1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2000 Chrysler Cirrus
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1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus ▼
- Price Range: $1,100 - $2,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
- Ride
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Road noise
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Replacing the long-lived LeBaron, Cirrus was the first of Chrysler's new front-drive JA compact/mid-size sedans. The Dodge Stratus and the less-costly Plymouth Breeze were introduced a little later. Cirrus came in LX and LXi trim levels. Trendy "cab-forward" combined with a 108-inch wheelbase helped provide an unusually roomy interior. Power came from a new Mitsubishi 2.5-liter V6, with four valves per cylinder. Making 168 horsepower, it mated with an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard features included dual airbags, antilock brakes, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette stereo, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus LX 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Chrysler Sebring:
A Cirrus with a dual-cam 4-cylinder engine arrived for '96. The Chrysler-built 2.4-liter 4-cylinder produced 150 horsepower and was standard in the LX. Like the V6 Cirrus, it came only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was optional in LX sedans. Rear headrests were new this year.
1997 Chrysler Sebring:
Changes were minimal for the Cirrus sedan's third season. Interiors added a new center floor console with armrests and a storage bin. However, the 4-cylinder engine was now standard in both models, with V6 optional.
1998 Chrysler Sebring:
Chrysler dropped both the 4-cylinder engine and LX trim level for the 1998 model year.
1999 Chrysler Sebring:
Minor exterior changes included the addition of Chrysler's winged grille badge and standard chrome wheels. A new extra was Sentry Key, a system that disables the ignition unless the proper key is used.
2000 Chrysler Sebring:
Chrysler revived the 4-cylinder engine for use under Cirrus hoods, adding a 4-cylinder LX model to join the V6 LXi sedan. Aluminum wheels and an 8-speaker AM/FM cassette stereo became standard, instead of optional. Rear child seat anchorages were added to both models.
Our road test for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Cirrus offers a lot to like, starting with spaciousness. Shorter than some compacts, its long wheelbase and roomy five-passenger interior move it into the mid-size class. Front passengers have generous space, and ample rear leg room allows some people to ride with legs crossed--though the seat isn't wide enough for three adults to fit comfortably. The modern, thoughtfully arranged dashboard has clear gauges, smooth-working wiper/light stalks, and simple climate controls. However, rearward visibility is severely restricted by a narrow back window and high rear ledge. Six-cylinder acceleration is fairly brisk, but the engine does not generate much torque below 3000 rpm or so. For that reason, the engine initially feels flat in highway passing, or whenever you need a quick burst of power. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for passing, though it occasionally lags just a bit, as if waiting for permission. Acceleration in the 4-cylinder Cirrus ranks as adequate, and that engine delivers better gas mileage. You're likely to notice a lot of road noise on most surfaces. Both engines are loud under hard throttle, too. The nimble Cirrus maneuvers easily and corners with athletic agility, good grip, and little body lean--less than a Honda Accord, for instance. Power steering is quick and precise, centering well after turns. Tires on the softer-suspended LX model can squeal a little in tight corners. Suspensions produce a stable, comfortable ride on most surfaces, rebounding instantly to most bumps and holes, though they don't absorb pock-marked surfaces well. The sporty LXi has a well-controlled but firm ride, while the softer-sprung LX allows more bouncing.
Value for the Money
This highly capable family 4-door equals its Japanese competition in many areas, and beats them soundly for passenger and cargo space.
This highly capable family 4-door equals its Japanese competition in many areas, and beats them soundly for passenger and cargo space.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus LX 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chrysler Sebring includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler Sebring .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Air conditioning may be intermittent or stop completely due to failed pressure transducer. (1995)
Air conditioner:
AC compressor fails on cars with 2.5-liter engine, especially if car is driven mostly in heavy traffic in hot weather. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1995)
Brake wear:
Pulling to left when braking plus premature wear of the left front brake pad and right rear brake shoes caused by overheated brake fluid because brake line is too close to exhaust pipe. (See also: recalls) (1998-00)
Headlights:
Poor illumination from headlights corrected by replacing both headlamp modules. (1996-97)
Steering noise:
A bad pinch bolt on the coupling between the steering intermediate and gear shafts may cause clunking or rattling noise in the steering column. (1995-00)
Tail/brake lights:
Moisture builds up in taillamps. (1995)
Water leak:
Water leaks in between the door and interior door trim or from the cowl/plenum/floor/A-pillar seams. (1995-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $450 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,015 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $560 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $375 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $375 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $255 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler Sebring details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Cirrus | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Cirrus | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Cirrus | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Cirrus | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Cirrus | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Cirrus | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chrysler Sebring include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3150 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only a V6 was available in the Cirrus's first year: a Mitsubishi engine that produced 168 horsepower. For 1996, the lower priced LX sedan came with a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, with the V6 optional. Both engines drive only a 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic controls.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.5 / 152 | 168 | 170 | 4-speed automatic: 20/28 | 4-speed automatic: 21 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 148 | 150 | 165-167 | 4-speed automatic: 20/29 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler Sebring include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Cirrus |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Rear-seatbelt anchors will not withstand loading required by Federal standard.
1995-96 w/2.4-liter:
Oil leakage could cause engine-compartment fire.
1995-96:
Brake master cylinder can leak fluid, due to damaged seal; warning light will signal impairment prior to partial brake-system loss.
1995-96:
Corrosion of ABS hydraulic control unit can cause solenoid valves to stick open, so car tends to pull from a straight stop when brakes are applied.
1995-97:
Lower ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication; could cause loss of control.
1995-98 w/automatic transmission:
If operator presses button to shift out of "Park" with key in locked position, pin can break; "ignition-park" interlock would then be nonfunctional.
1996-97:
Secondary hood latch spring can disengage if hood is slammed.
1998-99:
Right rear-brake tube can contact exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it; tube could then leak, reducing braking effectiveness.
2000:
Incorrect child lock instruction labels could cause confusion as to whether the childproof safety lock was activated.
2000:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
2000:
The right front-brake tube may get damaged.
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