The 1980 Plymouth Volare, a car that aimed to revive the struggling American automaker, arrived with a promise of affordability and style. Released during a tumultuous period in the American auto industry, the Volare faced stiff competition from Japanese and European manufacturers, each vying for a share of the market.
However, the Volare’s journey was marked by quality control issues and a series of recalls that tarnished its reputation. Despite its challenges, the Volare played a significant role in Plymouth’s history, serving as a symbol of the company’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer demands.
This article will delve into the history, design, performance, features, reliability, and cultural impact of the 1980 Plymouth Volare, offering a comprehensive look at this iconic, yet often overlooked, American car. We will explore its strengths and weaknesses, its successes and failures, and ultimately, its enduring legacy.
Introduction
The Plymouth Volare, a mid-size car produced by the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation, was introduced in 1976 as a response to the growing popularity of smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. It was positioned as a competitor to Ford’s Granada and Mercury’s Monarch, aiming to attract customers seeking a more modern and efficient alternative to traditional American sedans.The Volare’s arrival marked a significant shift in Plymouth’s strategy, as it represented a departure from the brand’s traditional muscle car heritage.
This shift was driven by the changing market landscape and the need to adapt to the evolving consumer demands for smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Volare’s success was crucial for Plymouth’s survival in a rapidly changing automotive market.
The Significance of the Volare within Plymouth’s Lineup
The Plymouth Volare was a pivotal model for the Plymouth brand, signifying a strategic move away from its traditional muscle car image and towards a more fuel-efficient and modern approach. It was introduced as a direct response to the changing market dynamics brought about by the energy crisis, which highlighted the need for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Volare’s success was crucial for Plymouth’s survival and its ability to compete in a market dominated by fuel-efficient models. The Volare’s success also helped Plymouth establish itself as a viable competitor in the mid-size sedan segment, attracting customers seeking a blend of style, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Design and Styling
The Plymouth Volare, launched in 1976, was a departure from Plymouth’s traditional styling, aiming to attract a wider audience with its modern design. It featured a boxy, angular shape, a trend that was becoming popular in the mid-to-late 1970s.
Exterior Design
The Volare’s exterior design was characterized by its sharp lines and large, rectangular grille. The grille was flanked by rectangular headlights, a common design element of the era. The Volare’s profile was boxy, with a high beltline and a relatively flat roofline.
The rear end featured a large, wraparound taillight assembly, further emphasizing the car’s angular design. The Volare was available in a variety of colors, including several two-tone combinations, offering buyers some customization options.
Interior Design
The Volare’s interior was designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The dashboard featured a simple layout with large, easy-to-read gauges. The seats were comfortable and offered adequate support. The Volare’s interior was available in a variety of colors and trim levels, allowing buyers to personalize their cars to some extent.
The 1980 Plymouth Volare was a compact car that struggled to compete with its rivals. While the Volare offered a roomy interior, its performance and reliability were often criticized. In contrast, the 1975 Plymouth Duster , a smaller, sportier model, earned a reputation for its affordability and fun-to-drive nature.
However, both models were eventually overshadowed by the rising popularity of fuel-efficient imports, marking a shift in the American automotive landscape.
Comparison to Other Cars of the Era
The Volare’s design reflected the trends of the late 1970s, with its boxy shape and angular styling. However, it lacked the refinement and sophistication of some of its competitors, such as the Ford Granada and the Chevrolet Malibu. The Volare’s interior was also relatively basic compared to the interiors of some of its competitors, which offered more luxurious features.
Performance and Handling: 1980 Plymouth Volare
The 1980 Plymouth Volare offered a range of engine options, catering to different driver needs and preferences. While not known for its exhilarating performance, the Volare provided adequate power for everyday driving and offered a comfortable ride. Its handling characteristics were considered average for its time, with a focus on practicality over sportiness.
Engine Options and Performance
The Volare came with a selection of engines, each offering varying levels of power and fuel efficiency.
- The base engine was a 2.6-liter (160 cubic inch) Slant-Six, producing 95 horsepower. This engine was known for its fuel efficiency, making it a suitable choice for city driving.
- A 3.7-liter (225 cubic inch) Slant-Six engine was also available, offering 110 horsepower. This engine provided more power for highway driving and better acceleration.
- For those seeking more performance, a 5.2-liter (318 cubic inch) V8 engine was offered, producing 145 horsepower. This engine delivered a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall driving experience.
While the Volare’s performance wasn’t groundbreaking, it was sufficient for its intended purpose. The base engine offered adequate power for everyday driving, while the V8 option provided a more spirited experience. The Volare’s focus on practicality and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for families and commuters.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Volare’s handling was considered average for its time, with a focus on comfort and stability rather than sporty performance. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road well. The steering was relatively light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
However, the Volare’s handling was not as precise or engaging as some of its competitors, particularly in corners.The Volare’s ride quality was a strong point, providing a comfortable and smooth experience. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, making it a pleasant car for long drives.
However, some drivers found the ride to be a bit soft and could feel some body roll in corners.
Performance Comparison to Competitors
Compared to its competitors, such as the Ford Fairmont and Chevrolet Nova, the Volare offered a similar level of performance. The base engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, while the V8 option offered a noticeable improvement in acceleration. However, the Volare’s handling and ride quality were considered to be slightly less refined than some of its rivals.The Volare’s performance was not its strongest attribute, but it provided a comfortable and practical driving experience.
Its focus on fuel efficiency and affordability made it a popular choice for families and commuters. While its performance may not have been as impressive as some of its competitors, the Volare offered a solid overall package for its time.
Features and Options
The 1980 Plymouth Volare offered a range of standard and optional features designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. These features contributed to the Volare’s success as a practical and comfortable family car, while also providing options for those seeking more luxury or performance.
The 1980 Plymouth Volare, while not a standout in the annals of automotive history, was a testament to the era’s penchant for boxy designs. In contrast, the 1966 Plymouth Satellite embodied a more classic muscle car aesthetic, with its sleek lines and powerful engine.
The Volare, despite its lackluster performance, offered a glimpse into the evolving automotive landscape of the late 70s, where fuel efficiency and practicality began to take precedence over raw power.
Standard Features
The 1980 Plymouth Volare came equipped with a comprehensive set of standard features, making it a compelling value proposition. These features included:
- A 2.6-liter Slant Six engine, delivering a balance of fuel efficiency and power.
- A three-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifting and ease of driving.
- Vinyl upholstery, providing durability and easy cleaning.
- A vinyl roof, adding a touch of style and protection from the elements.
- Power steering, making maneuvering the Volare effortless.
- Front disc brakes, providing responsive and reliable stopping power.
- An AM radio, providing entertainment during long drives.
Popular Trim Levels
The 1980 Plymouth Volare was available in various trim levels, each offering a distinct combination of features and appeal.
Custom
The Volare Custom was the entry-level trim, offering a balance of affordability and practicality. It featured standard features like vinyl upholstery, a vinyl roof, and power steering.
Volare
The standard Volare trim built upon the Custom’s foundation, adding amenities like cloth upholstery and a rear window defroster.
Volare Premier
The Volare Premier offered a more luxurious experience, featuring features like plush cloth upholstery, a padded instrument panel, and optional power options such as power windows and door locks.
Volare Wagon
The Volare Wagon, available in Custom and Volare trims, provided ample cargo space for families and active individuals.
Impact of Features on Appeal
The Volare’s range of standard and optional features played a significant role in its appeal to consumers. The standard features made the Volare a compelling value proposition, while the optional features allowed buyers to customize their cars to their specific needs and preferences.For instance, the availability of a V8 engine and power options like power windows and door locks appealed to buyers seeking a more luxurious and powerful driving experience.
Meanwhile, the Volare’s wagon variant catered to families and individuals who required ample cargo space. The Volare’s ability to offer a wide range of features at different price points helped it appeal to a diverse customer base, contributing to its success in the competitive mid-size car market.
Reliability and Durability
The Plymouth Volare, unfortunately, gained a reputation for being less than reliable. While it had its moments of success, particularly in its early years, a number of design flaws and manufacturing issues plagued the model throughout its lifespan, ultimately leading to its demise.
Known Issues and Problems, 1980 Plymouth Volare
The Volare was plagued by a series of problems that contributed to its poor reliability reputation. These issues ranged from minor annoyances to major failures that could leave owners stranded.
The 1980 Plymouth Volare, a car known for its distinctive styling and affordable price, marked a departure from the more traditional designs of earlier Plymouth models. While the Volare embodied the spirit of the 1980s, Plymouth’s history stretches back to the 1930s, with iconic models like the 1932 Plymouth Sedan.
This classic sedan, a symbol of the era’s elegance and engineering prowess, paved the way for future generations of Plymouth vehicles, including the Volare.
- Engine Problems:The Volare’s engines, particularly the 225 cubic inch slant-six, were prone to overheating and valve issues. The 318 cubic inch V8, while more powerful, was known for its susceptibility to oil leaks and premature wear.
- Transmission Issues:The Volare’s transmissions, both manual and automatic, were not known for their durability. They were prone to slipping, leaking, and premature failure, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
- Electrical Problems:Electrical gremlins were a common complaint among Volare owners. Problems ranged from faulty wiring to failing alternators and starters.
- Rust and Corrosion:The Volare’s body panels were prone to rust and corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. This was a significant issue in regions with harsh winters.
- Suspension and Steering Issues:The Volare’s suspension and steering components were not always robust. Problems with ball joints, tie rods, and suspension bushings were common.
Long-Term Ownership Experience
For many Volare owners, the long-term ownership experience was marked by frequent repairs and unexpected breakdowns. While some individuals managed to find reliable examples, the overall consensus was that the Volare was a high-maintenance vehicle that required significant attention and investment to keep running.
The cost of repairs, particularly for major issues, could quickly escalate, making long-term ownership a financial burden for many.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Plymouth Volare, despite its mixed reception from critics and consumers, left an indelible mark on popular culture and automotive history. It served as a symbol of its era, representing both the American automotive industry’s ambition and its struggles.
Impact on Popular Culture
The Volare’s cultural impact was most evident in its presence in movies, TV shows, and music. Its sleek, angular design, often seen in bright colors, made it a popular choice for filmmakers and television producers.
- The Volare’s distinctive styling and sporty image made it a popular choice for Hollywood films of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It appeared in films like “The Blues Brothers” (1980) and “Smokey and the Bandit II” (1980), showcasing its ability to handle high-speed chases and thrilling stunts.
- The Volare’s presence on television was equally notable. It was featured in popular shows like “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” often portrayed as a reliable and stylish vehicle.
- The Volare’s influence extended to the music industry as well. The song “Volare” by Domenico Modugno, released in 1958, became a global hit and further cemented the car’s name in popular culture.
The Volare’s Legacy
The Volare’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. It is remembered as a car that represented both the American automotive industry’s ambition and its struggles.
- The Volare was a testament to the American automotive industry’s commitment to innovation and design. Its sleek, angular styling was a departure from the more traditional designs of the time, and it helped to shape the aesthetic of American cars in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- However, the Volare’s legacy is also marked by its numerous quality control issues. The car’s reputation for reliability was tarnished by reports of faulty parts, poor workmanship, and frequent breakdowns. This led to a decline in sales and ultimately contributed to the Volare’s discontinuation in 1980.
Interesting Anecdotes and Stories
The Volare’s history is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories, highlighting its unique position in automotive history.
- The Volare’s name was chosen to evoke a sense of flight and freedom, reflecting the car’s sleek design and sporty image.
- The Volare was initially marketed as a “new generation” car, promising to break away from the traditional American car design. However, its lackluster performance and numerous quality issues led to its being branded as a “lemon.”
- Despite its shortcomings, the Volare played a significant role in the American automotive industry’s response to the fuel crisis of the 1970s. Its compact size and fuel-efficient engine helped to attract buyers who were looking for more economical vehicles.
Outcome Summary
The 1980 Plymouth Volare remains a testament to the complexities of the American automotive industry during a period of immense change. While its troubled launch and quality issues overshadowed its potential, the Volare played a significant role in Plymouth’s efforts to adapt to a new era.
It stands as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that shaped the American car industry in the late 20th century, leaving a lasting mark on automotive history.