1994 Plymouth Acclaim from North America - Comments

Water leaked onto my feet from somewhere near the pedals during long drives, then mysteriously stopped one day around 121,000 miles.

Water pump failed at 125,000 miles. $400

Front drive axles replaced at 125,000 miles. $500

Two speakers randomly went out at 128,000 miles.

Radiator had severe leak, replaced at 130,000 miles. $550 for a brand new one.

Exhaust rusted, clamps put on at 135,000 miles.

Transmission serviced for two leaks at 135,000 miles, one repaired, second minor leak was too costly (my mechanic said it'd be as much as replacing the transmission.)

Water pump began leaking minorly at 135,000 miles. Mechanic said it only leaked when he put pressure on it while it was cold, so I didn't have it serviced.

Transmission failed while driving at 140,000 miles ($2,000 to rebuild, $1,250 for a salvage transmission)

Strange odor and mist/smoke from vents when running A/C for prolonged periods of time for duration of owning the vehicle.

The 3.0L V6 engine makes this car incredibly fun to drive. Gives it very fast acceleration, but cuts down on fuel economy.

Comfortable front seats, roomy for a compact sedan. Took it on several road trips without feeling cramped.

If this car hadn't been such a money pit, I would have much better things to say about it. All around performance-wise it was great, but the trick is keeping it running.

I had read somewhere that these cars are great until they hit about 140,000 miles, and that's when the problems begin. My problems finally ended there, when the transmission was the straw that broke the camels back.

Going for an import this time around!

This review was very accurate. Aside from a few details, my Plymouth performed almost exactly the same. So much money has been put into this car (tires, engine repair, paint, brakes, etc) that it would only make sense to buy a brand new Plymouth Acclaim. A used car would just put a person in the "pit of repairs and despair"

Our 1992 Acclaim had the 4cyl, so it was more economical and more reliable. Never had a lick of trouble from the 3-spd. automatic. It did have defective paint that started peeling when it was 4yrs. old though. The hood, roof, and trunklid were repainted because of hail damage when it was only 2yrs old. The rest of the paint was original and faded badly and began peeling like sunburned skin on the A-pillars and C-pillars after about 4yrs. The sides were horribly dull and faded after about 6yrs. Otherwise, it was a great car. Very well built. Nothing ever broke or fell off inside or out. No squeaks or rattles ever. Mechanically speaking, it gave no trouble until after 100k miles. Then it needed some kind of major repair about ever 20k miles, transmission aside. It lasted a very long time and we were really pleased with it, beside the paint. I'd probably buy one brand-new if they still made them.

I have a 1994 Acclaim 2.5 Flex Fuel, 235,000 kms (146,000 miles) and have had no problems other than an a/c that has not worked for 2 years. Still has the original stainless steel exhaust system and no trans/head gasket problems. lots of wind noise. These cars last a long time if maintained and not over heated. Like most Chrysler products, poor bodies but good mechanics, Simple reliable unsufisicated cars.

I'm a lifelong Mopar man: the Acclaim was a great car but now these cars are too old and are maintenance nightmares... wouldn't touch another one even with low miles.

No a four-cylinder 3-spd auto Acclaim with under 100,000 miles would still be a fantastic beater, and there are still a few out there like that (these were sometimes owned by the elderly). But the V-6 and the four speed were nightmares when new and hopeless now.