Plymouth Breeze

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Plymouth Breeze

Automotive industry	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1996-2000
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Predecessor	Plymouth Acclaim
Successor	Dodge Stratus sedan
Car classification	Mid-size
Car body style	4-door Sedan (car)
Automobile layout	FF layout
Automobile platform	Chrysler JA platform
Internal combustion engine	2.0 L A588 Straight-4 2.4 L EDZ Straight-4
Transmission (mechanics)	5-speed Manual transmission 4-speed 41TE Automatic transmission
Wheelbase	108.1 in (2746 mm) 1997-2000: 108.0 in (2743 mm)
Length	186.0 in (4724 mm) 1997-2000: 186.3 in (4732 mm)
Width	71.1 in (1806 mm) 1997-2000: 71.0 in (1803 mm)
Height	54.1 in (1374 mm)
Curb weight	3,181 lb (1,443 kg)
Related	Chrysler Cirrus Chrysler Sebring (convertible) Dodge Stratus

The Plymouth Breeze was a Mid-size 4-door Sedan (car) that was introduced in 1996, as a companion to the Chrysler Cirrus and the Dodge Stratus which were released in late 1995. It replaced the successful, yet outdated Acclaim. Based on the Chrysler JA Platform these three cars were collectively known as the Cloud Cars. When it was introduced the Breeze came in only one trim level. It was on Car and Driver magazine's Car and Driver Ten Best for 1997.

The Breeze was discontinued early in the 2000 model year, as part of the Chrysler Corporation's phaseout of the Plymouth brand; it was Plymouth's last mid-size model. Although the Breeze offered a softer tuned suspension, as well as special order packages (such as the Expresso) it was considered to be the low-end model of Chrysler's Cloud Cars, and a V6 engine was not available in the line-up unlike the Chrysler Cirrus or Dodge Stratus.

Design

The Plymouth Breeze used the Cab forward design, originally introduced by the Full-size LH cars (Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, and Eagle Vision) in 1993.

Though the Breeze was similar in appearance to the Cirrus and Stratus, there were two distinct features that made it stand out: ridged taillights which incorporated the reverse and turn signals into it instead of a separate strip and an eggcrate grille (a Plymouth staple of that era).

Specifications

• Track (front and rear): 60.2 in (1529 mm)
• Curb weight: 3,181 lb (1,443 kg)
• Towing capacity: 1,000 lb (454 kg)
• Torque: 165 lb·ft (224 N·m)- 167 lb·ft (226 N·m)

Features

The Breeze was available with many features and available options, such as a four-speed Automatic transmission, Anti-lock brake, a tilt steering wheel, Cruise control, Power window, Power door lock, air conditioning, a remote trunk release, and a sunroof. Like the Dodge Stratus, the Breeze was built with the 5-speed manual transmission, as part of its base model.

Engines

• 2.0 L SOHC 4-cylinder engine (standard, five-speed Manual transmission was available)
• 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine (this was available as an upgrade, also available on Expresso trim)

Trim levels

• Base: 1996-2000
• Expresso: 1998-1999

Original retail prices(MSRP)

note: prices are approximate, not down to the nearest dollar

• 1996 -$14,050 USD
• 1997 -$14,825 USD
• 1998 -$14,800 USD
• 1999 -$15,300 USD
• 2000 -$16,100 USD

Year-to-year changes

• 1996: Plymouth Breeze sedan is released. It was available with 2.0-litre 132 hp (98 kW) Inline-4 engine.
• 1997: A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders were some of the changes for 1997.
• 1998: A more powerful Internal combustion engine was now available. The DOHC 2.4 L Straight-4 was 150 hp (112 kW), the regular 2.0 L was 132 hp (98 kW). However, only an Automatic transmission was available with the DOHC 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine. Like the Neon and Voyager, a new trim level, the Expresso, was also new for 1998. It added new features including wheel covers that gave it a sportier appearance.
• 1999: Revised suspension tuning for 1999 which promised a smoother ride, was one of the few changes this year.
• 2000: Breeze production was halted early in 2000, due to the phaseout of the Plymouth brand name. Only a base model Breeze was available for this year. Part of most Plymouths being rebranded as Chryslers (e.g. Prowler, Voyager), the Breeze (along with the Chrysler Cirrus) were both replaced by the Chrysler Sebring sedan.

The last Breeze rolled off the Sterling Heights, Michigan line on January 7, 2000.

References

• Consumer Guide: Plymouth

See also

• Chrysler Cirrus
• Dodge Stratus

External links

• Information on the Plymouth Breeze and its siblings