1992 Plymouth Acclaim Base 3.0 liter V6
Summary:
Sturdy, reliable transportation that holds up well with good care
Faults:
Replaced exhaust last summer at 105K, along with thermostat, brake work, and full tune-up.
Original water pump went in August 2008 at about 101K, serpentine belt also replaced.
New alternator, engine mounts, and transmission mounts in 2005.
New battery in 2004, replaced radiator.
Rebuilt transmission at 90K in 2003.
Struts, shocks, new tires, and fuel pump in 2002.
Air conditioning serviced in 1998, "major" tune up at 70K performed, new timing belt.
Can't remember beyond that. Oil changed twice per year, radiator flushed out every summer. Transmission serviced every two years.
STILL tends to run hot, but cools off easily from running defroster, and has never overheated on me (except when the water pump went).
General Comments:
I bought my Acclaim in 1996 as my father had owned one, it came with a 7-year/70K warranty, and found a well kept, low mileage (26K) example at a good price. 14 years later it is now at 106K and still going strong. Other than expiration (s) of the fuel pump, and water pump, it has never stranded me.
Mine is only driven weekly (or so) now as I live in the city. It has sat for up to 3 weeks in the dead of winter or the worst of summer, and starts right up.
PLENTY of power with the V-6. Smooth engine runs well, and has GREAT acceleration. Nice for quick starts in town, and easily climbs mountains in WV. Not a high-revving motor, it almost seems to loaf along like the 440 in my old Imperial.
Repair/replacement record above is long, but it covers a 14-year/80,000 mile period. Only replaced tires once, same with the battery. Pretty good for a basic 4-door econobox. The Jasper (replacement) automatic transmission installed a while back performs just fine, never balky and doesn't hesitate.
This is no sports car, but it competently handles curvy mountain roads with no problem. Cornering remains tight after over 100,000 miles.
No power windows/locks, etc., but AC still blows ice cold, puts out heat quickly, and cruise control still works just fine. Rear defroster very effective.
Although fairly small, it feels like full-size car inside. Not claustrophobic like other cars of its size.
Base model interior not dressy, but has held up well, and not shedding pieces like some newer ones do. No rattles or squeaks either.
This little box has really grown on me over the years, and I plan to keep it. Take good care of your Acclaim, and it will take VERY good care of you.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2010
15th May 2009, 11:04
The Acclaim was a cheap car to begin with, and yours was 16 years old with 136K miles on it when you bought it.
Really, what were you expecting? To get an old car with high miles and have NO problems with it?