Here’s a car that I don’t remember, the 1990-92 Dodge Monaco. It’s a badge-engineered version of the AMC Eagle Premier. My failure to remember the automobile might be because the Eagle outsold the Monaco on a scale of 5 to 1 back in the day. The seller has a very nice ’91 Monaco that may have less than 14,000 miles and has spent much of its life in a garage. From Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, this “Mopar” is available here on craigslist for $4,700. Many thanks go to Barn Finder Tony Primo for putting my memory back to work!
Dodge revived the Monaco name in 1990 after a hiatus of a dozen years. It was the successor to the rear-wheel-drive Diplomat, bringing front-wheel-drive to a full-size Dodge. The car was easy to develop since Chrysler had its mitts on the former American Motors, so the Eagle Premier served as the basis for Monaco. Along with the Premier, the Monaco was built in Brampton, Ontario, and saw 21,500 cars built in three years alongside 117,500 Eagles. Both cars used a 3.0-liter V6 engine provided by Renault (also from the AMC deal). Sources indicate that Chrysler decided to add the Monaco after sales of the Premier were softer than anticipated.
A Dodge Monaco from the 1990s doesn’t turn up every day. And when they do, they may not be as nice as this one appears. While it has a couple of small dents/dings, the body and paint look good. If you find that troublesome, the seller is throwing in a new fender. But if you were looking for a roomy second car, there’s probably no reason to put it in the body shop.
Reading between the lines, this Dodge may have been evicted from its comfy garage and the seller says he/she hates to leave it outside. So that may be the motivation for selling. Hard to believe that a 32-year-old car would have traveled only 13,600 miles, but it happens. From what we can tell, the interior looks hardly used. It’s a fully equipped vehicle with no mention of any work being needed. The seller has already installed new tires.
I’m so excited by this, and so is grandpa. He says it’s color coordinated with his Costco hearing aids. Too bad he had to stop driving a few years ago because (to quote him), “that Frog engine was a real peach.”
Very hard engine to work (ASE MASTER-TECH)on. Wet cylinder liners, If not careful on headgasket change the cylinder will lift right out. To reinstall the cylinder must be shimmed to proper height.
Interesting to hear that Christopher. For some reason, on some old car owned decades ago, there was a similar issue re the liner pulling out with the head. I recall reading in a manual at the time that you were to take all the head bolts out save for one, and then whack the side of the head with a mallet until it began to rotate around the bolt – then you knew for certain the liners were free of the head and could lift off the head!
best
bt
I too had forgotten about this car. Nothing exciting here, but something to be said about any 30+ year old car which has been kept in very good condition. Maybe works as a driver for someone, as opposed to an econocar at this price which would be well-used and probably has 200k miles.
Was this car styled by engineers, using only efficient straight lines? (Poking a little fun at engineers, what would our modern world be without them.)
It’s actually a Giugiaro design.
Believe it or not, despite the linear design, this was one of the most aerodynamic sedans available at the time.
A 440 Monaco, this ain’t. Lol.
Hair over 3000lb, 150hp, apparently capable of 125mph top speed. That seems a stretch. Neat Barnfind, totally forgot about this car.
I live 20 minutes from the Brampton, Ontario Chrysler plant and have never seen one of these on the road.
It’s been quite a number of years since I last remembered the car even existed, let alone saw one on the road here in mid-Michigan.
Wow! The same guy who designed this car, did these????
http://www.designwanted.com/giorgetto-giugiaro-10-most-impressive-designs
I am…speechless??
bt
Designed to specification. Big difference between visions, Dodge vs Alfa Romeo.
“Dodge” was hardly in the original specification, it was designed for pre Chrysler buyout AMC-Renault.
The only reason it was ever given a crosshair grille and Dodge badge was to pick up some extra marginal sales to use up more of the huge number of PRV V6s Chrysler had committed to buy in the deal.
Let’s hope someone preserves this car. It’s in beautiful shape! So many cars like this disappear and are completely forgotten. Future generation will start to think everyone used to drive Camaros, Firebird, and Corvettes, because that’s mainly what turns up at car shows. This and other similar cars always collect a crowd.
This comment needs to automatically be posted at the top on any listing for any well preserved regular car.
Perfectly said.
Yeah…you could take it to Cars and Coffee. The crowd is laughing AT you, not with you.
…and it’s the perfect color…for a 💩
It may not be much to get excited about, but it would make a perfect second vehicle to drive to work everyday. Or, if you’ve got a son or daughter just turning old enough to drive, perfect car for them. It even has brand new tires. Insurance would be very affordable.
You’d be lucky to make it to work even once in this pile of poop. If you made it the second day, it would be a miracle.
Dodge added the Monaco to the Premier production in a effort to use up the 260,000 PRV V6 engines they contractually agreed to use during the American Motors purchase.
Yep! The sole purpose of the ’90-’92 Monaco was to get the Premier on more dealer lots in a desperate attempt to fulfil Chrysler’s contractual obligation. At one point, I remember seeing them advertised at $8999, brand new, thanks to huge incentives. Chrysler missed its obligation, but argued that it should be released from the contract because the warranty costs associated with the PRV V6 were much higher than expected.
Because they were JUNK!
This is NOT the new Blues Mobile
Finding parts for this car could be a new and challenging sport for the next owner!
Talk about a car that you don’t see anymore. Particularly in the Detroit area, where Detroit (or Detroit import) iron was king.
I can’t say the last time that I saw any Eagle product, let alone a Renault (like the Alliance, we were rotten with those). The Chrysler LH platform cars, totally gone. Kind of rare to see a K car or any variant. But, those are now 40 years old. You will find a lot of older minivans, surprisingly…
My only memory of these cars is an acquaintance who bought an Eagle version of this car new because he liked the comfort and styling. He was quite proud of it as it was his first new car.
I had lost touch with him for a year or two, and when I did meet up with him again, I mentioned the Eagle. He told me before the car hit its third birthday, he was commuting to work on the interstate, smelled smoke, pulled over and hopped out. Within minutes the car was engulfed in flames and was a total loss. He told me he would tell anyone who would listen not to buy one.
Seems to be a good deal on a weird looking stretched Ford Tempo, hated them years ago but now I really like it, engine seems like has good power, clean, no miles, 2 cup holders and for under 5 grand! Not sure how these engines lasted but I would buy it.
I owned both an 83 Renault 18i Wagon and we purchased a 1988 Renault Medallion Wagon new. This was the period of time AMtC dealers acquired Renault products and then shortly after that Chrysler re-badged the Renault designs as Eagles. Dealer support was almost non-existent and suffered from the Buick/Opel “captive import syndrome”. Our Medallion suffered from cooling system issues, but its Achilles Heel was the rear torsion bar/trailing arm design that eventually would not hold alignment. Great concept on paper, but the execution and quality sadly lacking
I would gladly take a Yugo any day over one of these steaming piles of French poop. A Catera would be a more reliable choice (if that tells you anything).
Sooooo, are we safe to guess that you don’t like this car? (Asking for a friend)…
I been a garage owner , state inspection station and used car dealer for 35 years and I used to get all the trades from a local Chrysler Dodge dealer that was a few miles from me , they were in business over 90 years until the manufacturer purge of small dealerships after the cars and clunkers debacle . I would get calls to come and put a number on certain “special” cars to try to get a bump in price to get the deal worked out . I had a call about the Eagle version of this POS one afternoon and was not excited . The fact was I made a lot of money from my relationship with them so I went right away to see the car . The car was an elderly woman’s , who’s husband had just passed and she wanted a smaller car . The 91 Eagle had 8500 miles after 12 years of ownership and it was flawless and basicaly worthless . Blackbook value at best was $725 . I stepped up and put $1200 in it to get the deal done and put her in a new Neon . I knew I would take a loss if I sent it to auction so I put it on my lot @ $ 1995 . It sat for 8 weeks until an older lady expressed interest in it , she drove it off my lot for $1800 . She had it for several years and we maintained it for her , when she quit driving her grand daughter had just got her license and she got it and drove it for a few years until a deer ran out and broke the headlight , grill and crumpled the fender . Parts were non-existent so it was junked . To this day the family tells me it was the best car they ever had .
They were either really good or really bad. You got lucky at only 8-weeks.
I’d rather have this than a Neon any day.
I had a 1992 Eagle Premier and loved it. One of the best cars that I’ve ever had. A very efficient design, and technologically leading for the time. I put 130K miles on it, sold it, and the person who bought it from me put another 50K miles on it. It was every bit as good or better than the Taurus, but Chrysler (and the dealers who sold it) really didn’t know what to do with it or how to market it. (Sort of like Ford and the Merkur). Sadly typical of the Big Three.
The engine was from the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) alliance, and the transmission was a ZF. It was front wheel drive, but the engine was mounted longitudinally, which I liked.
Great car.
Yes a joint venture with Volvo,Peugeot and Renault, also same engine installed in the Delorean, very poor performance but probably good for grannies car
Yes a joint venture with Volvo,Peugeot and Renault, also same engine installed in the Delorean, very poor performance but probably good for grannies car, also that ZF transmission is worth more than the whole car, perfect for a mid engine kit car, as long as you’re ok with a automatic
“Technologically leading”??? My 1991 self with his 1991 Taurus SHO with 5-speed stick (Emerald green over mocha leather…loaded with every option available) would beg to differ. Heck, the Mercury Sable was light years ahead of this cardboard car. That said, my SHO is long gone, yet this FrancoAmerican motors dish is still around, cardboard color and all.
I liked the early 90s SHO, too, with the Yamaha V-6, although the Sable and the regular Taurus were twins. The SHO in those days was definitely a cool car. Especially with the manual.
You really should check out the Premier’s Wiki page…I found it to be enlightening. And yes, it had some interesting electronics, and an amazing amount of interior space.
I think of them from time to time. We were awarded the J/E franchise in ’91 making our store a full 6-pack. Premier and Monaco were part of the deal. The only time anyone asked for one was when a Detroit dealer advertised the loss leader employee deal. Of course everyone thinks they’re going to get that price. They were heavily incentivised to the to the company car program. One customer used to drive them and tell me if he got a good one he’d send a family member in to buy it when he turned it in. We did a couple for him. The Dynasty/New Yorker were so much better cars if you don’t bring up Ultra-Drive.
My dad had a small Jeep dealership at his service station. When Chrysler bought AMC, they came to him and said you need to build a showroom and take on these cars. He refused. They took away his Jeep dealership, but they couldn’t take away his knowledge and parts supply to keep them going.The dealer that wound up with the Jeep franchise was a local Chrysler dealership so he sold those cars. He complained because my dad continued to use up his supply of dealer tags whenever he sold a used car or Jeep that still advertised him as a Jeep dealer. LOL. I still have a few of those.
Was working at a Jeep/Eagle/Renault dealer and the 1st one came in badged Renault, we got a call to hide the car and take Renault off as they sent us Eagle badges for it. I recall driving it home to evaluate, brakes were noisy, LOL
Good write-up Mr. Dixon, as usual.
I have no experience w/ these but of course I remember old Dodge Monaco name, which I associate w/ old cop cars from old movies and TV shows.)
To me this one looks like an overgrown Dodge Aries (or Plymouth Reliant, not to be confused w/ the USS Reliant from Star Trek… Khhaaannn !!)
I have no real interest in this vehicle but I wish the seller & buyer good luck.
I had a black on grey leather 1991 Eagle Premier that I bought new from a dealership that clearly saw me coming. The first clue was they were prepared to sell me a $26,000 car for $14,500. Driving home from the dealer the car stopped running completely on a busy expressway. Every morning I would live in fear to find out whether it would start or not (often the latter). It took up residence at my local Chrysler dealership for weeks as they tried to figure out what was wrong. When I finally went to buy a much better car – a Nissan Maxima – in 1993, the Nissan dealer told me that the Premier was essentially worthless as a trade in and finally in pity gave me $300 towards my down payment. I had left some keys in the glove box and when I called the Nissan dealership the next day to get them back, I was told the car had already been shipped to the crusher.
I recall a review of the Premier at the time which said that while it actually drove quite well; unfortunately it just didn’t drive very often. Perfect description.
I was suffering from insomnia, and nothing seemed to help….until I looked at this car.
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
We used to rent these when I worked for National Car Rental in the early 90’s. Actually a quite-capable Sedan, compared to the Grand Am & Calais we used as well.
When Chrysler bought Renault’s North American assets, it wasn’t just to get jeep. They also got a great new two new modern sedans, superior to the Taurus and Lumina, based on the Renault 25/21 architecture. This was a coup, because Chrysler’s own family sedans were dinosaurs based on the Aspen/Volaré of 1973. Lido, addicted to vinyl roofs and velour, had blown $300,000,00 chasing Maserati, Lamborghini, and had the catastrophic TC by Maserati to show for it. Many did not thing that Chrysler had cash on hand to develop a competitive replacement for its tired offerings.
To satisfy the contract with Renault, Chrysler had promised to purchase a defined quantity of Eagle Premier sedan parts to assemble. a number of cars. Badge engineering the Monaco allowed them to sell the cars though more sales channels, speed up contractural obligations.
It’s a fine sedan, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
I bought the Premier version Limited edition with 40 thousand miles a few years back drove it to 200,000. it was in a small fender bender so gave it to a friend he drove it for a while till the fuel pump went out. Still sitting at my garage waiting for the fuel pump to be put in. Im sure it will run again once it is in. Smooth riding great travel car.
I have seen all the negative remarks on these from people who know nothing about them. They were great cars. All Chrysler later LHS type cars were based on these but not as good.
Yes, the LH platform was patterned after these. However the LH family were all much better cars overall without the electrical gremlins hiding inside.
And the LHs did NOT use the PRV V6 but Chrysler’s own design.
Agree. Personally I liked the looks of the later Eagle Premiers, especially with the Limited trim, but underneath they were both the same.
I’d suggest that the naysayers who just don’t like the color beige and really don’t know anything about these cars check out their Wikipedia page. These were really leading edge cars for their time; roomier, higher tech, and with a lower drag coefficient than the Taurus. The legendary Dick Teague shepherded the project. They should have done better.
I enjoy Barn Finds, the write-ups are great, and I learn a lot from SOME of the comments.
The only reason that they didn’t do better was that Chrysler simply wanted to exhaust the requirements of their contract with Renault and get out
Had one of these as a top of the line Monaco ES. It was a great road trip car with a better than average factory stereo. It’s first winter had a number of electronic gremlins pop up. Finding parts for this would be a real treat after all of these years…
Agree, Rex! I had a top of the line Premier ES Limited. It was a 92 model that I ordered in 91. I loaded it up.
It was dark cherry with contrasting dark grey cladding that the later Premiers had running along the bottom of the car. It looked sharp.
I had no problems with it at all. As I mentioned in a previous post I put 130K+ miles on it, sold it to someone who put another 50+ miles on it, with no issues combined.
I did have to be careful driving through standing water. The front hubs would sometimes let moisture in, causing the bearings to go out. If that happened in this car you’d have to replace the entire hub, as I recall.
I had a friend with a top of the line Monaco and he had a similar positive experience.
It’s a reworked and re-badged Renault 25 left over from AMC marriage. When prepared for its North American debut with AMC, it was brought down several notches in content, lost its rear hatchback glass in favor of a big dollar trunk so many more favor on this side of the pond. Once the divorce happened and Eagle went to Chrysler, it was considered a step-child and deliberately never given support. We know what eventually happened to Chrysler. Now Stellantis sees Dodge as a footnote and may get rid of that brand. Long live Stellantis!
Footnote? They are pouring a lot of money and effort into the new Charger/Daytona for 2025. EV-BHEV-ICE all seem to be offered. I suspect maybe a Chrysler could be lurking in the shadows but no one is talking.
“Eagle” was created by Chrysler to market Jeeps, and these Renault-designed sedans.
Americans hate hatchbacks, so elimination of this negative feature was very smart for North America
Renault had big plans plans for North America, and its exit had nothing to do with success or failure here and everything to do with domestic political considerations in France
I’ve never understood why Americans don’t like hatchbacks. I’ve had several, am currently driving one now, and love them. Obviously I am an outlier.
Yet 50% of the driving population is in an SUV, that gets poorer fuel economy and is basically a box with four wheels.
I was not aware until reading the comments that the Premier was originally designed as a hatchback. Interesting! That would have offered a nice balance to the long hood.
I
Keith,
I think that like front wheel drive, hatchbacks are perceived as “cheap cars,”
Both FWD and Hatchbacks are perfect solutions for most people’s everyday automotive needs.
Like fashionable shoes, practicality and comfort are not really what customers are shopping for.
I agree about the hate for hatchbacks here in the U.S. I have owned many of them, or mini wagons. They are just so useful – just pop the hatch and dump your stuff in.
I even had a Cavalier hatchback and thought those looked much better than the standard trunk model, yet no one bought them.
Both Mercedes and BMW had perfect entry level hatchback models and neither one of them lasted very long in the U.S. market.