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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  LEMON - 1999 Plymouth Voyager
  By argus7 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This thing is a piece of junk. Constant engine problems: Massive oil leaks and burned valves. Chrystler says tough rocks. I will never buy another Chrystler product again.

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  Plymouth Grand Voyager - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By marshall jones - March 3 - 3:43 pm

  Good vehicle overall. Plan to buy another one soon. Owned a Dodge Grand Caravan previously.

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  We love it! - 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Sandy - February 21 - 5:16 pm

  We have had our van for over six years and have had no problems with it. It has been reliable in all weather conditions and comfortable for our teenagers while they were growing up. All in all we love it.

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  Love my NEON!!! - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By javaman39 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had other "same size/quality" cars like my Neon before, but I have to admit that I got the most for my dollar with this purchase! Great on Gas, Handles well on all roads, great interior as well as a sporty exterior makes this a fun car to drive, not to mention the fantastic audio system!

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  Great Family Car - 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Coda - January 22 - 11:06 pm

  The van has not been a problem. From my wifes point of view she has loved it. She likes the interior, very comfy and big. For tall people it is not a knee smasher or neck bender to get in. Very nice design. From a Mechanics point of view, it has been dependable. Transmission has held up, I change the trans fluid and filter every 40,000. The engine has no problems, change oil and run synthetic every 5,000. Braking is no problem for a van...this van is not a lamborgina, but if I wanted a lamb...then I would have bought it. The headlamps like all cars now are of plastic, keep them buffed or they dull the intesity of the headlights considerably. Do the maintenance,the van will take care you.

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  soccer mom - 1999 Plymouth Voyager
  By Jessica - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Our first mini-van.. Why did we not get one sooner. I love the ride compared to the rough truck feel of my hubbys suv. I can say my mini-van is much better and safer to drive because I can see all around me. I think the true test is whenever we go somewhere as a family we take the mnin instead of his suv. I have over 50,000 miles on it and have had zero problems. It also is ised as a truck whenever needed with the seats out it can carry a lot!

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  Ill get another when shes gone - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By smisley - December 12 - 8:23 pm

  209,000 miles. Never a prob. Its all about maintenence. I will def get another when it does kick it! Had a Ford contour for a yr and it had 7 recalls on it. Not secure in driving. Had this car 9 yrs. Give or take. Not one recall!

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  Nice car - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By mechcanix - November 23 - 10:16 am

  Bought car used 8 years ago now have 180,000 mi. A bit noisy at highway speeds. Engine has rear main oil leak and sprak plug tubes leak oil but the car is very depenable always starts. Ive taken it on long trips. Great mileage

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  BadBrakes2 - 2001 Plymouth Neon
  By notmyneon - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car the middle of last year and had to replace the brakes already once, the repair shop couldnt believe that they had already worn out! Neither could I. They also squeal almost everytime you push on them from slowing dow, my rating on the brakes? .02!

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  1999 Plymouth Prowler - 1999 Plymouth Prowler
  By BuddyBrad - October 21 - 1:46 pm

  You cant beat a Plymouth Prowler for turning heads and going out and having a great time. It isnt a winter vehicle, but it sure is fun in the summer. It has been very reliable and easy to maintain.