1991 Plymouth Acclaim LX from North America - Comments

Undoubtedly the most reliable car I've ever owned (have owned 25 cars). Has only left me stranded once (starter motor) in 8 years and 255,000 km.

The only major weak point with this vehicle is the 4 speed overdrive transmission (Chrysler had a lot of problems with these in the early 1990's) - transmission was first rebuilt under warranty at 113,000 km. Key to transmission longevity is to install a transmission cooler and change transmission fluid and filter once every year. This second transmission lasted for over 170,000 km despite some severe usage (frequent trailer towing of 1700+ lbs).

Minor problems include recurring oil leaks (valve covers) and valve seals which allow some oil to escape through the exhaust.

Car still has original alternator, timing belt, water pump, air conditioning (never touched), heads and head gaskets. All power equipment (seats, windows, locks, mirrors, etc.) still works. Original paint is still in very good condition with very little rust (only where there are stone chips).

This vehicle has the optional 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system which results in excellent braking performance (no fading and short stopping distances).

Engine power from 3.0 litre V6 is quite good with plenty of torque for towing and passing. This is not a high revving motor but as engine rpm is quite low at highway speeds (2500 RPM at 80 mph) this is really not an issue. Fuel mileage (32 mpg highway) is very respectable for a 3000 lb sedan that can hold 5 people and their luggage.

The car handles well with the LX suspension and 60 series 15 inch tires (standard equipment).

These are definitely one of the best used, small family sedans anyone could buy. The V6 is a very powerful engine for this car, but it's reliability suffers compared to the underpowered 4 cylinder engine, which has better than average reliability and lasts a really long time. The 4 cylinder engines quite frequently last over 200k miles without a rebuild. Mine lasted close to that before I was in an accident with it.

My 93 acclaim with the 3L V6 as been the best car I have ever owned. It has 390000KM on it with the original transmission and engine. The only complaint with this car is It is not very good in snow. It has traction problems. Another issue is the paint on the hood. All around it is a very reliable car and it still runs like a new motor and it starts every morning without a bloack heater. The body is excellent and it is very good on fuel with it's 3SPD automatic transmission. The AIR conditioning even works with the original system. I like my car and I would buy another one. It's never let me down and it's easy to work on.

Our 91 acclaim 2.5 was very unreliable, camshaft problems, head gasket, and rocker arms caused by the camshift made junk it at 101k.

I am now driving 1989 acclaim lx v6 with 119k, it needs a brake job.

I'm now at 130k on my acclaim and its running great!

My father bought a V6 Acclaim in 1991 when I was 11 years old. He gave it to a ne'er do well brother of his when it had over 190,000+ miles on it (and had never burned a drop of oil). It was a smaller car and not much to look at it, but Dad swears it was the best car he ever had.

A modest, but fine sedan.