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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  prowler - 2000 Plymouth Prowler
  By michael pond - February 17 - 2:00 am

  great car. wanted one since I saw concept car, Didnt want to pay $80,000 asking price when first into.

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  Prowler is an unbeatable sports car !! - 2000 Plymouth Prowler
  By Mark Tarleeni - October 5 - 10:00 am

  When i enter my prowler, im transported to a nother dimenshion!! I test drove new corvetts, and ther is absolutly no comparison to the feeling i get when i drive my prowler!! The prowler gives me more power and speed than any vehichle i ever owned!! the powerful v6 lights up the huge back tires instantly!! I cant wait to drive my prowler!! its an incredible RUSH !!

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  good - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By Prescott White - September 3 - 10:00 am

  runs great interior great a little ding on the drivers back door other then that great low miles good on gas nice smooth ride

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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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  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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  great car small price - 2001 Plymouth Neon
  By tbbucsr1 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had no problems with this car at all. We have out grown it & have to trade it in. I would recommend this car to anyone starting out looking for a small payment.

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  2000 PLYMOUTH NEON - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By HOLLIS - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE PLYMOUTH NEON BETTER THAN THE DODGE. I HAVE OWNED BOTH. I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY NEON.VERY RELIABLE.EXCELLENT ON GAS.

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  LOVE my car - 2000 Plymouth Neon
  By Traverse City - June 21 - 2:30 am

  I purchased my neon brand new, and have yet to have anything mechanical go wrong. Only normal upkeep on the usual things like breaks. Im around 145,000 miles now and plan on driving it til it dies, which Im sure wont be for another few years. The only things that have gone wrong have all been electrical. Motor burned out in the moon roof switch, 1 speaker has a vibration sound in it, and first cd changer didnt work but was replaced the first month of ownership and has worked fine ever since. I would absolutely purchase another Plymouth and am sad that they are no longer made. Also, my first car was a Plymouth, Reliant and was also a very reliable car.