The 1991 Plymouth Colt came at the end of the badge’s long run as a practical, compact import-based Plymouth, and its appeal today often centers on simplicity, light weight, and honest everyday usability. Whether the car is a basic Colt hatchback or one of the Vista variants, tire fitment matters because this model used several different radial sizes depending on sub-model and wheel setup. That means the real decision is less about vintage bias-ply versus radial construction and more about matching the exact size, rim diameter, and appearance you want. Whitewall, blackwall, and even redline choices are available in certain sizes, so restoration style and road use both deserve a careful look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Plymouth Colt
The 1991 Plymouth Colt uses five different primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and, in some cases, whether the car has a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel. Every primary fitment is a radial, so the key first step is confirming the specific Colt or Vista version and checking the actual wheel diameter before comparing sidewall style, brand, or tire series.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1991 Plymouth Colt, this size suits a compact, narrow-tread setup tied to specific configurations rather than the full model range. Available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel across series like UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. It is a useful size to evaluate when preserving the Colt’s original proportions and confirming compatibility with a 13-inch wheel.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1991 Plymouth Colt, it represents one of the model-specific fitments that must be matched to the correct sub-model instead of assumed across the whole lineup. The available product choice here centers on a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ, giving this size a more focused, performance-oriented product character than some of the whitewall offerings in other Colt sizes. It makes sense to choose this size only after confirming the car’s exact trim and existing 13-inch wheel setup.
Fit(s): Vista (4WD) and Vista (4WD) w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1991 Plymouth Colt, this size is tied to specific Vista 4WD applications, so the 14-inch wheel requirement is one of the most important checks before moving forward. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall options from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein in series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size deserves attention when the goal is to match a Vista 4WD setup while still comparing appearance and road-use priorities.
Fit(s): Vista (FWD) and Vista (FWD) w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1991 Plymouth Colt, it belongs to certain Vista FWD applications and should be selected only after the exact sub-model and wheel size are confirmed. Available options include BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial in a wide whitewall style and Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 in a narrow whitewall style, giving this fitment a clear appearance-based choice within the same basic size. It is a strong size to consider when maintaining a traditional small-car stance on a 13-inch wheel.
Fit(s): Vista w/Special Pkg. and Vista w/Special Pkg. w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/70R13 is a metric radial size that combines a 185-millimeter nominal section width with a 70-series profile and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1991 Plymouth Colt, this fitment is used on specific Vista Special Package applications rather than across every Colt or Vista version. It offers the widest product variety of the Colt’s 13-inch sizes, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein in series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, Michelin XDX-B, and Sprint Classic. This size is worth close comparison when appearance, brand preference, and intended road use all matter.
Tire fitment varies across the 1991 Plymouth Colt range, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before choosing a tire. That matters even more here because the lineup uses both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel diameters, along with several different metric radial sizes.
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1991 Plymouth Colt Base
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Base uses its own dedicated radial fitment, making size confirmation straightforward once the sub-model is known. Tire selection then becomes a matter of matching the 13-inch wheel and choosing between the available whitewall-oriented product styles that suit the car’s overall presentation.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt GL uses a different radial size than the Base and Vista variants, so trim identification is important before comparing products. Once that is confirmed, the focus shifts to keeping the correct 13-inch fitment and selecting a tire that matches the intended driving feel and appearance.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista (4WD) uses a 14-inch radial fitment that sets it apart from the 13-inch Colt and Vista applications. That makes wheel-diameter verification especially important before comparing blackwall and whitewall options in this size.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista (4WD) w/aluminum wheels uses the same 14-inch radial size as the standard 4WD Vista configuration. Tire choice is therefore less about construction and more about confirming the wheel setup, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit the vehicle.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista (FWD) uses a 13-inch radial size that differs from the Vista 4WD versions and from other Colt sub-models. After confirming that specific FWD setup, the main decision becomes whether a narrow or wide whitewall presentation better matches the car.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista (FWD) w/aluminum wheels shares the same 13-inch radial size as the standard Vista FWD version. With the size settled, attention can stay on wheel compatibility and on selecting the whitewall treatment that best fits the vehicle’s look.
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Special Pkg. uses a distinct 13-inch radial fitment with broader product variety than some other Colt sizes. That gives more room to compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline presentations while still keeping the correct basic sizing for the sub-model.
1991 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Special Pkg. w/aluminum wheels
The 1991 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Special Pkg. w/aluminum wheels uses the same 13-inch radial size as the standard Special Package Vista. Tire selection therefore centers on sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than on changing size.
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 1991 Plymouth Colt Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Plymouth Colt tires vary by exact size, wheel diameter, and intended look. Depending on the fitment, choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline styles across several distinct tire series.
Owners of a 1991 Plymouth Colt usually need to sort out exact tire size, 13-inch versus 14-inch rim fitment, and which choices best match the car’s appearance and use. The questions below focus on sub-model differences, product selection, and practical checks before the car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Plymouth Colt?
The 1991 Plymouth Colt uses several different radial tire sizes depending on the exact sub-model. Those sizes are 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 165/80R13, 185/70R13, and 185/70R14, so there is not one universal fitment for every Colt and Vista configuration.
The practical next step is identifying the exact model version before choosing a tire. A Colt Base, Colt GL, Vista FWD, Vista 4WD, and Vista Special Package do not all use the same size, and one of the available fitments requires a 14-inch wheel instead of a 13-inch wheel.
What size rim does a 1991 Plymouth Colt use?
A 1991 Plymouth Colt can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Most Colt and Vista applications in this range use 13-inch wheels, while the Vista 4WD fitment uses a 14-inch rim with its 185/70R14 radial tire size.
Checking the wheel diameter on the car matters before comparing tires, especially on older vehicles that may have had wheel changes over the years. The tire size must match the actual rim diameter, and the wheel width should also fall within the acceptable range for the tire being considered.
Why does the 1991 Plymouth Colt have more than one tire size?
The 1991 Plymouth Colt line covers more than one body and drivetrain configuration, which is why multiple radial tire sizes appear across the range. Base, GL, Vista FWD, Vista 4WD, and Vista Special Package versions each have their own fitment rather than sharing a single size.
That means tire selection starts with the exact sub-model, not just the year and nameplate. Once that is clear, the correct wheel diameter, profile, and available sidewall styles become much easier to sort out without mixing a 13-inch application with a 14-inch Vista 4WD setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1991 Plymouth Colt?
Start with the exact tire size and rim diameter for the specific 1991 Plymouth Colt sub-model. This car uses several radial fitments, so the correct choice begins with matching the right 13-inch or 14-inch size before comparing brand, sidewall style, load figure, or tire series.
After that, think about how the car will be used and how you want it to look. Some sizes offer blackwall choices, while others include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline options, which can change the car’s overall presentation without changing the basic fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Plymouth Colt tires?
Sidewall style depends on the exact 1991 Plymouth Colt tire size. Across the available fitments, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, though every style is not offered in every size or for every sub-model.
That makes appearance selection a size-by-size decision rather than a broad Colt decision. A buyer choosing 185/70R13 has a different range of sidewall treatments than someone shopping for 175/70R13 or 165/80R13, so the correct fitment should be confirmed before focusing on looks.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Plymouth Colt?
Brands available for 1991 Plymouth Colt fitments include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand choice varies by tire size, so the exact Colt or Vista fitment determines whether the product range is broad or relatively narrow.
The best way to compare them is by the factors that actually affect selection for the car: correct size, wheel compatibility, sidewall treatment, and the character of the tire series. Some sizes offer several blackwall and appearance-oriented options, while others are much more focused.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Plymouth Colt?
A period-style 1991 Plymouth Colt tire starts with the correct original fitment size for the exact sub-model, then narrows to the visual treatment that suits the car. Depending on size, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline radials.
That lets a restoration-minded owner shape the car’s presentation without stepping away from the proper basic dimensions. For a factory-authentic restoration, details such as sidewall treatment and brand should still be checked against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific historical sources.
How does tire fitment affect the appearance of a restored 1991 Plymouth Colt?
Tire fitment has a visible effect on a restored 1991 Plymouth Colt because section width, profile, rim diameter, and sidewall treatment all influence the car’s stance. A 13-inch whitewall radial gives a different visual impression than a 13-inch blackwall or a 14-inch Vista 4WD fitment.
Keeping the correct size for the exact sub-model helps preserve the proportions the car was built around. Once size and wheel diameter are right, appearance decisions such as wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, blackwall, or redline can be made with much more confidence.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Plymouth Colt?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Plymouth Colt even when the tire size itself looks correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or body repairs can change clearance at the fender, strut, or steering components.
That is especially important on a model with both 13-inch and 14-inch applications across the range. A modified Colt or Vista should have its actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and running clearance checked before a tire is chosen, rather than assuming the car still matches stock fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Plymouth Colt on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Plymouth Colt on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s exact sub-model, and check that the tires are properly inflated and seated. It is also smart to look over suspension, steering, and brake components on a low-use older vehicle.
A short, careful road test can help confirm that there is no rubbing, vibration, or pulling once the tires are installed. Tire age and condition should still be monitored over time, since collector and hobby cars often accumulate fewer miles but spend longer periods parked.
How should tires on a 1991 Plymouth Colt be maintained?
Tires on a 1991 Plymouth Colt should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and prompt attention to uneven wear, cuts, bulges, or sidewall cracking. Because these cars are often driven less than modern daily transportation, condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting during longer idle periods. Any sign of persistent air loss or age-related deterioration deserves closer inspection before road use.
