust on this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2015

20th Dec 2015, 04:56

Good review :)

FYI - the 318 was pretty much emasculated at this point with high-swirl, low-flow cylinder heads and (usually) a 2:24 rear axle ratio; the point of both was to fulfill EPA fuel economy and emission mandates.

10th Mar 2023, 19:29

If only you could still buy one for 500$.

18th Jan 2024, 16:26

It was nice to see these nice reviews. I just bought an 87 this week at the Mecum Kissimmee Car Auction. Paid high for it, but that's how bad I wanted it. My Father (may he rest in peace) had an 84, brand new out the dealer and kept it for over 16 years. I loved it too. Very stylish and comfortable. Well, I bought this one with 31,000 original miles. Mint! So far it rides like new. I have a Mercedes E350 & this Fifth Ave feels smoother on the road than my Benz. Take care all...

1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue Base 5.2 318ci from North America

Summary:

Probably one of the best, cleanest cars I've had in a while

Faults:

Minor electrical issues. Alternator, fusible link, and battery went out.

Every now and then it spews fluid from the gear box onto the exhaust manifold.

Replaced the water pump shortly after purchasing it.

General Comments:

Drives extremely smooth.

Has an all gray, all leather interior.

I average about 20 MPG, although because of the ELB, it refuses to do burnouts, but it still looks good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2014

11th Nov 2014, 15:11

Best thing about M-bodies is how dirt cheap they are to buy, even nice ones. Demand seems to be almost nil.

12th Nov 2014, 23:06

That's true, if you can still find them. They haven't caught on as a semi-collectible like the full sized GM and Ford cars of the 80s.

1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue 5.2L from North America

Summary:

American, and built to last beyond the overpriced competing domestics, and over the top imports

Faults:

Never had to get any work done to engine or transmission.

I always changed the oil at 3000 mile intervals.

Starter played up 3 years ago.

Alternator replaced twice, and the window regulators needed attention.

General Comments:

It is still on its original leaf springs and shock absorbers, and considering the high miles, I think that is good going.

The only thing I wish I could change is the amount of gas it drinks around town. On the highway it will easily do a healthy 28 at 70 with a light foot, but floor it and it is a different story.

I like this Chrysler, because it is so damn dependable, and I have had it so long, it feels like a family member.

Our children are all grown up now, and my wife and I have decided that as both of us past 80 years of age, we will keep it for as long as we are around, which I hope will be a while yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2012

12th Nov 2014, 22:00

That's great having it for so long. I hope it serves you well for a long, long time to come.