Plymouth Acclaim
Encyclopedia
The Plymouth Acclaim is a mid-size sedan produced in the 1989 to 1995 model years. The Acclaim was Plymouth's updated replacement for the similarly sized E-body
Caravelle
; both cars were built on the Chrysler K platform
. At the same time, many automotive publications identified the Acclaim as the de facto
replacement for the smaller Reliant
which was offered in 1989 alongside the Acclaim. Badge engineering
was employed to give Dodge and Chrysler their own versions of the AA-body
Acclaim: the Dodge Spirit
, the Chrysler LeBaron sedan, and the export-market Chrysler Saratoga
. The Acclaim was a considerable market success, selling nearly half a million examples over its 7-model year run. It was replaced by the Plymouth Breeze
in 1996.
's AA-body
4-door sedan, which was an evolutionary development of Chrysler's extended K-car platform
. Ending production in 1995, the Acclaim was one of the last K-car derivatives produced by Chrysler.
triplets, as were most Chrysler products of this time. The Plymouth Acclaim differed from its siblings primarily in wheel choices, bodyside molding, and fascias where it sported its unique taillights and the corporate Plymouth eggcrate-grille. Like the K-body and E-body vehicles they replaced, the Plymouth Acclaim (and Dodge Spirit) were marketed as mainstream variants, while the Chrysler LeBaron filled the luxury position. Despite this, there was frequent overlapping of trims and equipment between the three cars. For example, a fully loaded Acclaim was nearly identical to a base LeBaron in features and price.
In addition to is entry-level base model, the Acclaim was initially available in mid-range LE and high-end LX trim. LE and LX models came equipped with features such including premium cloth seating, power windows/locks, premium sound systems, bodyside cladding, additional exterior brightwork, and on the latter 15-inch lace-spoke aluminum wheels. In spite of this, nearly 85 percent of Acclaim sales accounted for the base model. Unlike the Spirit, the Acclaim received no sport-oriented models.
For 1992, the Acclaim's three trim levels were consolidated into one base model. At extra cost, it could be equipped with packages and stand-alone options previously included in LE and LX models. The Acclaim was mildly facelifted for 1993, with a new radiator grille and other minor trim detail changes including a new chrome Pentastar hood ornament. Starting in 1993, the Acclaim was offered with a "Gold Package". This included gold pinstripes, gold bodyside trim, and gold-accented alloy wheels accented with gold paint.
A motorized shoulder belt was added to the front passenger seating position of US-market
Acclaims in 1994, to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208's requirement for passive restraints. These motorized belts did not comply with Canada
's safety standards. As a result, Canadian-market Acclaims continued to use a manual passenger seatbelt, and 1994-1995 Acclaims could not be legally imported in either direction. For 1995, its final year, the 2.5-liter engine got a slightly revised cylinder head and both the 4-speed A604 automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes were dropped. Otherwise, the Acclaim remained mostly unchanged throughout its 6-year run.
producing 141 hp with multi-point fuel injection was standard on Acclaim LX, optional on the others. Also available on base and LE models from 1989 through 1992 was a turbocharged
version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 150 hp. In 1993, 1994 and 1995, a flexible-fuel Acclaim was offered, powered by a 107 hp multipoint fuel injected version of the 2.5-liter engine specially modified to run on fuel containing up to 85% methanol
.
s were available, depending on which engine was installed, but relatively few Acclaims were equipped with manual transmissions. The three-speed Torqueflite automatic
was the most popular installation on Acclaims with TBI and MPFI 4-cylinder engines, and was also widely installed in conjunction with the V6 in 1993 through 1995. From 1989 to 1992, most V6 Acclaims came with the four-speed A604
electronically controlled automatic
.
version of the JA platform
.
Chrysler E platform
Chrysler used the designation E platform for two separate car ranges.One was used for rear wheel drive cars in the 1970s:* 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger, wheelbase* 1970-1974 Plymouth Barracuda, wheelbase...
Caravelle
Plymouth Caravelle
The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was originally a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989...
; both cars were built on the Chrysler K platform
Chrysler K platform
The Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
. At the same time, many automotive publications identified the Acclaim as the de facto
De facto
De facto is a Latin expression that means "concerning fact." In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established." It is commonly used in contrast to de jure when referring to matters of law, governance, or...
replacement for the smaller Reliant
Plymouth Reliant
The Plymouth Reliant was one of the first two so-called "K-cars" manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation, introduced for the 1981 model year. The Reliant replaced the Plymouth Volaré/Road Runner, which was the short-lived successor automobile to the highly regarded Plymouth Valiant...
which was offered in 1989 alongside the Acclaim. Badge engineering
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
was employed to give Dodge and Chrysler their own versions of the AA-body
Chrysler A platform
Chrysler's A platform was the basis for smaller rear wheel drive cars in the 1960s. These cars are sometimes referred to as A-body cars.Cars using the A platform in various markets around the world include:* 1960-1976 Plymouth Valiant...
Acclaim: the Dodge Spirit
Dodge Spirit
The Dodge Spirit is a mid-size 5- or 6-passenger sedan that was introduced in January 1989 as a replacement for the similarly sized Dodge 600. The Spirit was Dodge's version of the Chrysler AA platform, a stretched variation of the Chrysler K platform...
, the Chrysler LeBaron sedan, and the export-market Chrysler Saratoga
Chrysler Saratoga
The Chrysler Saratoga was a full-sized automobile produced by the Chrysler Division of the Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler first used the Saratoga nameplate on its 1939 models and continued to use the name through to 1952. The name was used again by Chrysler from 1957 until 1960 when it retired the...
. The Acclaim was a considerable market success, selling nearly half a million examples over its 7-model year run. It was replaced by the Plymouth Breeze
Plymouth Breeze
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...
in 1996.
Platform
The Acclaim was a version of the Chrysler CorporationChrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
's AA-body
Chrysler A platform
Chrysler's A platform was the basis for smaller rear wheel drive cars in the 1960s. These cars are sometimes referred to as A-body cars.Cars using the A platform in various markets around the world include:* 1960-1976 Plymouth Valiant...
4-door sedan, which was an evolutionary development of Chrysler's extended K-car platform
Chrysler K platform
The Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
. Ending production in 1995, the Acclaim was one of the last K-car derivatives produced by Chrysler.
Market positioning
The AA-body cars were badge-engineeredBadge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
triplets, as were most Chrysler products of this time. The Plymouth Acclaim differed from its siblings primarily in wheel choices, bodyside molding, and fascias where it sported its unique taillights and the corporate Plymouth eggcrate-grille. Like the K-body and E-body vehicles they replaced, the Plymouth Acclaim (and Dodge Spirit) were marketed as mainstream variants, while the Chrysler LeBaron filled the luxury position. Despite this, there was frequent overlapping of trims and equipment between the three cars. For example, a fully loaded Acclaim was nearly identical to a base LeBaron in features and price.
In addition to is entry-level base model, the Acclaim was initially available in mid-range LE and high-end LX trim. LE and LX models came equipped with features such including premium cloth seating, power windows/locks, premium sound systems, bodyside cladding, additional exterior brightwork, and on the latter 15-inch lace-spoke aluminum wheels. In spite of this, nearly 85 percent of Acclaim sales accounted for the base model. Unlike the Spirit, the Acclaim received no sport-oriented models.
Changes through the years
A motorized shoulder belt was added to the front passenger seating position of US-market
United States domestic market
The term United States domestic market is a term used chiefly by automotive enthusiasts to describe the United States' economic market for American-brand automobiles and parts. A similar automotive enthusiast term, Japan Domestic Market is used to designate Japanese-market, Japanese-brand...
Acclaims in 1994, to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208's requirement for passive restraints. These motorized belts did not comply with Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's safety standards. As a result, Canadian-market Acclaims continued to use a manual passenger seatbelt, and 1994-1995 Acclaims could not be legally imported in either direction. For 1995, its final year, the 2.5-liter engine got a slightly revised cylinder head and both the 4-speed A604 automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes were dropped. Otherwise, the Acclaim remained mostly unchanged throughout its 6-year run.
Trim levels
- base • 1989-1995
- LE • 1989-1992
- LX • 1989-1992
| Year | Units |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 77,752 |
| 1990 | 110,330 |
| 1991 | 97,146 |
| 1992 | 77,105 |
| 1993 | 55,531 |
| 1994 | 40,294 |
| 1995 | 12,331 |
| Total Production = 470,489 | |
Engines
The Acclaim was available with several different engines. A 2.5 l (152 cu in) Chrysler inline-4 engine producing 100 hp with throttle-body fuel injection was standard equipment. A 3 l (183 cu in) Mitsubishi V6Mitsubishi 6G7x engine
The Mitsubishi 6G7 or Cyclone V6 engine is a series of V6 piston engines from Mitsubishi Motors. Five displacement variants have been produced with both single- and double- overhead camshaft layouts. MIVEC variable valve timing has also been implemented in some versions, and the 2.5 and 3.0 L...
producing 141 hp with multi-point fuel injection was standard on Acclaim LX, optional on the others. Also available on base and LE models from 1989 through 1992 was a turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 150 hp. In 1993, 1994 and 1995, a flexible-fuel Acclaim was offered, powered by a 107 hp multipoint fuel injected version of the 2.5-liter engine specially modified to run on fuel containing up to 85% methanol
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH . It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, ethanol...
.
Transmissions
Several five-speed manual transmissionManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
s were available, depending on which engine was installed, but relatively few Acclaims were equipped with manual transmissions. The three-speed Torqueflite automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
was the most popular installation on Acclaims with TBI and MPFI 4-cylinder engines, and was also widely installed in conjunction with the V6 in 1993 through 1995. From 1989 to 1992, most V6 Acclaims came with the four-speed A604
Ultradrive
The Ultradrive is a 4-speed automatic transmission from Chrysler Corporation. It was produced starting in 1989. It was originally paired primarily with the Chrysler 3.3 engine in vehicles with transverse engines...
electronically controlled automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
- 5-speed manualManual transmissionA manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
- 3-speed A413 automaticAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
- 3-speed A670 automaticAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
- 4-speed A604 automaticAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
Discontinuation and replacement
Production ended after a short run of 1995 models was produced. Chrysler did not initially replace the Acclaim, but in 1996 released the Plymouth BreezePlymouth Breeze
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...
version of the JA platform
Chrysler JA platform
The JA platform was Chrysler's smaller complement to the LH cars which were larger than the K's, and a direct size replacement for the last extended K cars, the Acclaim and Spirit. It was a mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform and was the basis for the Cloud Cars - the Chrysler...
.