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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  plymouth van - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By jbuy - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable van with very smooth ride

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  Transmission Failure - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By transmissiontrouble - October 25 - 10:00 am

  What a bummer, 41,000 miles and the transmission decided to stop working. The ten transmission shops I contacted were quick to explain that these transmissions are quite possibly the worst ever manufactured by any one company. The lowest quote I recieved for the rebuild was 2,300. Ok run the blue book on the car, or better yet contact some local dealers and have them tell you what its worth. Darn near nothing. Its to bad,I liked this car but will never purchase another Chrysler product again. Maybe Ill look at Hyundai, hey 10 100k powertrain warrranty, how could I go wrong?

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  Comfortable traveler - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By reliable car - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new in 1998, after about 50,000 miles the head gasket blew, my extended warranty covered that. At 67,000 miles the master cylinder went out, thankfully the extended warranty covered that before it expired. This vehicle goes thru brakes like crazy, it seems like I have to replace them about every 8 months. However, I do have 140,000 miles on this vehicle and it gets better gas mileage now than when it was new. It is very comfortable on long trips, and the room is unbeatable.

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  Plymouth Prowler - Nothing quite like it - 1999 Plymouth Prowler
  By Ed - September 26 - 4:16 am

  This is a wonderful car that I have been driving for nearly 9 years now. Just turned 100,000 miles this week. Mine has been highly modified. It now has a 5.0L V-6 Super Stroker engine with Bellenger handmade headers. The engine has been blue printed and balanced. Too many mods to mention. It is the most fun I have ever had with a car. Every time I drive it is as exciting as the first time. The car was a typical Daimler/Chrysler product with the poor quality control that has become synonymous with the company. It is such a wonderful car that those of us who love it fix what we can and live with the rest. I cant imagine life without my Prowler.

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  Still strong - 2000 Plymouth Voyager
  By siriusstar - August 31 - 9:54 pm

  Bought from a family member, been in the family since new. Has been an outstanding van. Reliable, runs great. aside from tires and routine maintenance, one new starter and a seal leak that was an easy fix, GREAT family vehicle. Only complaint is the A/C has never been strong enough to keep the inside comfortable in the summer, have had it checked over and over, tweaks here and there, nothing has helped with that. In Arizona, thats pretty annoying.

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  Perfection minus transmission - 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By whofan - August 15 - 9:43 pm

  I havent had the infamous transmission trouble. This is the best all around vehicle I ever driven and owned. At this time I will not hesitate to replace this van with another, in fact I plan doing so on it when time comes. The headlights on the newer models have been improved, the 96-00 models are a little dim. The rear seat rattles in mine. This van has plenty of zip with the 3.3L engine. It has an outstanding comforable drive, with small car maneuverablity and huge amount of room. This is the best of all worlds although a compromise. My van has 85,000 miles with only routine maintence and one belt tensioner. It has a quality feel and build.

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  Best Family Vehicle - 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  By HamboLA - August 4 - 11:10 am

  Well, this is my 4th Plymouth minivan. Been driving them since 1987. My 1998 Grand Voyager has over 175,000 miles, I have replaced crank position sensor, throttle position sensor and map sensor, replaced leaking valve cover gaskets, radiator and serpentine belt five times. Did all repairs myself except for the three sensors. The only headache problem is the yellowed headlight lenses. Just did a full brake job. Not bad for 175,000 miles. About time to trade it in, but hate to give up the family memories. Just wish it got better than the 18 MPG over the years. Overall, great family vehicle.

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  275k & still rollin - 2001 Plymouth Neon
  By tdot - July 29 - 11:16 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. We bought this car with 20k. it now has over 275k and no problems. This car was loaded. Side airbags, leather interior, the works. It really was a good value. We drive it daily from the Poconos to NYC. About 220 miles every day. I cant complain.

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  2000 SE Voyager - Pretty Good - 2000 Plymouth Voyager
  By zatex - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive now had this vehicle for 4 years. In these years, I have had transmission problems twice and brake problems once. Have replaced the tyres once. But overall this has been a good buy. Whoever owned it before me, put on 30,000 miles in 6 months! Since then, Ive only added another 33,100! Shes been fair on fuel consumption (avg 17 mpg mostly short drives of 2-3 miles at a time). Very easy drive, and puts the kids to sleep easily too!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By Crzy8 - May 19 - 12:30 pm

  Owned and driven for about 7 years; average daily commute of 70 miles. Purchased at 60,000 miles; now at 163,000 and going strong. Its had a chronic oil leak since around 90,000 - tried to have a couple different mechanics chase it down, but its deep in the engine and repair estimate was more than half the $4,000 I paid for the car. But it runs fine and I dont mind a little incontinence. Otherwise, it handles nice, always starts, and has been extremely low maintenance.