Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Chrysler's flagship luxury sedan, offering comfort, space, and a distinctive American luxury experience.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Ninety Eight
Design Language:
Sharp, angular lines characteristic of late 80s/early 90s American design. Emphasis on interior space and comfort.
Powertrain Introduction:
Introduction of the front-wheel-drive Y-body platform shared with the Dodge Dynasty and Eagle Premier, utilizing the new 3.3L V6 engine and Ultradrive transmission.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.3L V6 EGA), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (A604 Ultradrive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front Disc/Rear Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Charging System, Starting System, Fuses & Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Repair Operations:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair & Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete component rebuilds and diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Configuration:
3.3L (201 cu in) V6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore X Stroke:
3.92 in x 3.70 in (99.5 mm x 94.0 mm)
Horsepower:
Approx. 147-151 hp @ 4400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Torque:
Approx. 180-184 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (89 recommended for optimal performance)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) with 50/50 antifreeze mix
Type:
3-speed automatic (A604 Ultradrive)
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Type:
N/A (A604 Ultradrive was standard across all Imperial models during this period)
Transmission Control:
Electronic control unit (ECU) managing gear selection and shift points for improved efficiency and smoothness.
Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent Mopar specification)
Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) for a fluid and filter change.
Length:
Approx. 202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.0 inches (1880 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.0 inches (1397 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.4 inches (2855 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by modern standards, but designed with crumple zones.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards. Passenger airbag optional or standard in later years.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available in later years. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with electronic or manual temperature adjustment available, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control system.
Remote Entry:
Optional keyless remote entry system available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) for conventional oil; extendable with synthetic oil as per manual.
Transmission Service:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for fluid and filter change.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Transmission Reliability:
The A604 Ultradrive transmission, while advanced for its time, could be prone to overheating and early wear if not properly maintained, especially in demanding conditions. Fluid changes are critical.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, electrical components and wiring harnesses can be a source of issues over time, leading to sensor failures, intermittent accessory operation, or dashboard warning lights.
Cooling System:
Potential for radiator leaks or thermostat issues over time, common for vehicles of this age. Regular coolant flushes are recommended.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing luxurious and distinctive American automobiles.
Fifth Generation:
This generation (1988-1993) marked a significant shift for the Imperial, moving to the front-wheel-drive Y-body platform.
Design Shift:
Transition from the rear-wheel-drive platform of previous generations to a more modern FWD architecture, shared with other Chrysler Corporation vehicles.
Production Years:
1988-1993
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada