1999 Plymouth Breeze

The third version of Chrysler's JA front-drive sedan, the Breeze was a front-wheel drive medium vehicle with plenty of space. Introduced as the inexpensive model in the midsize market, the Plymouth Breeze was very close in comparison to the Chrysler Cirrus and the Dodge Stratus. The main two differentiations from the Breeze in comparison to the Stratus and the Cirrus were the ridged taillights and an egg-crate grille. The ridged taillights incorporated the reverse and turn signals into it, rather than as a separate strip.

The Breeze was the replacement for the Acclaim. This was an ideal vehicle for consumers that wanted comfort and safety features, while still receiving a saloon that had cruising capability. For 1997 the Plymouth Breeze was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list. When it was first offered, the Breeze was only available in one trim level. The Plymouth Breeze utilized the cab forward design.

Originally the only engine offered a 132 HP, 2.0 liter 4 cylinder that came with either a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Plymouth Breeze came basically with AC, dual airbags, an AM/FM stereo, Power steering and a rear defroster. Other production equipment included ABS, steering booster, side impact protection and prerequisite seat belt tension system on the front seat. Optional items on the Plymouth Breeze included antilock braking, along with an integrated rear child seat.

In 1997 the Breeze received an all new center console that included storage space, a built in armrest and rear seat cup-holders. The following year a brand new, more powerful engine, the DOHC 2.4 L 4-cylinder was 150 hp, while the regular 2.0 L was 132 hp. Unfortunately only an automatic transmission was available with the DOHC 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine. Also newly available in 1998 was the new trim level, the Expresso. This new level featured new wheel covers that gave the vehicle a much sportier atmosphere. The following year the suspension tuning was updated which gave the Breeze a smoother ride.

With a curb weight of 3,181 lbs, the Plymouth Breeze had a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs and a torque of 165 lb/ft. Plymouth's final mid-sized model, the Breeze was ended in the early part of the 2000 model year. This was part of the Chrysler Corporation's phase-out of the Plymouth Brand. On January 7, 2000 the final Breeze rolled off the Sterling Heights assembly line.

By Jessica Donaldson