Brief Introduction of Plymouth Sundance
The Plymouth Sundance is a compact car that was produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1987 to 1994. It was introduced as a replacement for the Plymouth Horizon and was built on the Chrysler P platform, a derivative of the well-known K platform. The Sundance was available as a three-door and five-door hatchback, offering a practical and affordable transportation option for many consumers during its time. Sharing its platform and many components with the Dodge Shadow, the Sundance was notable for its practicality, straightforward design, and a range of engine options that catered to different performance needs. Though it had a relatively short production run, the Sundance went through several updates and offered various trim levels, making it a noteworthy vehicle in Plymouth’s history. It was eventually succeeded by the Plymouth Neon.
Plymouth Sundance Overview
| Brand | Plymouth |
| Model | Sundance |
| Launch Year | 1987 |
| Price | Starting MSRP of $8,395 (1989 model) |
| Variants | Base, America, Highline, RS, Duster |
| Body Type | 3-door and 5-door Hatchback |
| Engine | 2.2L I4, 2.5L I4, 2.5L Turbo I4, 3.0L V6 |
| Power & Torque | 93 hp to 152 hp; 121 lb-ft to 210 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Mileage | Approximately 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway (1992 2.0L) |
| Colors | Information not disclosed |
| Safety Rating | NHTSA (1993 model): Driver – 4/5 stars, Passenger – 5/5 stars (Front Impact) |
| Dimensions | Length: 4365 mm (171.85 in), Width: 1710 mm (67.32 in), Height: 1340 mm (52.76 in) |
| Boot Space | 375 liters (13.24 cu. ft.) to 945 liters (33.37 cu. ft.) |
Generations and History of Plymouth Sundance
First Generation (1987-1994)
The Plymouth Sundance was introduced for the 1987 model year and had one primary generation throughout its production run, with several updates and trim level changes. It was initially offered as a sporty 4-door hatchback, with a 2-door hatchback version following shortly after. The Sundance was designed to be a practical and economical vehicle, sharing its P-body platform with the Dodge Shadow. Early models came standard with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 93 horsepower. For 1988, a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine became optional, along with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine. A significant safety upgrade came in 1990 with the addition of a standard driver-side airbag. The Sundance aimed to provide a more substantial feel than many of its competitors in the economy car segment.
Plymouth Sundance Facelifts and Yearly Updates
| Year | Change / Update |
| 1988 | A higher-end RS (Rally Sport) model was introduced, featuring two-tone paint, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A turbocharged 2.5L engine option became available. |
| 1990 | A driver-side airbag became standard equipment. |
| 1991 | The base model was split into the entry-level “America” and the mid-level “Highline.” The turbocharged engine on the RS model was modified to produce more torque. |
| 1992 | The high-end RS model was discontinued. The Sundance Highline received body-colored bumpers and fascias. The sporty Duster model was introduced, featuring a 3.0-liter V6 engine. |
| 1993 | Antilock brakes became available as an option. The “America” model was replaced by a better-equipped base model. |
| 1994 | A motorized passenger shoulder belt was added for the final year of production. The Sundance was gradually phased out with the introduction of the new Plymouth Neon. |
Plymouth Sundance Variants and Features
Throughout its production, the Plymouth Sundance was offered in several variants to cater to different customer preferences and budgets. The initial offering was a single base model. In 1988, the sportier RS (Rally Sport) model was added, which included features like two-tone paint, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For 1991, the lineup was expanded to include the budget-friendly “America” model and the better-equipped “Highline” model, alongside the top-tier RS. The America model was a stripped-down version aimed at being highly affordable. The Highline offered more standard features. In 1992, the RS was replaced by the Duster, which came with a more powerful 3.0L V6 engine, special alloy wheels, and unique graphics. Optional features across the model years included an Infinity sound system, tinted windows, dual power mirrors, and a sunroof. The interior was functional, and later models offered a full center console with a storage compartment and cup holders.
Plymouth Sundance Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience
The Plymouth Sundance offered a range of engine choices during its production. The standard engine was a 2.2-liter inline-four-cylinder that produced 93 horsepower. An optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provided a slight increase in power to 100 horsepower and more torque. For those seeking more performance, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was available, initially delivering 150 horsepower and later upgraded to 152 horsepower with significantly more torque. In 1992, a 3.0-liter V6 engine from Mitsubishi became available, primarily in the Duster model, which produced 141 horsepower and offered smoother acceleration. Transmission choices included a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 3-speed automatic. A 4-speed automatic was also available with the V6 engine. The base suspension provided competent cornering and grip, though it could feel somewhat harsh on rough roads. The Duster, with its V6 engine and firmer suspension, offered a sportier driving experience.
Plymouth Sundance Pricing and Mileage
The Plymouth Sundance was positioned as an affordable compact car. In 1989, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a base model was around $8,395. By 1994, the base model started at approximately $9,311, with the top-tier Duster model priced at over $11,000. In terms of fuel economy, the 1992 Sundance with the 2.2-liter engine achieved an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The 1994 models with the base engine were rated at 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, while the V6-powered Duster had lower ratings of 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The annual maintenance cost for a Plymouth Sundance is estimated to be around $265 to $593, depending on the service provider.
Plymouth Sundance Colors, Design, and Dimensions
The Plymouth Sundance featured a straightforward and functional design, typical of compact cars from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was available in both two-door and four-door hatchback body styles. The design was characterized by its straight lines and modest proportions. Higher trim levels, like the RS, featured two-tone paint schemes. The “hidden” hatchback design provided a sedan-like profile with the versatility of a hatchback. The overall length of the vehicle was approximately 171.85 inches, with a width of 67.32 inches and a height of 52.76 inches. The wheelbase measured 97.24 inches. Standard wheels were 14 inches in size.
Plymouth Sundance Safety Features
For its time, the Plymouth Sundance offered some notable safety features. A significant addition was the standard driver-side airbag starting in the 1990 model year. For the 1994 model year, a motorized passenger shoulder belt was added. Antilock brakes (ABS) became an optional feature on all versions starting in 1993. The 1993 Sundance 4-door hatchback was tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal impact and received a rating of four out of five stars for the driver and five out of five stars for the front passenger. The vehicle was also constructed with energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers.
Plymouth Sundance Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment options in the Plymouth Sundance were basic, reflecting the technology of its era. Standard features typically included an AM/FM stereo with a digital clock. An optional upgrade was a deluxe AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. For higher trim levels, an Infinity sound system was also available as an option. The 1994 Duster models offered a single-disc in-dash CD player. There were no advanced connectivity features such as touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth, as these technologies were not available in vehicles of this class during the Sundance’s production run.
Plymouth Sundance Owner Reviews & Ratings
Owner reviews for the Plymouth Sundance are generally mixed, with many praising its reliability and practicality for its time. Owners have often highlighted the car’s durability, with some reporting high mileage with minimal major repairs. The fuel efficiency and the versatility of the hatchback design are also frequently mentioned as positive attributes. However, common complaints include issues with paint peeling and rust, particularly in later years. Some owners have also reported recurring mechanical problems with components like the CV joints and transmission. Electrical issues have also been a point of concern for some drivers. Despite these issues, many owners have expressed satisfaction with the Sundance as a reliable and economical form of transportation.
Plymouth Sundance Comparison with Similar Cars
The Plymouth Sundance competed in the crowded compact car segment of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its primary competitors included the Ford Tempo and Pontiac Sunbird. The Sundance’s closest rival, however, was its corporate sibling, the Dodge Shadow, with which it shared its platform and most of its components. The main differences between the Sundance and the Shadow were in their grilles, trim levels, and some available options. Compared to Japanese competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Sundance was often seen as less refined but offered more interior space and a more substantial feel. The availability of a V6 engine in the Duster model gave it a performance advantage over many of its four-cylinder-only competitors.
Plymouth Sundance Awards and Recognition
Information not disclosed.
Interesting Facts about Plymouth Sundance
- The Plymouth Sundance was built on the Chrysler P platform, which was a derivative of the highly successful K platform that is credited with saving Chrysler from bankruptcy in the 1980s.
- The high-performance version of the Sundance’s sibling, the Dodge Shadow, was the Shelby CSX, which was modified by Carroll Shelby. While there wasn’t a Shelby version of the Sundance, the shared platform indicates its performance potential.
- From 1988 to 1991, the Sundance was sold in Europe as the Chrysler ES.
Plymouth Sundance Legacy and Influence
The Plymouth Sundance, along with its Dodge Shadow counterpart, played a significant role in Chrysler’s lineup during a crucial period. It served as an affordable and practical entry-level vehicle for the Plymouth brand, replacing the aging Omni/Horizon models. While not a groundbreaking car in terms of technology or design, the Sundance was a competent and reliable vehicle that sold in significant numbers. Its straightforward engineering and practical hatchback design appealed to budget-conscious buyers. The Sundance’s legacy is that of a solid, no-frills compact car that provided dependable transportation for many families. Its eventual replacement by the more modern and stylish Plymouth Neon marked a shift in Chrysler’s small car strategy.
Plymouth Sundance Global Availability
The Plymouth Sundance was primarily manufactured and sold in North America, specifically in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Production for the US market took place at the Sterling Heights Assembly plant in Michigan. In Mexico, the Dodge Shadow version was produced at the Toluca Car Assembly plant. The Sundance was also exported and sold in Europe between 1988 and 1991 under the name Chrysler ES. All models were produced as left-hand drive vehicles.
Plymouth Sundance Maintenance and Ownership Costs
The ownership costs for a Plymouth Sundance were generally low, which was a key part of its appeal. The annual maintenance cost is estimated to be between $265 and $593. Common maintenance items include oil changes, brake service, and CV axle replacement. Due to its age, some parts may be more difficult to find, but many mechanical components were shared with other Chrysler vehicles, which can help with availability. The resale value of the Plymouth Sundance is quite low due to its age and the discontinuation of the Plymouth brand.
Final Words about Plymouth Sundance
The Plymouth Sundance was a product of its time, offering practical and affordable transportation without many frills. It was a reliable workhorse for many individuals and families, and its hatchback design provided a level of versatility not always found in its competitors. While it may not be remembered as a particularly exciting or innovative car, the Sundance fulfilled its role as a dependable and economical compact car. For those seeking a simple and inexpensive classic car, a well-maintained Sundance can still offer reliable transportation. Its legacy is one of value and practicality, representing a significant chapter in the history of the Plymouth brand.