The Semi-Premium American Compacts of 1992

Tom Appel

8 years ago

1992 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe, American Compacts of 1992 — 1992 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe

When Chrysler introduced the first Cordoba back n 1975, the carmaker almost seemed to apologize for rolling out a “small” Chrysler. Indeed, the ‘Doba was small by Seventies-era Chrysler standards, but would seem positively burly only a decade and a half later.

By the early Nineties, American cars had done all the shrinking they were going to do. Indeed, most cars would begin gradually growing from that point in time on.

Here we’re looking specifically at 1992, the year General Motors rolled out its redesigned N-Platform cars. Comprised of the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Pontiac Grand Am, the N-Cars straddled the line between compact and midsize both in size and price. Though they were mechanically similar to the Chevrolet Beretta and Corsica, they were treated to levels of refinement—especially noise suppression—the Chevys did not enjoy.

Though there was little contemporary product that compared directly with these middle-market GM coupes and sedans, the Dodge Spirit and Mercury Topaz came close. For price comparison, a 1992 Ford Tempo started at $9987, while a base Chevrolet Corsica listed for around $11,000.

Whether or not the Topaz belongs on this list is a matter of opinion. It’s fairly inexpensive relative to the other cars seen here, but as it’s not one of the original “Low Cost Three” (Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth) it seems appropriate to place it in this group.

Are these the Cordobas of the Nineties, or just shrunken midsize cars with a little extra trim? If you have an opinion on the matter, share it below. We’d love to hear your take.

Around 20 Grand: The American Near-Luxury Sedans of 1990