Plymouth Acclaim

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Plymouth Acclaim
Plymouth Breeze

The Plymouth Acclaim is a

Plymouth Breeze
in 1996.

Platform

The Acclaim was a version of the

Plymouth Breeze was introduced as a replacement for 1996. The Acclaim was one of the last K-car derivatives produced by Chrysler. In all, just under half a million examples of the Acclaim were built in its 7-model year run.[3]

Market positioning

The AA-body cars were

badge-engineered triplets, as were most Chrysler products of this time. The Acclaim differed from its siblings primarily in wheel choices, bodyside molding, and fascias where it sported its unique taillights and the corporate Plymouth eggcrate-grille. Like the K-body and E-body vehicles they replaced, the Acclaim and Dodge Spirit were both marketed as mainstream variants, while the Chrysler LeBaron was marketed as the luxury variant. Despite this, there was substantial overlap in trims and equipment among each car. For example, a fully loaded Acclaim was almost similar to a base LeBaron in features and price.[4]

In addition to its entry-level base model, the Acclaim was initially available in mid-range LE and high-end LX trim. LE and LX models came equipped with features such including premium cloth seating, power windows/door locks, premium sound systems, bodyside cladding, additional exterior brightwork, and on the latter 15-inch lace-spoke aluminum wheels.[5] In spite of this, the base model accounted for nearly 85 percent of Acclaim sales.[6] Unlike the Spirit, the Acclaim did not receive any sport-oriented models.[7]

The Acclaim has also been characterized as the replacement for the smaller

Sundance
launched in 1987 is closer than the Acclaim in most dimensions to the Reliant.

Changes through the years

1989-1990 Plymouth Acclaim
1989-1992 Plymouth Acclaim LX
1993-1995 Plymouth Acclaim

For 1992, the Acclaim's three trim levels were consolidated into one base model.[6] At extra cost, it could be equipped with packages and stand-alone options previously included in LE and LX models.

The Acclaim was mildly facelifted for 1993, with a new radiator grille and other minor trim detail changes including a new chrome Pentastar hood ornament. Starting in 1993, the Acclaim was offered with a "Gold Package". This included gold pinstripes, gold bodyside trim, and gold-accented alloy wheels accented with gold paint.

A

US-market Acclaims in 1994, to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208's requirement for passive restraints. These motorized belts did not comply with Canada's safety standards. As a result, Canadian-market Acclaims continued to use a manual passenger seatbelt, and 1994-1995 Acclaims could not be legally imported in either direction.[11]
For 1995, its final model year, the 2.5-liter engine got a slightly revised cylinder head and the 4-speed A604 automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes were both dropped. Otherwise, the Acclaim remained mostly unchanged during its 6-year run.

Trim levels

  • base • 1989-1995
  • LE • 1989-1992
  • LX • 1989-1992
Production Figures[12]
Year Units
1989 77,752
1990 110,330
1991 97,146
1992 77,105
1993 55,531
1994 40,294
1995 12,331
Total Production = 470,489

Engines

Plymouth Acclaim LE rear view

The Acclaim was available with several different engines. A 2.5 L (153 cu in)

flexible-fuel Acclaim was offered, powered by a 107 hp (80 kW) multipoint fuel injected version of the 2.5-liter engine specially modified to run on fuel containing up to 85% ethanol
.

Transmissions

Several 5-speed

V6 Acclaims came equipped with the 4-speed A604 electronically controlled automatic
.

Discontinuation and replacement

Production ended on December 21, 1994, along with the

Plymouth Breeze was introduced for 1996, sharing the JA platform with the Cirrus and Stratus.[13]

References

  1. ^ "1989 Plymouth Acclaim-16-17". Archived from the original on 2018-09-19. Retrieved 2018-09-19.
  2. ^ Chrysler Corporation Master Technician Service Conference book "New Model Service Highlights '89" p.4: "Spirit and Acclaim are the new midsize sedans, replacing 600 and Caravelle."
  3. ^ Encyclopedia of American Cars "Plymouth" p. 719: "Plymouth Production Figures."
  4. ^ "Plymouth Acclaim Prices" Archived 2012-03-15 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 2011–01–17.
  5. ^ Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1990 Plymouth Acclaim"
  6. ^ a b "How Plymouth Works: 1990, 1991, 1992 Plymouths" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Archived 2017-11-07 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 2011–01–17.
  7. ^ "Plymouth Acclaim, Dodge Spirit, Chrysler LeBaron and Saratoga" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved 2011–01–17.
  8. ^ Fifty Years of American Automobiles, the editors of Consumer Guide, Beekman House 1989, p. 335
  9. ^ Swern, Michael; Aaron Gold (September 26, 2006). "K-Chronology - Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries, year to year". Allpar, LLC. Retrieved June 6, 2007.
  10. ^ Consumer Guide Archived 2006-05-29 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Registrar of Imported Vehicles" Archived 2014-10-06 at the Wayback Machine.
  12. ^ The Encyclopedia of American Cars, p718-19, 2006 Edition
  13. ^ "1995-2000 Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, and Chrysler Cirrus" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved 2011–01–18.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Plymouth Acclaim.
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