The production of the Plymouth Reliant front-wheel-drive passenger car of the middle class began at the 1981 Chrysler corporation factories in Newark (Delaware), Detroit (Michigan) and Toluca (Mexico). Almost completely similar model was the Dodge Aries. According to the manufacturer, both of these machines were supposed to help the corporation overcome the crisis of the early 80s. Reliant's predecessors were the rather popular Plymouth Volaré and Plymouth Road Runner, while similar cars were the Chrysler LeBaron, Chrysler Town and Dodge 400. The start of sales of the model did not confirm the hopes of its creators.
The cost of the car was higher than the previously stated base price, in particular due to the fact that Reliant was mainly produced in more expensive versions of the SE (“average” level) and LE (“user-made” equipment). As a result, the volume of sales of cars was insignificant. It is worth paying tribute to Chrysler: this miscalculation was taken further into account by increasing the production of cheap basic versions, which had a positive effect on consumer demand. In the early years of release, Reliant did not undergo any major changes. In 1985, the modernization was carried out.
Changed optics, design of the front of the car and grille. At the base of the car’s design, the Chrysler K platform was located. Wanting to emphasize the importance of this technical solution, Chrysler marketers sometimes called the car “Plymouth K”, as indicated by the “K” label after the word “Reliant” on the rear. Plymouth Reliant was made with different types of bodies: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon. Dimensions coupe 4536/1727/1334 mm with a wheelbase of 2548 mm, the sedan was 10 mm higher. The versatile person had the increased sizes: height of 1351 mm, and wheel base - 2550 mm. The curb weight was 1043 kg.
Despite the relatively small by American standards, the size of the car Reliant had a fairly spacious interior, designed for 6 people. In contrast to the coupe and sedan wagon did not have the basic configuration. In the design of the body he used inserts (siding), resembling wood; however, the buyer could refuse such a “decor” if he did not like it. It was possible to order separate bucket-shaped front seats. Over the years of release Reliant had five levels of equipment: basic (1981-1986), "normal" (1981-1984), SE (1981-1988), LE (1985-1988) and replaced the base - America (1987-1989).
On Reliant installed 4-cylinder carburetor engines Chrysler 2.2 liters capacity of 82 hp, located transversely in front. Later, in 1986, they were replaced by a 2.5-liter power unit with a fuel injection system. As an option, a 4-cylinder Mitsubishi G54B engine with a capacity of 2.6 liters could be ordered for the car. Reliant with such an engine accelerated to 97 km / h in 13 seconds. The power plants worked in conjunction with 5-speed manual (A465, A520 and A525) or 3-speed automatic (A413, A470) gearboxes. In the first four years of production, an average of 150,000 units of Reliant were sold annually, and in the following years, the output steadily declined and reached 36,000 in 1989.
The last car of this model came off the assembly line on December 9, 1988. In 1981, Motor Trend magazine recognized the model as the car of the year. Overall, Plymouth Reliant and its twin Dodge Aries managed to raise the bar for American automakers.
