What years did they make the Plymouth Volare?
The Plymouth Volare was produced for the 1976 through 1980 model years—a five-year span that placed Plymouth at the forefront of Chrysler’s early foray into front‑wheel‑drive compact cars. This era marked a significant shift for the brand as it partnered with the Dodge Aspen on a shared platform, signaling a new direction for small‑car design in American showrooms.
Origins and Launch
Launched in 1976 alongside the Dodge Aspen, the Volare was part of Chrysler’s strategic move to bring front‑wheel‑drive compact cars to the U.S. market amid rising fuel concerns and evolving consumer tastes. The car debuted on a then-new platform and helped define Plymouth’s entry into a modern, more efficient era of small cars.
Legacy within the K‑Car era
Though the Volare’s run was short, it played a key role in establishing Chrysler’s early K‑car family, which shaped the company’s approach to small‑car engineering and design into the late 1970s and beyond.
Production Years and How It Ended
The Volare’s production spanned five model years. The following years are the period during which the car was marketed in North America.
- 1976
- 1977
- 1978
- 1979
- 1980
In total, the Plymouth Volare was sold from 1976 through 1980. After 1980, Plymouth shifted its small‑car lineup in favor of updated models and new nameplates, and the Volare name faded from the lineup.
Reception and Aftermath
As part of Chrysler’s early front‑wheel‑drive efforts, the Volare and its Aspen sibling helped push the industry toward more fuel‑efficient, mass‑market front‑wheel‑drive designs. The model’s relatively short tenure is often cited in discussions of late‑1970s American automotive history as a stepping stone toward the K‑car era that defined Plymouth’s lineup for years to come.
Summary
Bottom line: The Plymouth Volare was produced for five model years—1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980—marking a transitional period for Chrysler as it embraced modern front‑wheel‑drive compact engineering and reshaped its small‑car strategy.
What year was Plymouth Volare made?
Dodge Aspen
| Plymouth Volaré / Dodge Aspen | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Also called | Chrysler Valiant Volaré (Mexico) Dodge Dart (Mexico and Colombia) |
| Production | 1976–1980 |
| Model years | 1976–1980 |
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.
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.
How much did a Volare cost in the 70s?
A '77 Premier wagon had a base price of $4271 (about $22,656 today), weighed in at 3505 pounds unloaded, and a total of 76,756 were produced. Premier sedans were $4354 ($23,097) and 31,443 were built.
