Chrysler
LE Baron
Owner report available
Ford
Mustang
Owner report available
Chrysler LE Baron vs Ford Mustang
The short answer
The Chrysler LE Baron offers fuel economy, while the Ford Mustang excels at power instead. Choose the Chrysler LE Baron if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ford Mustang if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
LE Baron
Overall
Sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with the vehicle frequently cited as a symbol of poor reliability and build quality. The consensus from long-term owner reports characterizes it as a "pile of crap," "disaster," and "worst car contender." Positive remarks are extremely rare and isolated, typically referencing a specific enjoyable experience with a V6 convertible model. The primary criticisms center on pervasive mechanical failures, severe electrical issues, and poor engine performance, particularly with the base 2.2L and 2.5L four-cylinder engines.
Best version to buy
Insufficient consensus data available. A single, isolated opinion cites the 1991 LeBaron convertible with the V6 engine as the "funnest car" for its get-up-and-go.
Known issues
- Poor general reliability and frequent breakdowns: described as having a major mechanical issue "every other time it left the driveway." Frequency: very frequent.
- Severe electrical problems ("gremlins"): interior lights failing, erroneous warning lights, faulty chimes, no-start conditions. Tracing wiring faults is described as difficult. Frequency: very frequent.
- Automatic transmission failures: the A604/41TE "Ultradrive" transmission is specifically cited as problematic. Using incorrect ATF fluid (not ATF+4) is noted to shorten transmission life. Frequency: recurrent.
Mustang
Overall
Sentiment is highly fragmented and generation-dependent. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., SN95/New Edge, S197) often express strong satisfaction with reliability, simplicity, and the ownership experience, with some owners reporting trouble-free operation well past 100,000 miles. For the S550 generation (2015-2023), feedback is mixed.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Isolated positive remarks exist for the S550 Mach 1 for its balance of performance and reliability compared to the GT350, and for the 2013+ S197 GT500 for its historical impact.
Known issues
- **S550 Generation (2015-2023) Common Issues:** * **Manual Transmission (MT-82) Concerns:** Grinding, notchy feel, and general reliability concerns. Frequency: Recurrent.
- **Model-Year Specific & Isolated Issues:** * **2010 V6 (S197):** Windshield wiper rattle at high speed, severe brake wobble, harsh transmission shifts. Frequency: Isolated.
The verdict
The Chrysler LE Baron is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford Mustang, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford Mustang is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chrysler LE Baron or the Ford Mustang?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chrysler LE Baron and the Ford Mustang. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler LE Baron or the Ford Mustang?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Chrysler LE Baron is classed as a Coupe, the Ford Mustang as a Fastback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler LE Baron or the Ford Mustang?
The Chrysler LE Baron is more fuel-efficient on paper: 24 mpg (10 L/100 km) combined versus 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) for the Ford Mustang, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler LE Baron or the Ford Mustang?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ford Mustang than the Chrysler LE Baron. See the known issues comparison above.