Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 1989
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment among owners and enthusiasts is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by strong nostalgia and appreciation for the vehicle's unique character and performance for its era.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtreme parts scarcity
For mechanical, interior, and body components. Requires adaptation, custom fabrication, or international sourcing.
- RecurrentInterior condition/parts
Interiors are difficult to restore; components fail and require custom repair or replacement with adapted parts from other vehicles.
- RecurrentPop-up headlight mechanism failure
Sticky or malfunctioning headlight buckets are common; often requires custom actuator solutions and 3D-printed parts.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedGauge cluster reliability
Operation is described as "hit or miss," often leading owners to install aftermarket digital dash units.
- Isolated1980s Chrysler wiring issues
Mentioned as a problem area requiring remediation during restoration/modification.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best trim or model year. One owner mentions a 1989 model with "all the 'desirable' options and rarities" and period-correct JDM gear as checking every box for an enthusiast, but this is an isolated reference. The TSI trim is mentioned in classified listings but without qualitative comparison.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mitsubishi Starion (direct counterpart), Toyota Supra (MK2, MK3), Mazda RX-7 (FB, FC), Merkur XR4Ti and Ford Sierra.
Is the Conquest right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment among owners and enthusiasts is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by strong nostalgia and appreciation for the vehicle's unique character and performance for its era. The Conquest is consistently described as a "fun," "cool," and "gnarly" car, with specific praise for its turbocharged engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and distinctive 1980s styling including pop-up headlights and spoilers. It is frequently noted as a capable platform for modification, with references to building 13-second quarter-mile cars. However, this enthusiasm is heavily tempered by universal and severe criticism regarding extreme parts scarcity, which is cited as the single greatest challenge to ownership. The vehicle is recognized as a rebadged Mitsubishi Starion, with production numbers acknowledged as low, directly contributing to the parts dilemma. Overall, the vehicle is beloved as a classic Japanese GT/sports car but is considered a demanding project or enthusiast vehicle due to logistical hurdles.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a Japanese GT/sports car contemporary of the MK2/MK3 Supra and FB/FC RX-7, sharing similar cool factor with pop-up headlights and turbocharged performance. It is explicitly distinguished from the FWD Chrysler Daytona and Dodge/Plymouth Laser. The low U.S. import numbers (74,396 total for all Conquest/Starion variants between 1983-1989) make it rarer than many contemporaries, directly impacting parts availability. The 1989 model year is noted as particularly rare (159 units). Compared to the Merkur XR4Ti, it shares a similar niche as a rebadged import with catastrophic parts scarcity, where owners must rely on single suppliers or international sourcing.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations (transmission, drivetrain, trim) are recommended over others in the context of ownership experience. Discussions focus on modifications and coping strategies rather than optimal stock configurations.
General recommendations
Only recommended for experienced enthusiasts or mechanics prepared for a significant project. Prospective buyers must be ready to fabricate, adapt, or import parts, as sourcing OEM components is described as extremely difficult, with parts being "few and far between." A common suggestion is to consider an engine swap to a more modern, readily available powertrain (e.g., SRT-4 Neon turbo 2.4L, Atlas I5) to circumvent the scarcity of the original 2.6L turbo engine parts. Inspect any potential purchase thoroughly for body and interior condition, as interior parts and body panels (like pop-up headlight mechanisms) are noted as particularly challenging to replace or repair. Expect to invest time in custom fabrication and adaptation of parts from other vehicles. Not recommended as a daily driver or for owners seeking a straightforward restoration.
Remarks
The Chrysler Conquest is a badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi Starion, sold in the U.S. from approximately 1983 to 1989. Owner discussions are almost exclusively from the perspective of long-term enthusiasts, restorers, and modifiers, not daily drivers. The primary narrative is the conflict between deep affection for the car's design and performance and the immense practical difficulty of keeping it running due to obsolescence and low production volume. The community culture involves significant knowledge sharing on parts adaptation (e.g., using Fox Body Mustang or Daytona Shelby louvers, 370Z seats) and custom fabrication. The suggestion to perform an engine swap is presented not for performance alone but as a pragmatic strategy to ensure long-term viability. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions.
Specifications
2.6
2.6L 4-cylinder · 176 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1986–1989