Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (200 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the vehicle's era and powertrain.
7 problems reported (3 very frequent, 4 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentOil sludge and catastrophic engine failure (2.7L V6)
Notorious for oil circulation problems leading to sludge buildup and engine failure, often before 100,000 miles, even with regular maintenance. Described as "one of the worst designed engines in history.".
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failures
Multiple reports of transmissions failing, getting stuck in gear, hard shifting/thunking, and requiring replacement. Concerns are raised about the transmission's ability to handle the vehicle's weight.
- Very frequentElectrical system issues
Wide range of problems including wipers activating spontaneously, turn signal malfunctions, dashboard compass/light anomalies, complete electrical failures after battery work, and faulty modules (e.g., TIPM - Total Integrated Power Module).
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPoor build quality / interior failures
Interior paneling falling off, seat upholstery wearing through to the frame prematurely, headliners falling down, and generally poor fit and finish.
- RecurrentCooling system problems
Issues with cooling fans activating at wrong times, difficulty diagnosing air in coolant, overheating, and complex repairs involving head gaskets and water pumps.
- RecurrentRust
Pronounced tendency to rust aggressively, with recommendations for preventative undercoating.
- RecurrentIntermittent starting problems
Reluctance to start when warm, requiring multiple cranks, stalling after starting; linked to various sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, MAP) or fuel delivery issues.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" version. Positive commentary is primarily directed at the driving experience of early first-generation models (e.g., 1994) when in good working order. Negative feedback is heavily concentrated on models equipped with the 2.7L V6 engine.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile and Buick sedans (of the era) and Dodge Stratus.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the vehicle's era and powertrain. Long-term owner reports from the 1990s, particularly regarding the first-generation models, express strong positive nostalgia for the car's revolutionary design and driving dynamics when new. The "cab forward" design, unibody construction, and suspension are frequently praised for delivering exceptional interior space, superb seating comfort, excellent handling, and a comfortable ride that was considered a revelation among American sedans of the early-to-mid 1990s. However, this initial praise is almost universally followed by severe criticism of long-term reliability and build quality. The consensus indicates these vehicles were initially impressive but aged poorly due to pervasive mechanical and electrical failures. For second-generation models (1998-2004), sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by severe and recurrent criticisms of specific engine and transmission failures, poor build quality, and complex electrical issues. The vehicle is characterized as a compelling but deeply flawed design that ultimately succumbed to poor execution and unreliable components.
Positioning vs competitors
When new, it was positioned as a technologically advanced and dynamically superior alternative to traditional American full-size sedans like the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevrolet Caprice, offering better handling, more interior space, and a more modern design. Within the Chrysler lineup, it was positioned below the flagship Chrysler LHS and 300M, with some engines detuned to maintain that hierarchy. In retrospect, based on long-term reliability, it is frequently grouped with other Chrysler LH-platform vehicles (Concorde, LHS) and related models (Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Sebring) as sharing common parts and catastrophic failure patterns. It is broadly characterized as part of a generation of Chrysler products that have largely disappeared from roads due to systemic reliability issues.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for positive configuration recommendations. Warnings are prevalent: Avoid the 2.7L V6 engine at all costs due to oil sludge issues. Meticulous maintenance is cited as critical for any version, including using high-quality oil, maintaining the cooling system, and addressing leaks promptly. Applying undercoating is recommended to combat rust, which is noted as a common issue. For transmission issues, checking and cleaning engine-to-body ground connections is suggested as a potential fix for shifting problems.
General recommendations
Not recommended as a primary or reliable vehicle, especially second-generation models with the 2.7L engine. Potentially suitable only as a very low-cost, short-term beater for those with mechanical aptitude and access to junkyard parts (shared with Stratus, Sebring, Concorde, LHS). Essential to have any vehicle thoroughly inspected for rust, oil sludge, transmission function, and electrical gremlins before purchase. Owners must be prepared for frequent, potentially catastrophic repairs. The consensus from long-term owner experiences strongly advises against purchase for anyone seeking dependable transportation.
Remarks
The overwhelming majority of substantive discussion focuses on diagnosing and repairing major failures, with the 2.7L V6 engine serving as the primary point of condemnation. The positive attributes: spacious, comfortable, good-handling: are exclusively attributed to the vehicle's initial design and are always contextualized by the subsequent reliability collapse. The data suggests these vehicles have largely vanished from common use due to these systemic issues. The provided community feedback spans multiple model years but reveals a clear generational shift: first-generation (1993-1997) owners recall initial brilliance followed by decline, while second-generation (1998-2004) owner experiences are dominated by the 2.7L engine's reputation and transmission woes. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and diagnostic threads.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
3.5 i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 245 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1998–2004