Plymouth Colt: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Plymouth Colt

The Plymouth Colt was a subcompact car sold by the Plymouth division of Chrysler from model year 1971 to 1994. It holds a unique place in automotive history as a “captive import”—a vehicle manufactured by a foreign automaker but sold under an American brand. In this case, the Colt was built by Mitsubishi Motors of Japan. Spanning seven distinct generations, the Colt was available in a wide variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and wagons, adapting to the changing demands of the American market. Its popularity stemmed from its reputation for fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability, particularly during the fuel crises of the 1970s. The Colt’s evolution from a rear-wheel-drive platform based on the Mitsubishi Galant to a front-wheel-drive model based on the Mitsubishi Mirage reflects major shifts in automotive engineering during its 24-year production run.

Plymouth Colt Overview

Generations and History of Plymouth Colt

First Generation (1971–1973)

The first Plymouth Colt was introduced for the 1971 model year as a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Colt Galant. This rear-wheel-drive subcompact was Chrysler’s answer to the growing popularity of small, fuel-efficient imports from Japan and Europe. It was available in four body styles: a two-door pillared coupe, a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon. The sole engine was a 1,597 cc (1.6L) inline-four, initially producing 100 horsepower. This was reduced to 83 horsepower in 1972 due to stricter emissions standards. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, with a three-speed automatic as an option. In Canada, this model was initially sold as the Plymouth Cricket.

Second Generation (1974–1978)

Based on the underpinnings of the first generation, the second-generation Colt received a new, rounder body style for coupes and sedans in 1974, though the wagon retained the old body with a new front end. A key visual change was the move to single headlights from the previous dual-headlight setup. The standard 1.6L engine remained, but a larger 2.0L “Astron” G52B engine became available, offering up to 96 horsepower. For 1975, larger bumpers were added to comply with new federal safety regulations. A more luxurious “Carousel” trim was also introduced, featuring a distinctive blue and white color scheme. In 1977, a five-speed manual transmission became available and was standard on GT and Carousel models.

Third Generation (1977–1979 Sedans/Coupes, 1978-1981 Wagon)

The third generation marked a split in the Colt lineup. For the 1977 model year, the coupes and sedans were downsized and based on the Mitsubishi Lancer platform, making them smaller than the previous generation. Meanwhile, a new, larger Colt Wagon was introduced for 1978, based on the Mitsubishi Galant Sigma. This wagon came standard with a 1.6L MCA-Jet engine, with an optional 2.6L “Astron” engine producing 105 horsepower. The Lancer-based Colts were offered for three model years before the nameplate shifted to a new platform.

Fourth Generation (1979–1984)

The fourth generation represented the most significant change in the Colt’s history: the switch to front-wheel drive. Now based on the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Colt was launched as a three-door hatchback, with a five-door model added for 1982. Initially, Plymouth’s version was called the “Champ.” It was renamed the Plymouth Colt for the 1983 model year. The base engine was a 1.4L four-cylinder with 70 horsepower, later joined by an 80-horsepower 1.6L engine. This generation was notable for its innovative “Twin-Stick” manual transmission, which used a two-speed transfer case to provide eight forward and two reverse speeds. A GTS Turbo model featuring a fuel-injected, 102-horsepower 1.6L engine was introduced for the final 1984 model year.

Fifth Generation (1985–1988)

The fifth-generation Colt continued on the front-wheel-drive Mirage platform and expanded its body styles. It was offered as a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan (a first for the FWD Colt), and a five-door wagon/minivan known as the Colt Vista. The base engine was a 1.5L four-cylinder producing 68 horsepower. The 1.6L turbocharged engine from the previous generation was carried over, standard on the GTS Turbo hatchback and optional on the upscale Premier sedan. A five-door hatchback was offered only for the 1985 model year before being discontinued to avoid competing with Chrysler’s own Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon. Four-wheel drive became an option on the Colt Vista wagon.

Sixth Generation (1989–1992)

For 1989, the Colt was redesigned with a more rounded, aerodynamic body, again based on the latest Mitsubishi Mirage. In the U.S., the primary body style was the three-door hatchback, as the sedan version was sold under the new Eagle Summit brand. The Colt wagon from the previous generation continued to be sold until a new wagon based on the Mitsubishi RVR was introduced in 1991. Engine options included an 81-hp 1.5L four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.6L DOHC engine for the GT model. For the 1989 model year only, a highly regarded GT Turbo model was offered with a 1.6L turbocharged engine making 135 horsepower. This model was named one of Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best for 1989.

Seventh Generation (1993–1994)

The final generation of the Plymouth Colt saw a significant shift in body styles, dropping the hatchback in favor of a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. These models were closely related to the Mitsubishi Mirage and Eagle Summit. Two engine choices were available: a standard 1.5L 16-valve four-cylinder producing 92 horsepower, and a 1.8L 16-valve four-cylinder with 113 horsepower, which was standard on GL sedans. For its final model year in 1994, a driver-side airbag was added as a key safety update. After 1994, Chrysler discontinued the Plymouth Colt, replacing it with the new, domestically produced Plymouth Neon.

Plymouth Colt Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Plymouth Colt Variants and Features

Throughout its long production run, the Plymouth Colt was available in numerous trim levels, which varied by generation. Early models offered base and custom trims, with the addition of the sporty GT and luxurious Carousel in the second generation. The front-wheel-drive generations introduced trims such as E (Economy), DL (Deluxe), and GL, catering to different price points. The Vista wagon offered spacious, flexible interiors, sometimes with a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. Performance-oriented models like the GTS and GT featured sportier suspensions, more powerful engines (including turbochargers), and enhanced interior features like full gauge clusters. By the later generations, GL and GT models offered amenities such as cloth upholstery, center consoles with storage, remote fuel door releases, and optional AM/FM stereos with cassette players.

Plymouth Colt Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Colt’s driving experience evolved dramatically over its lifetime. First-generation models with the 1.6L “Hemi-head” four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel-drive layout provided simple, economical transportation typical of early Japanese imports. The optional 2.0L “Astron” engine in the second generation offered a welcome boost in power. The transition to front-wheel drive in the fourth generation created a more modern driving feel, with nimble handling well-suited for urban environments. This era’s unique “Twin-Stick” manual transmission gave drivers a choice between a “Power” range for acceleration and an “Economy” range for fuel-efficient cruising. The turbocharged models of the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations provided genuinely spirited performance. The 1989 Colt GT Turbo, with its 135-hp DOHC engine, was particularly praised and could compete with more expensive sport compacts. The final generation settled into a more comfort-oriented ride, with the 1.8L engine providing adequate and refined power for daily driving.

Plymouth Colt Pricing and Mileage

A core appeal of the Plymouth Colt was its affordability and low running costs. In its final years, the 1993 model had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranging from about $8,238 for a base coupe to over $13,000 for a well-equipped wagon. Fuel efficiency was a consistent strength. The final 1993-1994 models with the 1.5L engine could achieve an impressive 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway with a manual transmission. The larger 1.8L engine was still economical, rated around 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Due to their age, the resale value of Plymouth Colts is low today, but they are valued by some for their simplicity and economical operation. Maintenance costs are generally considered low, with an estimated average annual cost of around $315 for repairs and upkeep.

Plymouth Colt Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Colt’s design mirrored the automotive trends of its time. Early models featured classic 1970s styling with chrome bumpers and pillarless hardtop options. The design language shifted to the boxier, more angular forms of the 1980s with the fourth and fifth generations. The sixth and seventh generations adopted the smoother, more aerodynamic profiles popular in the 1990s. The final 1993-1994 sedan measured 174.0 inches long, 66.1 inches wide, and 51.4 inches tall. The curb weight for a 1993 sedan was approximately 2,290 pounds. A wide range of colors was offered over the years. For the 1993 model, exterior colors included Scotia White, Monaco Red, Normandie Blue Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, and Bright Turquoise Metallic.

Plymouth Colt Safety Features

The safety features of the Plymouth Colt reflect the evolving standards of the automotive industry over 24 years.

• Airbags: A driver-side airbag was made standard for the final 1994 model year. Airbags were not available on previous models.
• ABS / EBD: Antilock brakes (ABS) were available as an option, but only on the top-trim GL 4-door sedan in the final 1993-1994 generation.
• Electronic Stability Control: This technology was not available on the Plymouth Colt.
• Crash Test Ratings: The Colt was not subjected to modern IIHS or NHTSA crash testing protocols. For the 1993 Colt Vista wagon, NHTSA data shows a 3-star rating for the driver in a frontal crash and a 5-star rating for the passenger.
• Other advanced safety systems: Early models came equipped with federally mandated features of their era, such as seat belts (lap belts initially, then three-point belts), side marker lights, and energy-absorbing steering columns. The 1994 model featured a manual 3-point seatbelt for the driver alongside the airbag, while the front passenger had a motorized shoulder belt with a manual lap belt.

Plymouth Colt Infotainment and Connectivity

As a vehicle produced before the modern digital era, the Plymouth Colt’s infotainment and connectivity options were basic by today’s standards. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the standard audio system was typically an AM radio, with an AM/FM stereo often available as an option or on higher trim levels. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player and electronic tuning became a common option on trims like the GL and GT. Some models offered a four-speaker sound system. Features such as touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, and wireless charging were not available during the Colt’s production run.

Plymouth Colt Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Plymouth Colt, particularly for its later generations, are generally positive, with reliability and fuel economy being the most frequently praised attributes. Many owners describe their Colts as dependable and long-lasting vehicles that required minimal, inexpensive maintenance. The excellent gas mileage made it a popular choice for commuters. Some common complaints, especially on older models, included issues with warped brake rotors and air conditioning systems that struggled in very hot climates. Despite some reported issues with wear and tear on components like the alternator or suspension after high mileage, the overall sentiment is that the Colt provided excellent value and served as a trustworthy and practical vehicle for many years.

Plymouth Colt Comparison with Similar Cars

Throughout its history, the Plymouth Colt competed against other popular subcompacts. In the 1970s, its main rivals were the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega, over which the Colt often held an advantage in reliability and build quality. Against its Japanese counterparts like the Toyota Corolla and Datsun B210, the competition was much closer. In the 1980s, the FWD Colt was a direct competitor to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. A 1985 Plymouth Colt, for example, offered more body style variety (including the Vista wagon) than the Civic or Corolla of the same year. Its base price was often very competitive, offering Japanese engineering under a domestic brand. While the base engines were sometimes less powerful than its rivals, the availability of a turbocharged engine in the GTS models gave it a performance edge that the standard Corolla and Civic lacked during certain model years.

Plymouth Colt Awards and Recognition

While the Plymouth Colt as a nameplate did not win a large number of major automotive awards, its high-performance variant received notable acclaim.

• The 1989 Dodge/Plymouth Colt GT Turbo, featuring the 135-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L DOHC engine, was named to *Car and Driver* magazine’s “Ten Best” list for 1989.

Interesting Facts about Plymouth Colt

• Captive Import: The Colt was never manufactured by Plymouth or Chrysler; it was entirely a product of Mitsubishi Motors, imported to give Chrysler a competitive subcompact without the cost of developing one in-house.
• The Twin-Stick Transmission: Fourth-generation Colts offered a unique manual transmission with a second lever that acted as a high/low range selector, effectively doubling the four forward gears into eight speeds.
• Name Changes: In its early years in Canada, the Colt was sold as the Plymouth Cricket. Domestically, the fourth-generation model was first badged as the Plymouth Champ before being renamed the Colt.
• Performance Variants: The Colt wasn’t just an economy car. Several generations offered turbocharged “GTS” or “GT” models that were considered potent “pocket rockets” of their time.

Plymouth Colt Legacy and Influence

The Plymouth Colt played a significant role in the American automotive market for nearly a quarter-century. It was a pioneering example of the “captive import” strategy, demonstrating that a domestic brand could successfully market a Japanese-built vehicle. For many Americans, the Colt was their introduction to the reliability, efficiency, and quality of Japanese engineering during a period when domestic automakers were struggling with quality control. It helped Plymouth retain customers who were looking for smaller, more economical cars, especially during the oil shocks of the 1970s. The success of the Colt and its Dodge counterpart paved the way for the much deeper Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) collaboration between Chrysler and Mitsubishi in the 1980s and 1990s.

Plymouth Colt Global Availability

The Plymouth Colt was primarily a North American market vehicle. It was sold across the United States under the Plymouth brand. In Canada, the first-generation model was initially branded as the Plymouth Cricket before adopting the Colt nameplate. The vehicle itself, under its original Mitsubishi badging (as the Galant, Lancer, or Mirage), was sold globally in numerous markets across Europe, Asia, and other regions. However, the use of the “Plymouth Colt” name was specific to the North American market to leverage Plymouth’s existing dealership network. All Plymouth Colts sold in North America were manufactured in Japan.

Plymouth Colt Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The Plymouth Colt has a reputation for being an inexpensive car to own and maintain. Its simple mechanical design and the reliability of its Mitsubishi-sourced powertrains mean that repairs are often straightforward. Common maintenance items include oil and filter changes, brake service, and timing belt replacements at manufacturer-recommended intervals. A general recommendation for older vehicles like the Colt is an oil and filter change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Common issues reported by owners over the years include warped brake rotors and, on higher-mileage vehicles, potential for oil leaks or alternator failure. However, spare parts for common repairs remain generally available due to the shared platforms with Mitsubishi models. The resale value for the Colt is low, reflecting its age and original economy-car status.

Final Words about Plymouth Colt

The Plymouth Colt stands as a testament to a unique era of automotive globalization. For 24 years, it successfully provided American buyers with an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient alternative to both domestic and other imported offerings. Its ability to adapt, shifting from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive and offering a diverse range of body styles and performance levels, was key to its longevity. While it was ultimately a rebadged Mitsubishi, the Colt carved out its own identity as a dependable workhorse and, in its turbocharged forms, a surprising performer. Though discontinued in favor of the homegrown Neon, the Plymouth Colt remains a significant part of Chrysler’s history and a fond memory for the many owners who valued its simple, practical virtues.