Best Car Reviews - Subcompact Cars Plymouth Conquest

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Introduction

The Plymouth Conquest is a badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi Starion, sold in North America under the Dodge and Plymouth names for the 1984–1986 model years. It targets drivers who want a compact, rear-wheel-drive turbo hatchback with classic 1980s wedge styling, a long-hood/short-deck profile, and genuine performance hardware. What makes the Conquest stand out today is its mix of Japanese engineering and Chrysler showroom availability, plus the later widebody, intercooled performance specification associated with the Conquest TSi era.

Design and Exterior Features

From a distance, the Conquest reads like pure 1980s GT coupe: a sharp nose, pop-up headlights, a fastback roofline, and a wide, planted stance. Early cars are the “narrowbody” look, while later high-performance variants adopted the dramatic widebody treatment with boxed fender flares and a more aggressive road presence. The result is a subcompact footprint that still feels special, especially in widebody form where the proportions emphasize its rear-wheel-drive layout and performance intent.

Wedge-shaped fastback hatchback profile with a long hood and compact overhangs
Pop-up headlights and period-correct aero detailing
Widebody styling on later high-performance variants, with prominent fender flares
Sport-oriented wheel and tire fitment that visually reinforces the rear-drive stance

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Conquest blends sporty intent with 1980s convenience. The cabin is laid out for a driver-first feel, with a low seating position and a dashboard designed around gauges and controls rather than open storage. Materials and fit reflect the era, but higher trims and later examples are often remembered for available tech-forward features like digital instrumentation and upgraded audio, giving the Conquest a distinctive “retro-futuristic” vibe. Practicality is better than many coupes of its time thanks to the hatchback cargo area and folding rear seat, though rear seating is best treated as occasional-use 2+2 space.

2+2 seating layout with a driver-focused cockpit feel
Hatchback practicality with usable cargo space for a sporty coupe
Available period features often associated with digital instrumentation and upgraded audio
Supportive front seating suited to long drives and spirited runs

Performance and Handling

Plymouth Conquest models use a turbocharged 2.6-liter inline-four (the Mitsubishi G54B/4G54 family) driving the rear wheels. Early North American output is commonly cited at 145 hp for the non-intercooled setup, while later intercooled widebody performance versions are widely reported at 176 hp and 223 lb-ft, pairing strong midrange torque with a distinctly turbo-era power delivery. A five-speed manual is the enthusiast choice, and a four-speed automatic was also offered. On the road, the Conquest feels like a classic front-engine, rear-drive turbo coupe: stable at speed, eager to rotate under throttle when driven smoothly, and rewarding when you respect turbo response and traction limits. Fuel economy varies by year and configuration; as a reference point, EPA figures for a closely related Conquest listing are around 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (about 14.7 and 10.7 L/100 km). The fuel-consumption figure provided here is 16.53 L/100 km (about 14.23 mpg US), which is plausible for short-trip or aggressive driving, but real-world results depend heavily on tune, condition, and driving style.

Turbocharged 2.6L inline-four driving the rear wheels
Power levels vary by version: non-intercooled output around 145 hp; intercooled widebody performance versions commonly listed at 176 hp and 223 lb-ft
Five-speed manual available; four-speed automatic also offered
Fuel economy reference: about 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (about 14.7 and 10.7 L/100 km) on comparable EPA listings

Technology and Connectivity

As a performance coupe from the mid-1980s, the Conquest’s technology story is about period innovation rather than modern connectivity. Buyers could get features that felt advanced at the time, including high-spec audio options and, on some versions, digital-style instrumentation themes. Compared with today’s subcompacts, there is no modern smartphone integration, but the Conquest still appeals to enthusiasts who like tactile controls, analog driving feedback, and the retro charm of 1980s electronics.

Period audio systems with available upgrades commonly associated with equalizer-style units
Driver-focused gauge layout, with some versions featuring more tech-forward instrumentation themes
Power convenience features typical of higher-trim 1980s sporty coupes (varies by year and trim)
Simple, repairable electronics by modern standards, but age can make condition highly variable

Safety Features

Safety equipment reflects mid-1980s design norms: basic restraint systems and structural safety engineering of the era, without modern electronic aids. Airbags are not a defining feature for the Plymouth Conquest years, and modern driver-assistance systems are not part of this car’s value proposition. Public crash-test ratings are not consistently available in the same way consumers expect for modern vehicles, so safety is best evaluated through condition, tires, brakes, and careful driving rather than relying on published star ratings.

Seat belts and head restraints as core safety equipment typical of the era
No modern stability control, lane-assist, or automatic emergency braking
Braking and handling performance depend heavily on maintenance and tire quality
Crash-test ratings are not readily presented in modern rating formats for this mid-1980s model

Pricing and Variants

Original pricing varies by year and trim, and period reporting for the closely related Conquest lineup placed the base price in the mid-$14,000 range in the late 1980s, with performance packages such as the TSi option adding several thousand dollars, and the automatic transmission typically costing extra. For the Plymouth Conquest specifically, the most desirable variants today are generally the later, intercooled widebody performance versions (often discussed under the TSi umbrella), while earlier narrowbody cars appeal to purists who prefer the cleaner silhouette. In period competition, it went up against other sporty coupes like the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota’s performance-oriented Celica/Supra family, offering a distinctive mix of turbo torque, rear-wheel drive balance, and bold styling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Iconic 1980s wedge styling with standout widebody presence on later performance versions
Rear-wheel drive layout with engaging, enthusiast-focused driving feel
Turbocharged torque delivery that feels strong in the midrange
Hatchback practicality makes it more usable than many coupes
Strong enthusiast community interest and increasing collector appeal

Cons

Age-related reliability risks, especially in turbo and fuel/ignition systems
Rust and weathering can be serious depending on climate history
Safety equipment is dated with no modern driver-assistance technology
Finding original, unmodified examples can be difficult
Parts availability and correct diagnosis can require specialist knowledge

Maintenance and Common Issues

A source-verified, model-specific annual maintenance cost is not consistently published for the Plymouth Conquest, and expenses vary widely based on condition, originality, and how the car is driven. As a 1980s turbocharged specialty coupe, it is wise to budget for above-average preventive maintenance and occasional larger repairs. Five common owner-reported problem areas for this generation include: (1) turbocharger wear and boost leaks, (2) fuel delivery and injection-related drivability issues on aging components, (3) cooling-system weakness leading to overheating risk, (4) timing-chain and related engine wear concerns on high-mileage or poorly maintained engines, and (5) electrical and sensor aging that can cause intermittent faults.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.6/10. Design: 8.8/10, Comfort: 7.2/10, Performance: 7.9/10, Technology: 6.8/10 (for its era), Safety: 6.0/10 (by modern expectations).

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback tends to cluster around the Conquest’s character: it feels special, looks unforgettable, and drives with a distinctly analog turbo personality. Enthusiasts often praise the rear-drive balance and the widebody presence, while also warning new buyers that condition matters more than mileage and that neglected cars can be expensive to sort properly.

Love the styling and the “retro-futuristic” 1980s vibe
Praise for torque-rich turbo feel and rear-drive handling balance
Frequent emphasis that maintenance history matters more than headline specs
Mixed experiences with aging electronics and drivability gremlins
Strong satisfaction when properly sorted, frustration when chasing neglected issues

Best Cars in This Category

1986 Mazda RX-7
1986 Toyota MR2
1986 Nissan 200SX Turbo
1986 Honda Prelude Si
1986 Toyota Celica Supra

Summary

The Plymouth Conquest is best suited for enthusiasts who want an authentic 1980s turbocharged, rear-wheel-drive coupe with real personality and a distinctive design that still turns heads. It offers a compelling blend of performance hardware, hatchback practicality, and collectible charm, but it demands careful shopping and committed maintenance. For buyers willing to prioritize condition and originality, the Conquest can be a rewarding classic that delivers style and driving character far beyond what its subcompact size suggests.