Plymouth Acclaim is a sedan car that is offered by Chrysler from low-priced to midrange automobiles. It was launched in 1989 together with two other new set of models, the Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron. In terms of appearance, the trio cars are identical. All three of them have two rows of seats and an enormous passenger space that can accommodate adult passengers. Only that Plymouth Acclaim is offered the lowest price among the three.Its prominent features and specs are nearly the same with K-car chassis components. Chrysler standardized on Plymouth Acclaim the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that is often matched with a 5-speed manual or, if not, a 3-speed automatic. In its entire life course, it had undergone series of upgrading, such as inclusion of gold accented wheels and trim, built-in cd player, and a new radiator grille in1993.
Unfortunately, this car model followed the fate of its predecessor, the K-Car, as production of it was discontinued in 1995.
Holden's new VT Commodore wagon looks big and is big. Compared to the previous VS model, the VT wagon has grown 116 mm in the wheelbase and 139 mm in overall body length. Overall mass is up by a hefty 190 kg.By enlarging the Commodore wagon to this extent, Holden risks alienating some buyers who may find parking and manoeuvring such a large vehicle an unacceptable chore, but for those who are after maximum load carrying capacity, the VT could well be just the thing.
According to my measurements, the VT wagon just about matches its arch-rival - the Falcon - on load length and maximum load width, and beats the Falcon on maximum load height and width between the wheel arches. Holden claims the VT wagon offers the largest cargo volume in its class. A clip-in cargo safety barrier and cargo blind are options, but the load area lacks tie-down hooks.
VT wagon buyers with larger-than-average families can order an optional forward-facing third seat which adds two extra seating positions for children up to the age of 12. This option costs $1250, fitted.
As for VT sedans, the wagon introduces a significantly enhanced safety package that on the passive protection front, incorporates controlled-collapse front chassis frames, a substantially stronger and more rigid main body structure, advanced seat belt technology and "world's best practice" airbag design.
Active safety improvements include improved handling and roadholding thanks to features such as the stiffer body structure, wider wheel tracks, longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. Traction control is standard on the Acclaim wagon and optional on V6 auto Executive and Berlina wagons. The totally new braking system provides bigger, more powerful brakes, with a better feeling pedal action and improved resistance to fade.VT wagon prices start at $31,600 for a manual V6 Executive ($32,340 for the auto), with the Acclaim (auto only) costing $34,960 and the Berlina (also auto only) priced at $42,600. The top priced wagon is the V8 Berlina at $45,700.
As in the sedans, the wagon offers plenty of space for occupants in both the front and the back. Comfort is also good in the front and the two outer rear positions, but a centre rear passenger has to contend with the rather large floor hump and less seat padding.The story on quality of finish in the Acclaim test wagon was much the same as for various VT sedans we've inspected. Its panel fit and paint finish looked good, but it was let down by detail faults. These included poor trim fit on the back seat (with white foam rubber visible) and untidy trim fit around body glass, including the windscreen. These cars come without mudflaps as standard, and the way the body wraps around into the wheel arches will inevitably result in paint stone chipping.
Commendably, the wagon drives much like the sedan in most normal driving situations, but there are some occasions when you're reminded of its bulk. These include parking and manoeuvring in tight spots and doing U turns in narrow streets.Performance-wise, the story is also similar to the sedan. The test wagon wasn't quite as eager off the mark as previous models, but once under way, its performance proved to be more than adequate.
One of the good things about larger engined cars is that they're less affected when carrying full loads than smaller cars. An NRMA-owned VT wagon recently undertook an extended country trip with a full complement of passengers and luggage, and performed well at all times.
