Overview & Reviews

In its day, Plymouth was one of the best-selling and most beloved brands in the U.S. Owned first by Chrysler and then by DaimlerChrysler, the marque existed for more than 70 years before being discontinued in 2001.

The Plymouth Motor Corporation was born in May of 1928 as a marketing subsidiary of the Chrysler Corporation, with Walter Chrysler as its president. The first Plymouth, the Plymouth 4, followed soon thereafter, cruising into showrooms in 1929. The car was based on a Chrysler model, the Chrysler 4. Its low price and solid quality established Plymouth as the brand to beat for consumers seeking affordable transportation.

The 1930s saw Plymouth investing in the development of a new vehicle; the Plymouth PA was launched in 1931. Featuring then-innovative rubber engine mounts, the car was a hit, and helped Plymouth sail past more established brands like Buick to nab the 3rd-place spot in national car sales, behind Ford and Chevrolet. By 1939, more than 3 million Plymouths had been built, and its name had been officially changed to the Plymouth Division.

In the years following World War II, Plymouth introduced models like the Cambridge, Suburban and Cranbrook. The look of the vehicles was a departure from the prevailing aesthetic of the time. They were chunky and tall whereas the most popular vehicles were long, lean and low. V8 engines and automatic transmissions were also new additions to the Plymouth brand in the '50s. By the time the decade drew to a close, more than 12 million Plymouths had been built.

The '60s saw the birth of the pony car, and Plymouth was at the forefront of the movement with its legendary Barracuda, which was initially based on the Valiant compact when it was introduced in 1964. As the years went on, the Barracuda offered a range of powerful V8 engines and a choice of body styles, including a convertible. The decade also saw the introduction of a pair of muscle cars based on the midsize Belvedere: the bare-bones Road Runner and the more luxurious GTX. The psychedelic era also gave rise to the brand's potent 426 Hemi V8 engine.

The fuel crisis of the mid-1970s spelled trouble for Plymouth, as high fuel prices caused poor sales for its larger models. Plymouth saw some success with its Valiant, Duster and Volare compacts. But the lone shining star on the sales charts was the subcompact Horizon. Otherwise, the company suffered slow sales due to an aged and dwindling lineup. Things didn't get much better for Plymouth during the '80s. In spite of the debut of the popular Voyager minivan and a couple of other new models like the Caravelle and Sundance, the brand continued to struggle.

By the time the '90s rolled around, Plymouth was no longer a full-line make. Chrysler had plans to reinvigorate the brand with the introduction of new models, but all that changed after the company's merger with Daimler at the end of the decade. At the close of the '90s, Plymouth's lineup had been reduced to just five vehicles: the Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans, the Breeze sedan, the Neon compact and the Prowler sports car. DaimlerChrysler soon decided to pull the plug on the long-neglected brand, with the last Plymouths being made in model-year 2001.

User Reviews:

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  This car STINKS - 2001 Plymouth Neon
  By crunkone - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My Neon is a very attractive, fun to drive car but it is too weak. And a compact car means nothing if you cant get good gas milage. And the car gives off a strong sulphuric smell that apparently no one can fix. Also it needs a 2-door model. A Civic is a better buy.

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  Happy Camper - 2000 Plymouth Breeze
  By LeslieS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Its very comfortable, with great pick up. It is fun to drive and comfortably fits my four kids. Im happy with the features for a low price.

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  Thumbs Up! - 1999 Plymouth Prowler
  By Prowlin - June 13 - 10:56 am

  Attention grabber. Awesome experience. Just a dream machine with incredible power, light weight and quick performance. Hugs the curves, climbs the mountain roads with ease, excellent turning ratio, great on gas, only perfection! Sound system is exceptional & Goodyear flatless tires perform with ease and reliability. Everything a person would expect from a get up and go roadster.

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  Great for kids - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Vogelhut - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have three kids. We bought this car with 2 captains chairs, and took one out. we have tons of space. I even hook up a 13in tv behind the passanger chair for video on the move. could use more drive side leg room. driver side window failed, but was replaced free. front window cracked with pebble. id buy this car again.

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  First Experience - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Trenton33 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  this is my first time purchasing a minivan and it has been a very impressive one. I think this is a great car. Alot of room, great parking, and pick up is wonderful! I would definitely buy another one.

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  Plodding but Reliable Workhorse - 2000 Plymouth Voyager
  By mazebl - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Fourth van of this type. Had three grands before this one. This van: replaced master cylinder, battery, one tire. This all occurred in the second year. I do think the grands are better quality overall. This one smelled like a lemon from the start.

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  My review - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Bob Steiger - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new. It is loaded with all the goodies I wanted having the Expresso Package. Not cheap, $28,000, but worth every penny. It is extremely comfortable, has plenty of power, but would suggest the optional 3.8L engine and very roomy for my family of 5.

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  My aching back! - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By cardawg4ever - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Ok, great gas mileage, excellent factory sound system! The drivers seat lumbar area is horrible. My back kills me after more than 15 minutes driving it. The breaks squeek constantly, and be prepared for major transmission work, or replacement.

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  Turtle Top Is Fine - 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Mark Three Convers. - February 1 - 12:53 pm

  This Mark III model is loaded. The TV is great for grandkids. 6 disc CD is great for all. The interior running lights add a nice touch. Leather all around, second row removable seats ( 3rd bench also) is not unmanageable-even for grandad. Never used the headset/radio that is for rear passengers only. Vehicle now has 76,000 miles with no problems to date. Front rotors are starting to pulsate, cant complain. Highway mileage is a shade under 21 mpg, also pretty good. Hauled a set of bunk beds 2 weeks ago.

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  1999 Expresso Grand Voyager - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By lenny - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed this vehicle. We had an 86,92,96 and then the 99. The only problem we had with the 99 was the electronic module on the transmission.