Chrysler Reviews

I knew virtually nothing about american iron, this book is a good read for all interested in raw (Chrystler) american motor power. Quite technical, but not too technical.

This is a very good book, with lots of good info and pictures, from the old Whale block through the Elephant motor and beyond. A definite recommended reader.

Being an american iron novice, I found this book an excellent read! Not too technical.

This is a good book that incorporates techniques suitable for the home mechanic that don't have access to expensive factory speciality tools. A bit lacking of in-depth detail, but better written than say a Chiltons.

Shop manuals published by the car manufacturer are the most in-depth, but this manual costs far less and is perfectly fine for most car owners. It includes general maintenance information, as well as instructions for more complex operations such as engine/transmission replacement and brake/suspension/electrical/AC repairs. The models covered in this manual ranged from basic models (Dynasty)to fully equipped luxury models (Imperial). If an owner wanted to exchange seats, radios, or dashboards from one of the more upscale models covered in this manual, it would explain how to do so. I own a 1991 Dodge Dynasty (3.0L V6) that I am planning on making some modifications to, and this will be a very helpful tool. It's better written than the equivalent manual from Chilton.

As always, Anthony Young has done an excellent job in bring all the necessary data, facts and figures about his chosen subject. Nothing new that has not been done before by various other authors like Holder & Kunz, RM Clarke and most of the pictures have been seen before.

However, a worthwhile addition to any collection as it brings the best of all three manufacturers together unto one book and blends Mr Youngs particular style of writing which is clear and informative.

Only lacking in comparison reports and multicar tests..

This book has it all, great photos, informative writing, and a wealth of information. Covers the development of Mopar Muscle from the early sixties all the way up to the Dodge Viper of the nineties. A great source for Mopar fans.

Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do.
Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes and Chilton's Manuals.
1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their care care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).

As for the particular manual for the Haynes (30011)Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1996 through 2002:
This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models.
It compares favorably with other Haynes manuals for conciseness, clarity of both written instructions and photographs and is thorough. I used it step by step to replace horns, headlight bulbs and to go through a 30,000 mile check up and service. I also checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand.
I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.
I'm happy with this purchase.
John Row

In a nutshell, don't ever buy chilton. they stink. they are always very generic, and never directed to the actual car you own. You simply can't cram 4 makes of dodge into the same book and expect a home mechanic to find it very useful. Haynes manuals have always been better. They show photos of the actual parts you're going to hold in your hand. the directions are to YOUR car, not some similar model. Buy Haynes. I don't know why auto parts stores even carry Chilton.

I received the book and have read it cover to cover. It is an interesting read, and more so for me since I just bought an identical car. I have to say that I was hoping for a little more detail and analysis of options on the specific car. For example, since the title says restore, I thought that there might be some discussion / sources / charts of the original options, colors, fabrics, etc. I think repair, repaint and reupholster is more accurate than restore.

The book is longer on the author's personal story than of the car. Given his NASA background I had also hoped for a more technical diescussion.

The book is not large or long and cost [money]. If you were to pick it up at a swap meet [for less money] would be the high side of what you might pay.

I'm happy to have the book, I was just hoping for more for the $.

I gave out 2 copies of this book as a gift and kept one for myself. As an owner of a 1947 Chrysler, I can say this book reflects all the joy and pain I had in restoring my own vehicle.

Very well written, many details to help others in planning and executing their own restoration, not only for a Chrysler, but other makes as well.

Well done Dave Floyd! Keep Goliath rolling!

"A Chrysler Chronicle" offers tons of laughs, tears, and a variety of insight. This story is an inspiration for folks of ALL ages and interests. We're anxiously awaiting the next one, Dave Floyd!

I bought this book because my '89 Daytona 2.5L N/A TBI was being a bit tempermental, and because I figured now was a good time in my life to start handling my own car repairs, within reason. While this book does do a pretty good job going over basic systems, troubleshooting tips, and so forth, the information regarding the 1989 models ('87 and '88 too I assume) is lacking. There is almost no diagram in the book that matches what can be seen under my hood, and that's a little troubling when you don't know where everything is by sight yet, or what the names of everything are. However, once I became more familiar with my own car, I could more readily translate the information specific to the '85/'86 models (which appears to be the concentration in this book).

Buy this book if you do any repairs on your own, for the simple reason that, even though it leaves a little to be desired for the late '80s models, it's the only good book out there.

The repair manual, Dodge Daytona and Chrysler Laser : 1984 Thru 1989 All Models Automotive Repair Manual (1140), is good for if you are doing most repairs. For someone who is interested in doing something that should be done by the dealership or professional it does not give exact descriptions. I found that with doing repairs that you would do at home it is the perfect thing.

This book has lots of great info.

An excellent manual if you are interested in the early HEMI engines, but if you are building a 426 (or as in my case, a 528) you will be disappointed.

If you are interested in the early chyrsler, dodge, desoto hemi's, 392, 354, 331 etc..." not the legendary 60's and early 70's 426 hemi" this book is a must have. It's also almost the only source of early hemi you are likely to find available currently widely in print. For a comparasion, for the past year, I have been searching for all early hemi info and shelled out big $ for stacks of old magazines, 50's hemi service manuals, mopar manuals, magazines, articles going back to the 50's on early hemis etc.. While this book is not an entire bible of early hemi knowledge it's by far the best single source available especially for the price and should have all the basic's needed for a first time early hemier that are not even covered in the old service manuals. They walk you through identification, interchangability, how to rebuilds, replacement parts sources, tranny swaps, factory specs.etc.. In fact the only part I found disappointing with the book was the lack of a dyno test in their section on a rebuild/hop up of a 392 hemi so I'm left with the question how much more horsepower did they get over the factory 375hp?? something I stil want to know... other useful stuff that was left out which I have found elsewhere was bolt in swapping info into a 70's mopar and some of Don gartilis speed secrets he used in drag racing.. but all in all a very complete and useful early hemi book.. if you are even entertaining the idea of an early hemi I would definitely start here before looking anywhere else and if you need more detailed knowledge then start digging into the internet, old timers at swap meets, back issues of mopar mags and late 50's and early 60's hot rod mags and the powerplay early hemi web site.

Having worked for a Chrysler dealer in the early 60's, I have always had a lot of respect for the hemi engines. This book brought back great memories. It tells of things about them that I never appreciated until now. So I finally bought my first hemi!

This book is fine for someone who has no previous knowledge of the subject. However, for anyone who has read other materials on this topic, this book had nothing new to say, even though there was much that could be said, particularly of the post-Iacocca and post-DC merger eras.

For my money, Moritz' and Seaman's "Going For Broke" remains the best book on the history of the old Chrysler Corp., even though that book is now 23 years old.

In many ways the most interesting of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers, the Chrysler Corporation has seen as many ups and downs as the evocative title of this volume suggests. Charles Hyde, a professor of history at Wayne State University, has produced a thorough, scholarly, yet highly readable book on a company that was the second largest producer of automobiles in North America at several points in its long history and was nearly out of business at others. The main thread of this fascinating story begins with the formation of a new automobile company by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 and ends shortly after the merger of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz in 1998. However, Hyde has also given us detailed coverage of the developments that led up to the formation.

This is primarily a business history with a focus on corporate management and the marketing of automobiles. It is also a study of Chrysler products and the technology that created them. Hyde is both an economic historian and an industrial archaeologist. His understanding of assembly line production and the architecture of automobile plants is second to none. He says in his preface that "The origins of this book go back to late 1980, when I took on the monumental task of documenting the sprawling Dodge Main factory complex in Hamtramck, Michigan, before its demolition."

Hyde has filled an important need by writing the definitive history of the Chrysler Corporation. This is much more than a synthesis of existing scholarship. Most of his
interpretation is based on original archival research. Among the many significant historical contributions is his coverage of Dodge Brothers, which became a key part of Chrysler in 1928. Also very impressive is Hyde's discussion of the Chrysler Airflow (1934-1937), a major advance in engineering but a failure in style and sales. He even devotes an entire chapter to Chrysler's amazingly effective shift to military production for World War II.

The fascinating characters in this book give it a vitality lacking in most business histories. Hyde provides a new look at Walter P. Chrysler, one that sometimes differs from the image that this dynamic captain of industry tried to project in his autobiography. Those who need another fix of Lee Iacocca stories will not be disappointed. We also learn a great deal about such important but often overlooked figures as Carl Breer and Virgil Exner, who had so much to do
with the form and function of Chrysler products.

Riding the Roller Coaster should be required reading for anyone with an interest in the automobile industry. Serious scholars will welcome the new information and insights that Hyde delivers in every chapter. Those who simply love cars or want to understand the business strategies that produce them will also be pleased by this fine book.

I really like old Chrysler and especially old Dodge cars and trucks and until I read this book I hadn't read the entire company story in one book before. There are other books about Walter Chrysler and the Dodge Bros. and Lee Iacocca and their cars but not everything told together in one big story before. This book starts at the very beginning of Walter Chrysler's career when he worked sweeping the floors at the Chicago & Great Western Railroad and how he was one of the early pioneers that saw the potential of the automobile. Eventually he went to work for Buick and learned the business so well he bought his own car company.

This book also tells the curious history of the Dodge Bros. and how they worked with Henry Ford but then decided to build their own Dodge Bros. cars which Chrysler later bought out. The book covers the Great Depression and how the company managed to get through it when so many other companies failed. The author also tells how Chrysler contributed to WWII by building military equipment. I especially liked the chapters on the '50's and 60's which tells about how Chrysler needed to build dealerships in the suburbs and sun belt states to survive--I hadn't ever read that before--and how they got Virgil Exner to design their cars. I really liked the parts on Carl Kiekhaefer and NASCAR in the mid-'50s.

I kind of get tired of reading about Lee Iacocca so I mostly skipped over that part and I'm not much interested in the later Chryslers except the Viper but I thought this was a really good book about the company. It's got some statistical tables and lots of illustrations. I met the author at my library where he spoke about his book and he was very friendly and signed my book.

One gets the impression that the ghostwriter had very little contact with Lutz professionally or personally.

Part autobiography and part business advice. People who read this book for the 7 laws will get their money's worth. Although that particular section accounts for 25 or 30% of the book, Lutz explains his positions with exceptional clarity and detail. His anecdotes and examples are right on the money. When he goes beyond the business world and into social commentary, he starts sounding a bit out of touch, although it is nice to hear a corporate type who takes a stand at the risk of offending.

Where the book misses is in the spotty autobiography. Lutz's essay and the forward by Bob Eaton make much of the fact that he is a vegetarian, an ex-marine, Berkley alum and former reprobate who did not finish high school till age 22, yet went on to success in every arena in his life thereafter, but then he doesn't bother to explain much about his past, except the Marine part. As long as he takes the time to prescribe remedies to the state of the modern educational and legal systems, the apparently disparate aspects of his life deserve philosophical explanations, too.

Those who buy books just to peruse the laws promised in the title (perhaps Lutz wrote this book for such people) will get their money's worth. Those with the discipline to read a whole book will want a separate biography.

What inspired me to buy this book was a review of it on television which included the title of one of the chapters: "The Customer Isn't Always Right." With a CEO who thinks like that, you know it has to be a good read. Lutz explains his common sense approach to leadership in business, which could apply to any field outside of business as well. A must-buy.

As you will find out if you read this book, Iacocca was not a car guy - he was a businessman, a "mogul" in the business of cars.

This book provides a counterpoint to the Iacocca books, from a different viewpoint: from within the engineering and production "trenches".

No only does Yates chronicle the development of the third generation minivan; he chronicles with it the transformation of the Chrysler Corporation.

Adequately written, very insightful. Incredible access to what transpired at Chrysler during this time.

Recommended. Especially for minivan owners or prospective buyers.

We've owned four Caravan / Voyagers, so I had a distinct curiosity about the book's subject. The book was interesting when describing the design issues involved with "the vehicle that saved Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge". The book gives a good feel for the business end of the big bucks car industry, trying to guess what world economy and whim of the American buyer will sell cars five years down the road.
Brock Yates' writing style lends itself better to one page editorial writing or brief commentary within specifications laden car articles. He KNOWS the subject but has a boring style. Overall, though the subject to me was worth finishing the book.
John Row

As the owner of a 2000 Dodge Caravan I feel it is a special treat to learn the story of my car's design and creation, from conception to labor and delivery. The book is well written, and the story is told in such a way that it riveted my attention from beginning to end. Mr. Yates is highly qualified having spent an entire career as an automotive journalist, and in my opinion it shows. In cases where I was familiar with the facts being discussed, his story agrees with the facts I was familiar with. This book is top notch in my opinion - 5 stars.