Plymouth cars are without controversy some of the all-time greats, with the brand's name forever etched in automobile history. Established in the late ‘20s as a division of the Chrysler Corporation, Plymouth renewed competition with bigger automakers such as Chevrolet and Ford in the budget car segment of the market.
Sadly enough, the world had to see the brand go in 2001. Plymouth cars were either withdrawn from the market or continued as Chrysler or Dodge vehicles. However, this wasn't before the world experienced some of the most excellent cars from the extinct company, many of which are so good that we'd buy them used. However, there are also others we'd avoid like the plague.
10 Buy: Plymouth Road Runner
There was never a better time for muscle cars to show up on the scene than in the late ‘60s. Muscle cars pushed the limits of both appearance and performance. The Plymouth Road Runner stepped in as a game-changer with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produced 335 horsepower and 425 pound-feet torque. The Road Runner soon caught the eyes of many, especially with its lower pricing.
In the production of this car, Plymouth went in like a man on a mission. The goal was to deliver the most intensely performing muscle car possible, and the plan was achieved. The car doesn't have much going for its looks because of this, but its performance is a whole different case.
9 Buy: Plymouth Race HEMI Belvedere
In 1964, Plymouth had all eyes fixated on the company after their race edition HEMI Belvedere took all podium places in the 1964 Daytona race. The fact that three cars of the same brand came out as the top three had everyone buzzing because surely three couldn't be a coincidence. Richard Petty crossed the finish first in a record time that still stands today.
The cars were powered by Chrysler's all-new 426 cubic inch Chrysler HEMI engine, and it is no secret that after witnessing such performance, everyone wanted one to propel them around. Plymouth granted their wishes with a street-legal version in 1966.
8 Buy: Plymouth HEMI Cuda
In the Plymouth HEMI Cuda's heydays, things were tough on the Chevrolet Camaro as the Cuda offered it significant competition on all counts. Even today, there remains a healthy demand for this vehicle, and a closer look at its performance reveals why.
Apart from the fact that this car is still a much stylish vehicle even by current standards, the HEMI V8 produces 475 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. It completes 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, completes a quarter-mile in 14 seconds, and reaches up to a top speed of 155 mph. That’s excellent for a car from the ‘70s.
7 Buy: Plymouth Duster 340
The Plymouth Duster 340 is very similar to the Plymouth Road Runner in that it was one of the cheapest best performance cars at the time of its release. The car went for as low as $2,547, and as you can imagine, many people swamped dealerships to buy theirs. The idea of a powerful yet affordable car was all too enticing.
Although the car was based on the Plymouth Valiant, it was better accepted in the market. Its V8 engine churns out about 325 horsepower, giving the Ford Maverick and AMC Hornet some good competition.
6 Buy: Plymouth GTX
One look at the Plymouth GTX’s fuselage styling, and one can tell it was a handful back in the day. The exterior design is nowhere near subtle and is sure to have heads turning in one's direction even today. Based on this observation, it is easy to understand why the production and sales of the GTX hurt the sales of the Plymouth Satellite, seeing as the Satellite is similar to the GTX in design.
Under the hood of the GTX is a 7.2-liter V8 engine capable of delivering 370 horsepower. There is also the HEMI engine option for people who require a more powerful performance.
5 Avoid: Plymouth Prowler
The Plymouth Prowler is an automobile failed attempt at greatness. Plymouth had great intentions with the design, but tweaks had to be done in order to make the car road legal. The tweaks resulted in the hideous look of the car.
Performance-wise also, Plymouth should have also put their money where their mouth was as the car only features a V6 engine amidst other V8 engine options. Plus, it is quite expensive.
4 Avoid: 1961 Plymouth Valiant
The design of the 1961 Plymouth Valiant didn't leave much to be desired at the time of its release. The case is even worse today, with so much art and technological advancement over the years.
This 1961 model didn't exactly receive appreciation at first due to the overheating and engine problems. Although the car eventually found its footing in subsequent years, significant damage had happened to its reputation.
3 Avoid: 1983 Plymouth Gran Fury
The problem with the Plymouth Gran Fury, which goes by the Caravelle in Canada, isn't about what it lacks; the problem is that nothing excites interest in this car. Many car critics describe it as regular, basic, or boring—little wonder why, as it appears on many worst cars of all time lists.
Even the model name is a misspelling of the Portuguese word ‘caravel.’ Based on many standards, this was not one of Plymouth's better offerings and should never have left the factory.
2 Avoid: 1971 Plymouth Cricket
The 1971 Plymouth Cricket was nothing short of a disaster. What was supposed to be an all-encompassing response to the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega as a worthy competitor was instead a terrible rebadge of the Hillman Avenger.
Plymouth's attempt was all too noticeable, especially when the world was excited by muscle cars. The performance of the car only added insult to injury.
1 Avoid: 1976 Plymouth Volare
The Plymouth Volare was an unwanted car back in 1976, and not much has changed since then. Coupled with the Dodge Aspen, these twin vehicles were recalled by Plymouth about eight times between 1967 and 1977 for a host of problems.
The Volare is prone to rust and isn't one of the better offerings from the company. We wouldn't touch this car with a ten-foot pole.