1999 Plymouth Breeze

Something’s happened over the past 20 years. Back when the Baby Boomers were wearing bell bottoms and beads, young buyers could pick up a stripped-down new car without asking for an advance on their family inheritance. These days, it’s almost impossible to find anything that fits into the “truly affordable” category. One reason is that even the low-end Asian imports are loaded up with high-cost and high-profit features.

The Plymouth Breeze is designed to rework that equation. This roomy sedan is the type of low-price, high-value vehicle that should blow away the competition. It’s sporty, stylish and offers a surprising amount of interior space, yet it’s affordable enough to attract many of the young buyers who might otherwise be forced to settle for something “pre-owned.”

The Breeze is one of three Chrysler “cloud cars,” compact cars that offer nearly as much interior space as a midsize sedan. Of the trio (Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze), the Breeze is the “stripped down” version. But don’t think that means a bare-bones, barely driveable car.

The Plymouth Breeze comes standard with popular features: air conditioning, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, power front-disc/rear-drum brakes, AM/FM stereo, tilt steering column and dual front airbags. For 1999, power windows, door locks and mirrors have been made standard equipment.

Better yet, you won’t feel like you’re driving the domestic equivalent of a Yugo. Here’s a look at what you get for your money.