Was the Plymouth Volare a good car?
In brief, the Plymouth Volare is not widely regarded as a good car by today’s standards. It offered affordability and space for a budget-conscious buyer in the late 1970s, but it is remembered more for rust, reliability problems, and safety concerns than for lasting quality. Its development helped Chrysler address market pressures of the era, but the car’s legacy is mostly negative among critics and enthusiasts.
Introduced in 1976 as a twin to the Dodge Aspen, the Volare was built to deliver economical transportation during an era of rising fuel prices. It aimed to be easy to own and inexpensive to repair, appealing to buyers who needed basic mobility at a low upfront cost. Over time, though, the trade-offs—especially in terms of build quality and durability—outweighed its practical advantages in the eyes of many reviewers and collectors.
Historical context
The mid-1970s oil crisis forced automakers to rethink compact, fuel-efficient designs. Chrysler responded with the Volare/Aspen pairing, positioning them as affordable, no-frills family cars. The cars prioritized simplicity and low purchase price, a formula that resonated with some buyers but drew criticism from others for quality and safety shortcomings that became evident with age and heavier use.
What owners and critics say
Here are the factors that typically shaped opinions about the Volare at the time of its circulation and in later retrospectives.
- Affordability and low upfront cost for buyers on a tight budget
- Spacious interior relative to its compact size, offering usable cabin and trunk space
- Simple, repair-friendly engineering that made basic maintenance straightforward
- Vulnerability to rust and body corrosion in many climates
- Inconsistent build quality and reliability, leading to higher long-term maintenance needs
Taken together, these traits made the Volare appealing as a basic, economical transport option for some buyers, while alienating others who placed reliability, durability, and safety higher on their list of priorities.
Legacy and modern view
Today, the Plymouth Volare is generally viewed as a product of its era—an attempt to deliver affordable mobility during economic stress, with results that were mixed at best. It is often cited in lists of historically problematic cars from the 1970s and serves as a cautionary example of how affordability can come at the expense of long-term reliability and safety. For collectors, finding examples that are rust-free and well-maintained can be a challenge, and value tends to reflect the car’s notoriety as much as its mechanical merit.
Compared with rivals from the period, the Volare/Aspen pair faced stiff competition not only in pricing but also in perceived durability. While some owners remember decent daily practicality, critics frequently highlight the car’s short service life and repair cost trails as major drawbacks. Modern assessments emphasize that, while it delivered on cost and space, it did not deliver the long-term reliability and safety standards that have since become expected even in budget vehicles.
Bottom line
For buyers focused on economy and space in the 1970s, the Volare offered an attractive entry point, but its reputation for quality and longevity diminished its appeal over time. It is not generally regarded as a good car by contemporary standards, though it remains a notable chapter in Chrysler’s history of affordable, mass-market transportation.
Summary
The Plymouth Volare is remembered more for its ambition to provide affordable, practical transportation during a difficult era than for enduring quality. It delivered low cost and roomy interiors, but it lagged in reliability, rust resistance, and safety by modern benchmarks. Its historical significance lies in what it revealed about automotive strategy during the 1970s rather than in lasting engineering success.
Is the Volare considered a classic car?
The Volare found its way into driveways as daily drivers primarily but also enjoyed stints on show fields due to some special editions. Maintenance was relatively straightforward for those familiar with Chrysler products of that era, making it an accessible classic car option today.
How much is a Plymouth Volare worth?
Q: What is the average sale price of a Plymouth Volare? A: The average price of a Plymouth Volare is $17,418.
What problems did the Volare have?
The first to appear were failing seatbelt tensors, and issues with the fuel system. Then came the faulty steering columns, corroding brake lines, missing heat shields on the muffler, and upper control arms that separated from the frame.
What was the most sought after Plymouth?
1971 Plymouth 'Cuda 426 Convertible
One of just two four-speed Hemi 'Cuda convertibles built in 1971, this is practically the Holy Grail as it marked the end of an era for factory 426 Hemi muscle.
