Chrysler Conquest Sales Figures

The Conquest replaced the Chrysler Laser in 1986. It was discontinued without a direct replacement in 1989. The brand didn’t offer a sportscar until 2003 when it launched the Chrysler Crossfire. Today, the Chrysler Conquest (and Mitsubishi Starion) has a bit of a cult following. It’s remembered as an underdog among 1980s sports cars, offering performance and style at a more affordable price point than some of its competitors. Due to its relative rarity, well-preserved examples can be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of 1980s automotive culture.

Chrysler Conquest Overview

The Chrysler Conquest is a somewhat lesser-known model in Chrysler’s history, but it’s an interesting one, particularly for enthusiasts of 1980s sports cars. The Chrysler Conquest was a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Starion. It was sold in North America under both the Chrysler and Plymouth brands. The car was part of a broader trend during the 1980s where Japanese cars were sold under American badges, largely due to collaborations, joint ventures, or stakeholdings between American and Japanese automakers. The Conquest was sold from 1986 to 1989 in the U.S.

The Conquest/Starion is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe characterized by its wide flared fenders, giving it an aggressive stance reminiscent of some European sports cars. Its design was angular and distinctly 1980s, with pop-up headlights and a hatchback profile. The car was equipped with a turbocharged 2.6-liter inline-four engine. Over the years, the performance varied slightly, but it was generally competitive for its time, especially when considering its turbocharged nature.

The turbocharged engine, combined with rear-wheel drive and a well-tuned suspension, made the Conquest a competitive performer in its time. It found a niche among enthusiasts looking for a balance between performance and affordability. The car came in a few different trims, with the TSi being the most recognized and performance-oriented under the Chrysler brand.

Production of the Conquest and its Mitsubishi counterpart, the Starion, ended in 1989. They did not receive direct successors, though both Chrysler and Mitsubishi continued to produce sports cars in the subsequent years.