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:

• 

  do not buy!!!! - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By ucf21 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my neon in Nov. 99. It was great for the 1st 3 years except for the plastic molding on the driver side door cracked. Then my warrany expired- my driver side door lock broke. I took it in to the dealership and they replaced the door lock but since then all it does is lock and unlock itself numerous times- even when i drive. I took it back it and they told me - very rudely that there was nothing wrong

• 

  Chrysler is not the minivan leader - 1999 Plymouth Voyager
  By mzz - November 29 - 10:00 am

  My van looks good black with gold leather interior has power v6 3.8 litre. BUT lacks in over all quality and reliability here are a list of problems, engine light came on first week. cruise control failed transmission leaked water pump broke some interior lights flicker power steering pulley broke off luckly I had the gold package warranty transferred to my name for $200 well worth the money. The first owner would have paid an extra $2000 for this warranty. Go with a Toyota or Honda better quality.

• 

  hmmm...(scratching head) - 2000 Plymouth Voyager
  By javajane - July 22 - 4:56 am

  This was a great size for our family of 5 and for toting around sports gear and all the kids friends. But now that I will be traveling longer distances, need something more fuel-efficient. Also had issues with wiper arm; replaced 3 times in 2 years - go figure! And at $70 a pop, that adds up. We are trading down to a smaller size.

• 

  1999 Plymouth - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By El Tee - March 14 - 10:23 pm

  Replaced transmission within first 25000 miles. 2nd transmission replacement at 79000. Brake system components lack integrity. 3.3 Chrysler engine lacks adequate horsepower. Spare tire rack cant securely hold a full size tire for spare. Seats must be phyisically lifted out if one wishes to create more room - very heavy/cumbersome. Sound system needs upgrading.

• 

  No more Chryslers in my drive - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By geezer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Van has leaked oil out of every possible gasket. Front main seal blew at 38000 mi. Air conditioner has been replaced, along with dryer. Chrysler reps wouldnt offer the time of day , as vehicle was 2000 miles past warranty period. Worst vehicle mechanically I have ever owned.

• 

  dont like - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By cfl6770 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  under carriage is aluminum and bends when you go over a bump. Major componets begin to fail at 70,000 miles

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  wont get fooled again - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By gary d. - June 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car new for my wife with 3 kids in 5/98. Liked the size space and comfort. Those remain its primary assets. Reliability has become a problem. While never leaving us stranded it has required multiple repairs. Thank god we bought an extended warranty. However, we recently got hit with a head gasket, timing chain, transmission pan etc. When the warranty recently expired, the evaporator on the ac went ($1100), needs tires and probably a starter. We decided not to put more money into it and last week traded it in, despite it having plenty of life left. Happy to get $2000 in real money towards a Toyota.

• 

  Money Pit - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By Fed Up Mom - April 28 - 12:33 am

  We purchased our 99 van in 00 with only 7,000 miles on it. The engine went in 2004. Since then we have replaced oil pump, fuel pump, radiator, and now the transmission is gone. The driver window doesnt work, as well as the left rear vent window. The power lock for the rear hatch stopped working in 2002. We have had trouble with the ac for the past 4 years. The vans rear left speaker caught fire in 2005 while I was driving to work. Thank God my children werent with me at the time. The bushings are shot and the brake system has always given us trouble. From the first year we purchased it the van leaked water into the front. I regret the day we bought this van.