Plymouth Breeze
The Plymouth Breeze was an entry-level midsize sedan produced from 1996 to 2000. It was part of the Chrysler Corporation’s “JA” platform trio, which also included the Chrysler Cirrus and the Dodge Stratus. The three cars were commonly referred to as the “Cloud Cars” because of their meteorological names. The Breeze replaced the Plymouth Acclaim.
Plymouth Breeze Overview
The Breeze was the most affordable and basic of the three “Cloud Cars.” It was introduced later than the Cirrus and Stratus, hitting the market for the 1996 model year. Plymouth was Chrysler’s entry-level brand, and the Breeze was positioned as an economical choice within the midsize sedan segment.
Initially, the Breeze was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Later models also offered a 2.4-liter inline-four as an option. The car came with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Breeze, like its siblings, featured a cab-forward design, which pushed the wheels to the corners of the vehicle and resulted in more interior space. While the Chrysler Cirrus was marketed with more luxury features and the Dodge Stratus had a sportier appeal, the Breeze was more basic in terms of amenities, reflecting its positioning as an economical choice.
The Plymouth Breeze remains a symbol of the 1990s push by American automakers into more aerodynamic, cab-forward designs. It also stands as one of the last models produced by the Plymouth brand before its discontinuation.
The Plymouth brand was discontinued by Daimler Chrysler in 2001. As a result, the Breeze was only in production for a relatively short time, from 1996 to 2000. The “Cloud Cars,” including the Breeze, were succeeded by the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus in the early 2000s, which moved to the next generation “JR” platform.
Plymouth Breeze U.S Sales Data & Charts
The Plymouth Breeze, along with its siblings, was generally well-received for its design, handling, and spacious interior. However, being the more basic variant, the Breeze lacked some of the features and engine options available in the Cirrus and Stratus. Some critics felt that, even for its affordable positioning, the Breeze could have been better equipped in its base form.
US Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 72,499 |
| 1998 | 59,543 |
| 1999 | 52,054 |
| 2000 | 6,319 |
| 2001 | 127 |
