Plymouth Breeze

Plymouth Breeze

Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1996–2000
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Predecessor	Plymouth Acclaim
Successor	Chrysler Sebring
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler JA platform
Engine	2.0 L A588 I4 2.4 L EDZ I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase	108.1 in (2,746 mm) 1997-2000: 108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	186.0 in (4,724 mm) 1997-2000: 186.3 in (4,732 mm)
Width	71.1 in (1,806 mm) 1997-2000: 71.0 in (1,803 mm)
Height	54.1 in (1,374 mm)
Curb weight	3,181 lb (1,443 kg)
Related	Chrysler Cirrus Chrysler Sebring (convertible) Dodge Stratus

The Plymouth Breeze is a mid-sized 4-door sedan introduced in 1996 as a badge-engineered Plymouth version of the Chrysler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus released in late 1995. These three JA-platform cars were collectively known as the Cloud Cars because of their loosely sky-themed names. At introduction, the Breeze came in only one trim level. It was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1997.

The Breeze was discontinued early in the 2000 model year, as part of the Chrysler's phaseout of the Plymouth brand; it was Plymouth's last mid-size model. Although it did not match the sales of its predecessor, the Acclaim, the Breeze did manage to sell over 230,000 units and total production was greater than that of its Chrysler Cirrus sibling, which was produced for nearly two additional years.

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 (1,529 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

Plymouth Breeze interior (1996 model)

1996 Plymouth Breeze

As part of Chrysler's new marketing strategy which addressed concerns that its brands were treading into each other's marketing territory, Plymouth, as Chrysler Corporation's low-price brand for essentially its entire existence, was to focus exclusively on value. As a result, the Breeze (as well as the base model Stratus) filled the position as the entry-level JA car. Due to this, the Breeze lacked certain features including an available V6 engine, alloy wheels, leather interior, body-colored door handles, fog lights, and Chrysler's Autostick transmission, all of which were offered on the Stratus and Cirrus.

The Plymouth Breeze came only as one basic model. Equipped nearly identically to a base model Dodge Stratus, the Breeze came standard with the 2.0 L I4 engine, five-speed manual transmission, 14-inch wheel covers, air conditioning, and driver and front-passenger air bags. In light of this, the Breeze was still available with many options, such as a four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and a sunroof. Additionally, 1998 and 1999 Breezes offered an "Expresso Package". Similar to Expresso packages offered on the Voyager and Neon, content included special badging, unique wheel covers, upgraded audio system, and premium interior cloth in unique "Rhythm" pattern.

Engines

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

Trim levels

• base: 1996–2000
• Expresso: 1998–1999

Year-to-year changes

1999 Plymouth Breeze

• 1996: Plymouth Breeze sedan is released. It was available with 2.0-litre 132 hp (98 kW) inline-4 engine.

Model year production: 46,355 units.

• 1997: A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders were some of the changes for 1997.

Model year production: 70,549 units.

• 1998: A more powerful engine was now available. The DOHC 2.4 L 4-cylinder 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. The Expresso added new features including different wheel covers.

Model year production: 66,620 units.

• 1999: Revised suspension tuning for 1999 which promised a smoother ride, was one of the few changes this year.

Model year production: 47,911 units.

• 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.

Model year production: 2,030 units.

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

Grand total production for the 4.5 years: 233,465 units.

See also

• Chrysler Cirrus
• Dodge Stratus

References

• Consumer Guide: Plymouth

External links

• Information on the Plymouth Breeze and its siblings