The 1987 Plymouth Reliant belongs to the K-car era that helped define practical American transportation in the 1980s, and today it occupies an interesting place for drivers preserving an honest survivor or keeping a familiar daily classic on the road. Tire selection on this exact model centers on two radial sizes, with 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 tied to different Reliant sub-models. That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Reliant K or a Reliant LE, then choosing among available blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styles. For a restoration-minded owner, the right choice balances correct fitment, period-style appearance, and the car’s actual wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Plymouth Reliant
Two tire sizes apply to the 1987 Plymouth Reliant, and they are tied to different sub-models rather than being interchangeable across the whole model line. The Reliant K uses a 13-inch radial fitment, while the Reliant LE uses a 14-inch radial fitment, so identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter on the car are the first steps before comparing tire style, brand, or sidewall appearance.
175/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Plymouth Reliant, this size serves the Reliant K and keeps the fitment in a straightforward modern radial format. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich options, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in different series. This size is the one to evaluate if your car retains the 13-inch wheel setup and you want to choose between a more restrained or more traditional visual presentation.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size where 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Plymouth Reliant, this size belongs to the Reliant LE and moves the fitment to a 14-inch wheel. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several tire series. This is the size to focus on if your LE still carries its 14-inch wheels and you want to compare traditional appearance against a sportier blackwall look.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Plymouth Reliant because the covered versions do not share the same tire size. Checking whether the car is a Reliant K or a Reliant LE is essential, since the two sub-models use different wheel diameters and different radial sizes.
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1987 Plymouth Reliant K
The 1987 Plymouth Reliant K uses the 175/80R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. That keeps tire selection centered on classic-style radial choices, with whitewall appearance becoming a key decision once the correct wheel diameter is confirmed.
The 1987 Plymouth Reliant LE uses the 185/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. That opens the door to a broader mix of blackwall and wide whitewall tires, so the decision becomes a balance of fitment, appearance, and how the car is meant to be presented.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Plymouth Reliant Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Plymouth Reliant tire choices vary by sub-model and include radial options from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs across several classic-oriented tire series.
Common 1987 Plymouth Reliant tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, confirming 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, and choosing the right radial tire style for appearance, road use, and maintenance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
The 1987 Plymouth Reliant uses two tire sizes, depending on sub-model. A Reliant K uses 175/80R13, while a Reliant LE uses 185/70R14. Both are radial fitments, but they are not the same size and they do not use the same wheel diameter.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before comparing tire options. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, since many older vehicles have been changed over the years. A Reliant wearing replacement wheels may not match its original sub-model setup, so checking the tire sidewall and measuring wheel diameter helps prevent ordering the wrong size.
What size rim does a 1987 Plymouth Reliant use?
A 1987 Plymouth Reliant uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Reliant K uses the 175/80R13 tire size on a 13-inch rim, while the Reliant LE uses the 185/70R14 tire size on a 14-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important wheel measurement to verify because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. Wheel width matters too when comparing available products, so it helps to confirm the wheel setup on the car before narrowing the choice by sidewall style, brand, or tire series.
Do all 1987 Plymouth Reliant sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Plymouth Reliant K uses 175/80R13, while the 1987 Plymouth Reliant LE uses 185/70R14. Both are radial tires, but the sizes differ in both section width and wheel diameter, so one fitment should not be assumed for the entire model range.
That difference affects more than just the number on the sidewall. It changes which products can be considered, what sidewall styles are available, and which wheel diameter the car must have. Anyone working with a recently purchased Reliant or a car that has been stored for years should confirm the trim designation and inspect the wheels already on the car before making a replacement choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
Start with the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, since the Reliant K uses 175/80R13 and the Reliant LE uses 185/70R14. From there, the main considerations are radial construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the goal is a more original-looking presentation or a simpler blackwall appearance.
Product differences also matter once the size is confirmed. Some options emphasize whitewall styling, while others stay closer to a sportier or understated blackwall look. Comparing rim-width range, load figures where stated, and overall tire character helps narrow the choice, especially on an older car that may be used gently for shows, cruising, or occasional regular road driving.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Plymouth Reliant tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Plymouth Reliant include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size. The 175/80R13 fitment offers narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, while the 185/70R14 fitment includes blackwall and wide whitewall options.
That makes sidewall style an important part of the final decision once the correct size is confirmed. A whitewall tire can give the car a more traditional 1980s passenger-car look, while a blackwall tire creates a plainer or more European-influenced appearance. Since sidewall treatment is tied to specific sizes and product lines, the exact wheel and sub-model should be settled first.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
Tires for the 1987 Plymouth Reliant are available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in 175/80R13, while 185/70R14 choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. All of the available fitments here are radial tires, but the brands vary in series and sidewall presentation.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct tire size for the car. Once that is settled, comparing each brand’s available sidewall style, rim-width specification, and overall look is more useful than treating every option as the same. A Reliant being preserved for shows may point one direction, while a regularly driven example may lead to a different visual or series preference.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
A period-style 1987 Plymouth Reliant tire starts with using the correct sub-model size: 175/80R13 for a Reliant K or 185/70R14 for a Reliant LE. From there, the most appearance-driven choices are the whitewall options, including narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and, for some 14-inch offerings, staying with a blackwall if that better suits the car’s presentation.
The right choice depends on how the car is being preserved. A survivor or restoration-minded example often benefits from a sidewall style that looks at home with the vehicle’s trim and stance, while a casually maintained driver may simply need the correct size with a clean, appropriate look. When originality matters closely, period photos and marque-specific references are worth consulting before deciding on whitewall width.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
On the 1987 Plymouth Reliant, construction does not create a bias-ply versus radial decision because the primary fitments are radial tires. Appearance changes come more from sidewall treatment and tire series than from switching between construction types, since both covered sizes are already in a modern radial format.
That means a restored Reliant’s visual character is shaped mostly by whether the car wears blackwalls, a narrow whitewall, or a wider whitewall. Wheel diameter also influences the finished look, since the K and LE use different sizes. A thoughtful tire choice can support the car’s overall presentation without drifting away from the correct fitment for the specific sub-model.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
Yes. A 1987 Plymouth Reliant may no longer have its original wheel and tire setup, and even small changes can affect fitment. Different wheel diameters, wheel widths, offset changes, suspension alterations, or body work can all influence whether the car still matches the stock 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 fitment path.
That is why the actual car should be inspected before choosing tires by trim name alone. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, current tire markings, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension helps confirm what the vehicle can accept. This is especially important on older cars that may have passed through several owners or seen budget repairs over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Plymouth Reliant on new tires?
Before putting a 1987 Plymouth Reliant back into regular road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the wheel diameter matches the chosen tire size, and make sure the valve stems are in good condition. It also helps to check alignment, suspension wear, and brake condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for other problems.
The tires already on the car deserve a close look too, even if they still hold air. Uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, or long-term age can point to issues that should be corrected before a replacement set goes into service. A careful once-over reduces the chance of chasing pull, vibration, or clearance problems after installation.
How should 1987 Plymouth Reliant tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1987 Plymouth Reliant should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, irregular wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and signs of aging. Collector-era cars that are driven infrequently often need extra attention because tires can deteriorate from time, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting even when tread depth still looks acceptable.
Maintenance also includes keeping the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. Driving the car occasionally, maintaining proper inflation, and moving it enough to avoid long-term flat spotting can help preserve ride quality. An older Reliant that suddenly feels different on the road is a good reason to inspect both the tires and the suspension together.
