Plymouth Laser: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Plymouth Laser

The Plymouth Laser is a compact 2+2 sports coupe that was sold by the Plymouth division of Chrysler from 1989 to 1994. It was a prominent example of badge engineering, developed as part of a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors known as Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). The Laser shared its platform and many of its mechanical components with its more famous siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Eagle Talon. Marketed as the “first Plymouth of the ’90s,” the Laser was positioned as a performance-oriented vehicle, a departure from Plymouth’s more family-focused lineup of the time. Despite a promising start and positive reviews, the Laser had a single generation, with several variants and yearly updates, before its production ceased due to internal competition and shifting brand strategy.

Plymouth Laser Overview

Generations and History of Plymouth Laser

First Generation (1990-1994)

The Plymouth Laser was born from the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) collaboration, a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, manufactured in Normal, Illinois. It debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model, positioned as a sporty and affordable coupe. The Laser was built on the Chrysler D platform, which it shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon. While mechanically similar to its siblings, the Laser featured distinct styling cues, such as a grille-less front fascia, a full-width rear light bar (on early models), and a characteristic hood bulge on models equipped with the 2.0L engine. The initial models featured pop-up headlights, a quintessential design element of the era. Three trim levels were offered at launch: the base model with a 92 hp 1.8L engine, the RS with a more powerful 135 hp 2.0L DOHC engine, and the top-tier RS Turbo with a 195 hp turbocharged 2.0L engine. Initially, all Lasers were front-wheel drive. The car was praised for its performance and style, earning a spot on Car and Driver magazine’s “Ten Best” list from 1989 to 1992.

Discontinuation

Despite critical acclaim, the Laser’s sales figures never matched those of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and lagged behind the Eagle Talon. It faced stiff internal competition from the Talon, as both were Chrysler brands but Eagle was being marketed as the performance division, receiving a larger advertising budget. The Laser’s sporty image also clashed with the rest of Plymouth’s lineup, which consisted mainly of K-car derivatives and minivans. Ultimately, dwindling sales led to the discontinuation of the Plymouth Laser after the 1994 model year. Its successor within the Plymouth brand was the more commercially successful Plymouth Neon. The Eclipse and Talon, however, continued with a major redesign for the 1995 model year.

Plymouth Laser Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Plymouth Laser Variants and Features

The Plymouth Laser was offered in several distinct variants throughout its production run, catering to different performance and budget levels.

Base

The entry-level model was equipped with a 1.8-liter SOHC 8-valve four-cylinder engine producing 92 horsepower. It came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic as an option. Standard features included power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and a tilt steering column. It was the most affordable way to get into the sporty-looking Laser, though it lacked the power of the higher trims.

RS

The RS (Rallye Sport) trim was the mid-range option. It featured a more powerful 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that generated 135 horsepower. This trim added features like alloy wheels and other cosmetic enhancements over the base model. For the 1990 model year, the RS could also be had with the base 1.8L engine. The RS models were also notable for offering a factory-installed CD player, a first for any Plymouth vehicle.

RS Turbo

This was the high-performance front-wheel-drive variant. It was powered by a potent 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine (the Mitsubishi 4G63T). Initially, it produced 190 horsepower, later increasing to 195 hp. This model offered thrilling acceleration but was known to suffer from torque steer, a common trait in powerful FWD cars.

RS Turbo AWD

Introduced in 1992, the all-wheel-drive model was the pinnacle of the Laser lineup. It used the same 195-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine as the FWD Turbo but channeled the power to all four wheels. This drivetrain significantly improved traction and handling, eliminating the torque steer issue of the front-wheel-drive turbo model and providing exceptional grip in various conditions. For 1992, it was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Plymouth Laser Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Plymouth Laser varied significantly depending on the chosen powertrain. The base 1.8L engine with 92 hp was considered adequate for daily commuting but lacked the punch to match the car’s sporty aesthetics, especially when paired with the automatic transmission. The 2.0L non-turbo engine in the RS model offered a much better balance, providing peppy performance with its 135 horsepower. The real excitement, however, came from the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63T engine. With up to 195 horsepower, the RS Turbo models delivered formidable acceleration for their time, capable of going from 0 to 60 MPH in under 7 seconds. The FWD turbo models were known for their raw power but could be a handful due to significant torque steer under hard acceleration. The introduction of the AWD system in 1992 tamed this tendency, providing a more controlled and confidence-inspiring driving experience, making the RS Turbo AWD the most sought-after model for enthusiasts. The Laser was praised for its good ride quality and capable handling, making it a fun car on winding roads.

Plymouth Laser Pricing and Mileage

As the value-oriented brand in the DSM trio, the Plymouth Laser was priced competitively. Original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for a base 1992 model started around $11,184, while a top-of-the-line 1992 RS Turbo AWD could be priced at $16,853. Today, these cars are considered affordable classics, with values depending heavily on condition, mileage, and trim level. Fuel efficiency was respectable for a sports coupe of its era. The base 1.8L engine offered the best mileage, at around 23 MPG in the city and up to 32 MPG on the highway. The naturally aspirated 2.0L RS achieved about 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. Predictably, the high-performance turbo models were thirstier, with the FWD Turbo getting around 19 MPG city/28 MPG highway, and the AWD Turbo managing about 18 MPG city/23 MPG highway. The fuel tank capacity for all models was 15.9 gallons.

Plymouth Laser Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Plymouth Laser’s design was a hallmark of early 90s aerodynamic styling, featuring a low-slung, wedge-like profile. Early models (1990-1991) are easily identified by their pop-up headlights, while the 1992-1994 models featured sleeker, exposed composite headlamps. All models with the 2.0L engine had a distinctive power bulge on the hood to accommodate the larger engine. Exterior color options included vibrant choices like Raspberry Red Pearl Metallic and Black Cherry Pearl Metallic, alongside more traditional colors like Bright White and Black. Inside, the Laser featured a driver-focused cockpit with gauges placed at eye level for easy reading. It was a 2+2 coupe, meaning it had two small rear seats, though legroom was very limited. The car’s dimensions were compact, with a wheelbase of 97.2 inches, an overall length that grew from 170.5 inches to 172.8 inches after the 1992 facelift, a width of around 66.7 inches, and a height of 51.4 inches.

Plymouth Laser Safety Features

Safety features in the Plymouth Laser were typical for its time but limited by modern standards. Key safety equipment included:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS was not available on the initial 1990 models but became an optional feature starting in 1991. From 1993, it was available on all trims except the base model.
• Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: All Laser models came standard with power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, providing solid stopping power for the era.
• Crash Test Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 1992 Laser a 4 out of 5-star rating for both driver and passenger side frontal crash protection.
• Airbags: Side-mounted and head airbags were not available on the Plymouth Laser.

Plymouth Laser Infotainment and Connectivity

For the early 1990s, the Plymouth Laser offered a respectable range of infotainment options. The standard audio system was a radio with a cassette player. A significant feature, especially for the time, was the availability of a factory-installed CD player on RS models, a first for Plymouth. The system was straightforward, with physical buttons and knobs for control. There were no touchscreens, navigation systems, or connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, as these technologies were not available during the car’s production run.

Plymouth Laser Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owners of the Plymouth Laser have generally praised the car for its engaging driving experience, sporty styling, and, particularly in turbo form, its exhilarating performance. The handling is frequently cited as a strong point, making the car fun on twisty roads. The reliability of the Mitsubishi-sourced engines, especially the robust 4G63T in the turbo models, is often highlighted by enthusiasts, as it can handle significant power upgrades. However, the Laser is not without its common complaints. A recurrent issue mentioned by owners is the timing belt, which has been known to fail prematurely and can cause catastrophic engine damage if not maintained properly. Other reported problems include issues with transmission synchronizers, oil leaks, and the wear of various mechanical components over time, which is common for cars of this age. Despite these potential issues, many owners hold a nostalgic affection for the Laser, remembering it as a reliable and thrilling car when well-maintained.

Plymouth Laser Comparison with Similar Cars

The Plymouth Laser’s most direct competitors were its own siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon. All three shared the same platform, engines, and general shape. The Eclipse was marketed as the mainstream, well-rounded option, while the Talon was positioned as the more aggressive, performance-focused model by Chrysler. The Laser was intended to be the value leader of the trio. Beyond its DSM relatives, the Laser competed with other popular front-wheel-drive sport coupes of the era. This included the Ford Probe, which offered a similar sleek, aerodynamic design and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines. Another key rival was the Mazda MX-6, which was praised for its sharp handling and refined V6 engine. The Laser, particularly in its turbo and AWD forms, often held a performance advantage over these competitors, offering a combination of turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive grip that was rare and desirable in its class.

Plymouth Laser Awards and Recognition

The Plymouth Laser received positive recognition from automotive critics during its time, highlighting its strong performance and value.

• Car and Driver’s Ten Best List: The Plymouth Laser Turbo was named to Car and Driver magazine’s prestigious “Ten Best” list for four consecutive years, from 1989 through 1992.

Interesting Facts about Plymouth Laser

• The Plymouth Laser was heavily promoted with a campaign featuring R&B superstar Tina Turner, who appeared in a series of commercials for the 1990 model.
• The Laser name was recycled from a previous Chrysler model, the Chrysler Laser, which was a luxury coupe produced from 1984 to 1986.
• The distinctive bulge on the hood of 2.0L models was a functional design element necessary to provide clearance for the taller dual-overhead-cam engine’s timing belt cover.
• The Laser was the first of the three DSM coupes to be released to the public, debuting in January 1989.

Plymouth Laser Legacy and Influence

The Plymouth Laser, while short-lived, holds a unique place in automotive history as a product of the successful Diamond-Star Motors collaboration. It represented a bold attempt by Plymouth to enter the sport compact market, a segment where it had not competed for years. Although it was ultimately overshadowed by its Eclipse and Talon siblings and discontinued due to brand conflict and poor sales, the Laser helped define the affordable performance coupe scene of the early 1990s. For enthusiasts, the Laser, especially the RS Turbo AWD, remains a respected and sought-after vehicle within the DSM community. Its shared platform with the highly modifiable Eclipse means that a strong aftermarket for performance parts continues to exist. The story of the Laser also serves as a case study in the challenges of badge engineering, illustrating how internal competition and muddled brand identity can hinder an otherwise competent and well-received vehicle.

Plymouth Laser Global Availability

The Plymouth Laser was primarily a North American market vehicle. It was manufactured at the Diamond-Star Motors plant in Normal, Illinois, in the United States. As a Plymouth, a brand specifically under the Chrysler Corporation for the North American market, it was not officially sold in Europe, Asia, or other major international markets. All production models were left-hand drive, consistent with their intended market. Any Plymouth Lasers found outside of North America today would be the result of private importation.

Plymouth Laser Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Owning a Plymouth Laser today requires attention to specific maintenance needs, typical of a performance car from the 1990s. The most critical maintenance item is the timing belt on the 2.0L engines, which requires regular replacement to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Due to its age, owners may face issues like oil leaks, worn suspension components, and transmission synchronizer wear. However, one of the major advantages of Laser ownership is the shared platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. This means that a vast array of spare parts, both original equipment and aftermarket performance upgrades, are readily available and often affordable. Routine maintenance costs are generally reasonable, but repairs can become expensive if major components like the turbo or transmission fail. The resale value of the Plymouth Laser is relatively modest, but pristine, low-mileage examples, especially the rare RS Turbo AWD models, have been appreciating in value among collectors and enthusiasts.

Final Words about Plymouth Laser

The Plymouth Laser stands as a fascinating and capable chapter in the history of 1990s sport coupes. Born from a successful collaboration and armed with potent Mitsubishi-derived powertrains, it offered style, performance, and value. While its time on the market was brief, cut short by internal competition and a brand identity crisis, the Laser left a positive mark, especially on those who experienced the thrill of the turbocharged models. Today, it represents an accessible entry into the world of classic DSM tuning for enthusiasts, offering the same robust 4G63T engine and AWD potential as its more famous siblings. Though often forgotten, the Plymouth Laser was a bright flash of performance in the Plymouth lineup and a worthy contender in the golden era of the sport compact car.