It takes a long time to get to know the 1990 Dodge Monaco, and therein lies its problem. In an age of instant gratification, this car is an instant loser.
The Monaco's virtues aren't readily evident. They're hidden beneath sheet metal that has all of the appeal of a gray flannel suit. At least a week is needed to overcome the disappointment of the car's banal exterior. Once that's accomplished, the beauty and competence of the Monaco become apparent.Trouble is, most shoppers don't have a week to get intimate with a car. If a machine doesn't impress them within the two hours or so they spend at a dealership, they leave.
And why not? There are so many cars out there competing in so many different price categories, shoppers can afford to be choosy and demanding. They're bound to find something that meets their needs, wants and pocketbooks.
Ah, but for those who are patient and for whom homeliness is a sign of character, the mid-size, front-wheel-drive Monaco offers many rewards. The good stuff includes excellent handling and acceleration, terrific interior comfort for five, full-size adults, 17 cubic feet of cargo space, and the almost certain knowledge that no thief worthy of the name will bother stealing this car.
Background: Forced marriages seldom produce happiness. Such is the case with Chrysler Corp. and French automaker Renault. The French company owned American Motors Corp., which Chrysler bought in 1987. The purchase involved Chrysler's agreement to sell 300,000 Renault Premier sedans between 1988 and 1992, or pay Renault a hefty penalty.
Renault had made the Premier for AMC. Chrysler tried to sell the car as the Eagle Premier. That didn't work. So, last February, Chrysler began selling the Premier through its Dodge Division as the Dodge Monaco. The early numbers say that approach isn't working either. Dodge dealers have a 292-day supply of Monacos in an industry where a 60-day vehicle supply is considered normal.
The Monaco is sold as the LE and the more expensive ES.
Complaints: Nothing serious, really. The body is boring, a condition further aggravated by a whimsically designed instrument panel. Otherwise, there is nothing really wrong with this car. (It could use a driver's-side air bag. Chrysler puts bags in practically everything else. Why not here, Chrysler?)
Praise: Superior overall craftsmanship. The Monaco is a well-made family car. For a mid-size car, the Monaco's interior space is impressive.
Ride, acceleration and handling: Straight A's. The Monaco is great in the city - unbelievably agile in tight traffic. It's also great on the open road. I enjoyed driving the thing. Both LE and ES models have a three-liter, overhead cam, fuel-injected V-6 rated 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm.
Head-turning quotient: Nada.
Sound system: Chrysler-installed AM-FM stereo radio and cassette, four speakers. Very good.
Mileage: About 22 to the gallon (17-gallon tank, estimated 360-mile range on usable volume), mostly highway, carrying one to five occupants.
Price: Base of the tested LE is $14,995. Estimated dealer's invoice price is $12,945. Price as tested is $16,320, including $860 for air conditioner and a $465 destination charge. Base price of the ES is $17,595. Estimated dealer's invoice price on the ES is $15,155.
Purse-strings note: It's a buy, particularly since it's coming with loads of rebates. This is a good car that simply has not been dressed or marketed well.