Used 1997 Chrysler Cirrus Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Cirrus, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cirrus since its last redesign.
HEAD GASKET TROUBLE 3 TIMES
RAFITZ, 03/16/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have just learned that our Cirrus with only 30,000 miles is in need of it's THIRD HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT . Yes..THIRD! I called Chrysler and all they are going to do is charge us a % to have the head gasket replaced again.. and by the way, there IS NO GAURENTEE that the $$$ we put into it will be the end. After searching the web, I have learned the Chrysler Cirrus has te same engine as the Neon.. yes.. the neon which is known to have head gasket troubles.. and of course Chrysler DOES NOT stand behind their cars..Thank you Chrysler... And I hope this will help a future buyer from being scammed as we were.
currently looking
nice carnot reliable, 01/08/2003
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought this car after looking at another chrysler LX. We liked the leather and sound better. since the buy, we have had lots of problems. rear tail light quit working due to a corosive electrical plate($50). then the ABS went out($500plus). and now the brakes wont work half the time. when we press the peddle down every once in a while it just wont move. very dangerous! no one can figure it out without ripping into it deep and charging an arm and a 2 legs. very unsatisfied.
171,000 miles and still going
Mark in PA , 11/11/2007
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car was purchased at 95,000 miles. I knew the person & needed something inexpensive. I you are the kind of person who will do oil changes every 3k-4k, transmission serviced every 30k, do the major overhaul/tune-up at 100,000 and again at 160,000 and not abuse the car over bumps/road, this car will last and last. At 171,000 miles now, its no luxury vehicle compared to what's on the road today but it is cheap to operate and and gets pretty good gas milage for a car built in 1997. If you are thinking of purchasing one with lower miles (if you can find one), I'd only purchase if you can be shown repair records. I figure this car will last till 200,000 miles.
Glad We Bought the Extended Warranty!
mcambs, 09/29/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The poor reliability of my V6 Cirrus LX will prevent me from ever buying Chrysler products again! The styling is great and it was fun to drive but it was often in the shop for MAJOR repairs. The entire air conditioning system was replaced over one extremely hot summer and the entire rack and pinion was also replaced. I'm glad we paid for the extended warranty when we bought the car new! At 70K miles the car began to lurch, accelerate, and die. Neither the dealer nor an independent shop could solve this problem. After $1000 I gave up and traded it in on a VW.
Piece of Crap
Disgruntled, 06/26/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Never buy based upon "Car of The Year". This vehicle has been a huge disappointment,from a bad radiator at 40K (approx); a broken control arm bracket at 30K; leaking freeze plugs at 60K; car dies at idle and trys to at highway speeds (dealer twice has not been able to determine the cause), clunking noises in the front left suspension and in the right rear that no one has been able to fix, radio display that quit when new and now the replacement no longer works; an airconditioner unit that had a kinked metal tube that would not allow it to cool below 80, door panels where the paint scratches off around the hand rest...
great to own
beth smith, 05/27/2002
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
chrsyler cirus lxi black with gold trim - great to look at- leather seats- nice and soft - great looking wheels -
Chrysler Cirrus LXi '96
amazura, 05/09/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am just the third owner of this vehicle from March '02 ,have just already spent $240 to repair the Idle speed control.The display of the radio doesn't work but I can still enjoy the premium sound .Anyway , I still love it.It's great to drive on the highway with the 2.5L engine and luxury interior.Good ABS helped me many times.
Love it
SolBee, 12/28/2007
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and it is the best car I have ever owned! I love it. I had only minor problems except for rear brake lines bursting once. I also note the air conditioning is getting weak now. I guess it is getting pretty old and I hope my next car will be as good.
Great Car for Value
Chris Linkenhoker, 12/31/2009
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am the third owner of this vehicle and it has been great from day one. No major problems at all. Great fuel economy, large trunk, and plenty of interior room. A/C still blows ice cold, all power accessories work, and engine/transmission are great. Car has close to 150000 miles on it now and shows no sign of slowing down soon. Loved this car so much I bought an 06 Stratus and have been equally pleased, but still drive the Cirrus for my everyday car and even on long trips.
bad problems
vipcrunked, 01/17/2010
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
their a po300 problem that no one can fix i replaced the following distributor, cap, rotor, egr, vac leaks, spark plug, plug wire, fuel pump, and still says po 300 dealers cant figure it out 6 garges cant figure it out and the funny thing is it run great and always has $2,500 later
impressive
greenmopar, 09/01/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have over a 130k miles on this car and the only probs i have had is the power steering air compressure i used to race the car at the track not a good idea i tore the differentale out of the tranmission but thats my fault only thing i dont like about i tis lack of aftermarket parts
Ok car, but beware reliability gotchas
jmkf, 11/11/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very nice car -- when it is working. We have had several major repairs over the life of the car (we are second owners, but might as well have been the first, since we got it with 9k miles). The A/C was addressed twice, the 'spark plugs and engine electrical' many times (until out of warranty when a third-party garage actually found the problem and replaced the alternator/coil assembly), and the climate controls had to be replaced once.
Love This Car!
Cirrusly Tuned, 12/04/2002
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Cirrus used in 1998 with 50K on the odometer and haven't had a problem with her since. I have done all my own maintenance on the vehicle even though I am a layman when it comes to car repair. I have found quite a few aftermarket parts available and I have spent a little time at the track. The ride quality is good and the engine is peppy. A big bonus is the ability to carry 5 full size adults.
Enough to make me trust Chrysler . . .
jmmailin, 07/14/2003
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a VW Dasher-fun to drive but mechanical disaster; Dodge (Mitsubishi) Colt- reliable, great mileage, but small, poor acceleration, I wanted bigger w/a little style & power. Cirrus served well w/6 cyl providing extra power, comfort, surprisingly roomy interior, + decent mileage (26/30). Few probs but all expensive: computer control module, then A/C compressor, then condensor, major brake job, engine mounts went a early at 90000, but little else for 7 yrs. Extended warranty (both dealer & aftermarket) worthwhile. -Pts for hard to reach battery in driver wheel well; +pts for battery lasting 5 yrs in AZ.
1996 Chrysler Cirrus - Dark Rosewood
heyboys, 01/23/2004
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was my first time "NEW" car purchase. I do not regret the selection at all!
Luxury for very little
ms a, 02/02/2004
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The leather interior feels luxurious as do the comfortable seats. Mine is black ext. tan int. and it looks great! I love how it looks ageless. It's 8 yrs old and still fits in with the new crowd. I enjoy having a V6 and would never consider getting anything but. I've had a good time with the car, except for the AC problems. In '03, I had to replace the whole unit for $1200, and now it's broken again. I have had electrical problems also.
great car if u can afford the gas
andy, 06/14/2008
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I haven't had the car that long and only put maybe 6,000 on it over the last 2-3 months I had it. Not sure because the tack (or whatever the thing that tracks mileage is) doesn't always work. The inside is well designed and roomy. Has cup holder issues. Great stereo, lots of bass for stock. It got me to school everyday and so far to work everyday. Not something you wanna drive from Michigan to Florida because of the gas
ok car
red , 03/18/2009
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First off this car is NOT for some one who wants to do the work themselves. I have had it 10 years and had to have the trans seas repaced and a $1000 sensor. Brakes are bad I would say all in all for a car that is 12 yrs old it has been above average. It still is peppy
Keeps on Tickin'
raschild, 11/18/2009
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a faithful car for my wife and I. For the first three years of our marriage it was our only vehicle and handles the slopes of PA well. Only problems stem from lack of good maintenance by previous owner. This car uses brakes quickly as well. Otherwise it is running strong at nearly 157,000. Gets great mileage on open road, as high as 35, but normally around 30-31. V6 has just enough power, but is very hard to work on (cramped engine compartment). Good maintenance will keep it running for quite awhile. Great car for its age!
Best car we've owned!
bob 2.0, 10/21/2003
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Cirrus LXI has been one of the nicest cars we've ever owned. We've had relatively few problems with it, other than a few quirky issues around 50k. (the cruise control and the keyless entry had to be "reset" by the dealer). As I recall, we also had to have the water pump replaced, which seems to be a common problem.
Great car for the money
MrG65, 12/08/2003
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new and have had virtually no problems (just brakes etc) in 100,000 miles. Very roomy and comfortable, no complaints.
Best car for me
Sherry Long, 08/12/2005
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I have owned this vehicle I have not had any problems. It is not hard for me to keep the gas tank full and always starts gracefully. It also has enough room for my family to sit very comfortably. Thank you .
Gets the job done.
AAK181, 01/11/2004
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my car it gets me around, plenty of space moving back and forth from School, and its quick when it has to be. Performance wise its sound it holds up well in the city and on the highway. Maintance is a different story. My biggest complint behind the safety reports are the breaks, which need to be relpaced every year(front and rear). So it tends to be an expencive car, on top of the regular maintenance. Other then that its fine for a first car, but i can't recomend it.
Hire some engineers 4 crying out loud
tgjr, 03/15/2003
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The body and interior are great. The mechanical layout and design quality are terrible! Service perfomed in the first 100K miles... Replaced transmission servo-valve package due to leaks. Research has shown that this is a common issue for this Chysler transmission. Replaced front axle Replaced water pump Replaced timing belt (when will manufacturers stop burying a limited life component deep inside the engine?!? Duh!!! Other normal wear items (brakes, etc.)
Great and Cheap
Terry Smith, 03/18/2003
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has great looks and a powerful V6 engine that will last you for a long time if you give it some maintnance. The only problem I had with this car was the water pump.
Missed it by that much
Ragtop preferred, 09/05/2006
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Missed it by ... that much. Too much. In two years, I have had to service the brakes 3 times, replace ignition wires 2 times, and an idle knock has started in the lower end of the motor/tranny at 55,000 miles. Routine service was done. It averages only 18- 19 mpg around town with a 4 cylinder. It looks and handles nice, having lots of creature comforts. Also fast off the line and on the beltway. But, I plan to sell it. I was hoping for more mechanical reliability. I'm looking at Japanese cars now. I won't miss it much.
Excellent Car
Bill, 03/31/2007
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
205,000 miles and still going strong. The V6 motor has been great. The only above average maintenance item has been brakes.
Alright so far
shunt, 04/08/2007
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought this car and had to replace the ball joints, and needs brakes. I like the body style and interior. I am concerned with some of the reviews, I have never had a problem with any Chrysler's I have ever owned, hopefully this one won't disappoint me!
Why buy Japanese?
john herrmann, 11/12/2007
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been in the shop once in 11 years for a minor repair other than normal service. I have consistently gotton 28 to 30 mpg and it handles as well as most sports cars. I have driven everything with 4 to 18 wheels and cannot understand paying 30 to 45 thousand for bells and whistles when this car can still be purchased in the low 20's.
Chrysler Cirrus
nelson, 10/28/2007
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has been awesome vehicle for ten years well worth the experience proving depenability and better than expected gas economy. Clean cut with some age spots and slight details to tenfd to mechaniclly. Solid record keeping on meticulous periodics
As good as it gets!!!!!!
bryboman, 06/24/2003
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been by far the best Chrysler product I have driven. I purchased the car with 43 miles on it, as a leftover, and have driven it a trouble free 143,000 miles. My only complaint is the seat travel, you feel alittle too close to the dashboard, and with the great room in the back, alittle more travel would have been nicer. Now, at 143K, the car is beginning the old nickle and diming. Radio is getting flakey, bushing and suspension parts need replacing. But after 143K, can I complain? Hell no!
my opion
ken robertson, 03/15/2002
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
kick to drive, go for the six cylinder
Terrific car!
A Brown, 03/05/2003
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but good driving from this car. It is zippy and fun, yet roomy enough and with features which allow haulage of larger items. Great!
A Good Car, But Repairs Costly
Gene Yetter, 06/07/2003
1996 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I use my Cirrus both for traveling the Interstates and getting around New York City. It's very maneuverable and reliable. Fun to drive even, especially since I installed Sirius satellite radio. However costs to maintain the car I find are shockingly high. For example, the OEM muffler or catalytic converter each sell for over $300 retail. To replace transmission seals requires the transmission to be dropped, and that can run over $600 at a discount transmission shop.
Dont buy this car!!!
reneb, 09/11/2002
1997 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
3 Recalls. over 1,000 dollars per year just to fix the tires,breaks, a/c, misc. every year it is something else. And Ive finally had it. Trading in for a better car. Never going for a Chrysler again!!