1991 Plymouth Sundance 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Don't buy it or prepare for lots of costly repairs

Faults:

I have gone through 3 head gaskets and a set of heads in 3 years.

Replaced timing chain at 200,000 Kms and in the same winter replaced the water pump, heater core and two thermostats. The car is still cold.

At 210,000 km required a new in tank fuel pump. Cheap parts but the fuel tank needed to be removed to replace part.

Struts finally went about 250,000 kms.

Has a major electrical short in it. Blows fuses weekly and the radio and interior lights no longer work. The rear defroster is also included in the short.

The fan on the heater/air conditioner does not shut off, has been like that since I bought the car 4 yrs ago.

General Comments:

Back seat is quite small, but fine for younger/ smaller family members.

No power, 0-60 takes forever and passing is scary.

Handles well even at higher speeds.

Loves the open highways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2003

14th Jan 2008, 09:27

You said you replaced a "set of heads" yet you say it's a 4cyl, a 4 cyl only had one head.

1991 Plymouth Sundance America 2.2 NA from North America

Summary:

Reliability personified

Faults:

Shift cables broke at 170,000 miles.

Replaced clutch plate at 65,000 miles.

Replaced oxygen sensor at 150,000 miles.

Replaced catalytic converter at 135,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at 115,000 miles.

Replaced both front wheel hub bearings at 150,000 miles.

Replaced throttle position sensor at 165,000 miles.

Replaced timing belt, ignition coil, and distributor pickup coil at 175,000 miles.

General Comments:

I don't plan to get rid of this car until the day after it asks me to let it die, and I may change my mind then. Of all the things that I love about this car, I can't get it to pass emissions... so I might have to break down have actually put it in the shop... after 12 years!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2003

1991 Plymouth Sundance 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Best deal I've ever made on a car

Faults:

Considering I bought the car for $300, I expected some problems.

Front driver's strut needs to be replaced.

Front passenger's hub needs to be replaced.

Small leak in gas tank.

Minor body work and paint job needed (badly).

General Comments:

Well, I haven't owned the car long, but I am very impressed so far.

Considering what I paid, it is a very nice running little car.

The previous owner didn't even do basic maintenance, but new plugs and filters performed miracles.

The car is comfortable to drive and quite peppy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

1991 Plymouth Sundance 2 door hatchback 2.2 litre from North America

Summary:

Runs even when 2 quarts low on oil!!

Faults:

The plastic headlight lenses clouded from age and weather. I found using fine-grit sanding and polishing-compound once a year clears them up enough to go on.

A couple interior trim pieces fell off. Someday I will glue them all back on.

I use a stick to hold the back hatch open because the hydraulic lifts have lost their charge.

A short in a wire somewhere caused the rear defrost to come on anytime I stepped on the brake pedal. I disconnected the third brake light and rear defrost all together.

The paint (maroon) has turned to big rust spots on the roof and has faded on the hood and trunk.

General Comments:

I bought the car very cheap and figured it would last me maybe a year. Four years later, and I can't see parting with the old girl until she dies for good.

I've been known to run her a couple quarts low on oil and hardly notice a change in performance.

The car gets an amazing 30-34 miles to the gallon even on mountain roads.

I admit I don't baby the car as I should and I often rev the engine close to max even when it's cold.

I'm impressed with the speed and acceleration the little four cylinder engine has with the 5-speed manual transmission, especially compared to other small engine cars I have owned.

Handling and steering in snow is pretty good, but I wouldn't take the car off road in bad weather.

I have thought about the cost involved in having the car rebuilt to all-new condition and probably would have it done if I won a lottery.

This car turned me into a fan of Chrysler products especially anything Sundance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th January, 2003

2nd May 2007, 11:02

A lot of the things that have gone wrong with your car, has indeed gone wrong with mine. Besides the whole brake pedal and defrost thing. My car has a short in it somewhere to where sometimes if I turn on the defrost or my brights, my headlights go out. lol. I have a stick in my trunk as well to hold up the hatch. My dad bought this car for himself for about 150 dollars. He put about 300 dollars into it. Almost everything under that hood is brand new. Still leaks oil and tranny fluid though. My dad is trying to tell me that that car is only going to last maybe another year or so, but he doesn't drive it, I think it will last another 3-4 years as long as I take care of it. Yeah, I don't really baby it, I race around in it and all that sort of stuff, but hey, I'm a teen, what do you expect. All I can say, is this car is very comfortable and reliable no matter what the condition is. Its also worth every dime you put into it.