Plymouth Sundance
Launched in 1986, the Sundance replaced the Plymouth Horizon and Plymouth Turismo, the former of which continued to be produced until 1990. In its turn, the Sundance was replaced by the Plymouth Neon in 1994.
Plymouth Sundance Overview
The Plymouth Sundance was a compact car introduced by Chrysler’s Plymouth division in the mid-1980s. Positioned as an affordable and practical choice for buyers, the Sundance played a role in Plymouth’s lineup as consumer preferences shifted towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Sundance was introduced for the 1987 model year and was produced until 1994. The car was built on Chrysler’s P-body platform. The Sundance had a twin in Chrysler’s lineup, the Dodge Shadow. Both cars were nearly identical, with differences mainly in badging and minor styling cues.
Available in three-door hatchback and five-door hatchback configurations, the Sundance was designed with a focus on interior space and versatility, boasting more room than many competitors in its class. The hatchback design allowed for practical cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families or individuals in need of both compactness and utility.
The Plymouth Sundance was equipped with a variety of engines during its production run, starting with a base 2.2-liter inline-four. A more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine was also available, as was a 3.0-liter V6 in the later years. The Sundance was primarily front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel-drive version was introduced in the early 1990s, labeled as the Sundance Duster AWD.
Plymouth revived the “Duster” nameplate for a performance variant of the Sundance in the early 1990s. The Sundance Duster featured the aforementioned 3.0-liter V6, as well as specific badging and styling elements. The Plymouth Sundance was discontinued after the 1994 model year, making way for newer models as part of Chrysler’s broader effort to refresh and reposition the Plymouth brand.
Plymouth Sundance Sales Figures
The Plymouth Sundance, while not necessarily a standout in terms of performance or styling, was representative of American compact cars of its era. It provided an affordable, practical, and relatively efficient transportation option for many families and individuals. Its versatility and focus on interior space set it apart in its class, and while it may not be as well remembered as some other vehicles, the Sundance played a role in Chrysler’s lineup during a period of transition for the American auto industry.
Plymouth Sundance US Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 20,340 |
| 1987 | 75,883 |
| 1988 | 89,218 |
| 1989 | 84,335 |
| 1990 | 65,590 |
| 1991 | 53,818 |
| 1992 | 66,734 |
| 1993 | 86,635 |
| 1994 | 37,588 |
