Year of Plymouth Breeze

The Plymouth Breeze was a mid-sized 4-door sedan that was introduced in 1996, as a companion to the Chrysler Cirrus and the Dodge Stratus which were released in late 1995. It replaced the successful, yet outdated Acclaim. Based on the Chrysler JA Platform these three cars were collectively known as the Cloud Cars. When it was introduced 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 Corporation's phaseout of the Plymouth brand; it was Plymouth's last mid-size model. Although the Breeze offered a softer tuned suspension, as well as special order packages (such as the Expresso) it was considered to be the low-end model of Chrysler's Cloud Cars, and a V6 engine was not available in the line-up unlike the Chrysler Cirrus or Dodge Stratus.

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): 60.2in (1529mm)
• Curb weight: 3,181lb (1,443kg)
• Towing capacity: 1,000lb (454kg)
• Torque: 165lb·ft (224N·m)- 167lb·ft (226N·m)

The Breeze was available with many features and available options, such as a four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, a remote trunk release, and a sunroof. Like the Dodge Stratus, the Breeze was built with the 5-speed manual transmission, as part of its base model.

Engines

• 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine (standard, five-speed manual was available)
• 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine (this was available as an upgrade, also available on Expresso trim)

Trim levels

• Base: 1996-2000
• Expresso: 1998-1999

Original retail prices(MSRP)

note: prices are approximate, not down to the nearest dollar

• 1996 -$14,050 USD
• 1997 -$14,825 USD
• 1998 -$14,800 USD
• 1999 -$15,300 USD
• 2000 -$16,100 USD

• 1996: Plymouth Breeze sedan is released. It was available with 2.0-litre 132hp (98kW) inline-4 engine.
• 1997: A new center console which included storage space, an integrated armrest, and rear-seat cupholders were some of the changes for 1997.
• 1998: A more powerful engine was now available. The DOHC 2.4 L 4-cylinder was 150hp (112kW), the regular 2.0 L was 132hp (98kW). 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. It added new features including wheel covers that gave it a sportier appearance.
• 1999: Revised suspension tuning for 1999 which promised a smoother ride, was one of the few changes this year.
• 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.

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