Overview & Reviews

Chrysler is generally considered part of the Big Three, a title that refers to the traditional triumvirate of domestic automakers. The current accuracy of this classification is open for debate, but there's no debating the fact that Chrysler has experienced a revival of sorts over the past few years.

Chrysler Corporation was founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler, a noted machinist; he'd purchased the Maxwell Motor Corporation of Detroit and used it as the foundation for his new company. The automaker quickly earned a reputation for advanced engineering. In 1928, Chrysler Corporation expanded with the purchase of Dodge and the creation of the DeSoto and Plymouth divisions.

The 1930s saw Chrysler boldly looking toward the future with the introduction of its revolutionary Airflow. Powered by a front-mounted inline-8, the car was one of the first to be designed with aerodynamics in mind, and featured swooping lines and a prominent grille. Perhaps a bit too ahead of its time, the Airflow was a flop with the public. Chrysler was able to survive the lean years of the Depression thanks to strong sales of its entry-level Dodge and Plymouth brands, whose vehicles boasted more traditional designs and much lower price tags.

Chrysler shined postwar. For a period in the late 1940s, it even surpassed Ford as the No. 2 U.S. automaker. The company's storied "Hemi" V8 engine debuted in 1951. Offering 180 horsepower, it was a significant improvement over Chrysler's previous 135-hp V8. The Hemi engine was meant to trounce the V8 offered by Cadillac, Chrysler's rival, and it kick-started Detroit's horsepower race of the 1950s and '60s. The '50s also saw the debut of treasured Chrysler classics like the handsome Town and Country and the sleek 300C.

By 1961, Chrysler had trimmed its line of brands by dropping the DeSoto nameplate. New technologies were also afoot, such as unibody construction (Chrysler was the first of the Big Three to introduce it) and the replacement of generators with alternators for a car's charging system. In the latter half of the '60s, Chrysler was heavily involved with NASCAR and producing performance-oriented cars.

At the same time, however, dark clouds were gathering. As with other domestic automakers, the 1970s proved to be a difficult decade due to the oil crisis, new government regulations and changing consumer tastes. A costly and ineffective overseas expansion further hurt the company's bottom line. By the late '70s, the company was in such financial disarray that it petitioned the government for $1.5 billion in loan guarantees to save it from bankruptcy.

Thanks to impressive public campaigning by then-chairman Lee Iacocca, the debut of the well-received K-car platform and the creation of the modern minivan, sales had improved dramatically by the mid-'80s. The government's loan was paid off seven years early. The picture further brightened in the late 1980s with Chrysler's purchase of American Motors Corporation (which netted the company the Jeep brand) and a joint venture with Mitsubishi known as Diamond Star Motors.

Success continued through the early 1990s. In 1998, German-based Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler to form DaimlerChrysler. At the time, this deal was presented as a merger of equals. But it quickly became apparent that it was more of a purchase, with Daimler being the dominant partner.

Less than a decade later, that merger was no longer, as Daimler sold Chrysler (and Dodge) to a private equity firm in 2007. However, that merger had borne some worthwhile fruit, most notably in the form of the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan. The latter shared some chassis components with an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform.

As such, the 300 was a highlight for Chrysler that had a pleasingly solid feel to its driving dynamics that was further sweetened via an available powerful V8 engine. But soon after the split, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy and the federal government intervened with bailout loans. Eventually Chrysler came under control of Italy's Fiat.

Today, the lineup has been pared down to a pair of sedans, a convertible and a minivan. However, after years of having lackluster entries in the very important midsize car category, Chrysler made major improvements in the performance, design and quality of its midsize sedan entry, the 200. The latest 300 also stands as a prime choice for a premium full-size sedan. Still, it remains to be seen as to whether this and future product releases will be enough to restore the company to its former glory.

User Reviews:

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  No problems after two years - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jim Ech - September 10 - 10:53 am

  I waited two years before writing review. Have had this car for two years almost and have had only two problems. First brakes had to be replaced after 10 months appox 11,000 miles. Dealer replaced pads, rotors no questions asked. Second a small bubble on dashboard when sun hits it. Great gas mileage 32 hwy 24 city. Very reliable, good acceleration on exprssway for 4 cly auto. Handles great snow rain. Dont drive it like a sports car and I think you will have this vehicle for a long time. First Chrysler product I have ever owned and happy I purchased it.

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  Dont like the car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Joe - September 9 - 4:37 pm

  I have had my 300 for the past two years. Traded in my Chevy Tahoe for this car. So far my car has had both fuel tank problems. The parts were very hard to find, and Chrysler Inc did not want to take any responsibility. Chrysler personnel have very poor customer skills and a very poor customer service both at the dealer and at the manufacturer. Car has run out of gas several times with the fuel gauge showing over 1/4 of a tank. Dealer and Manufacturer have seen nothing wrong and released this car to me. I have ran out of gas in this vehicle at least 5 times, and sometimes on the freeway. The support for this car is horrible.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Pat - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We recently leased the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and it has been a hit with the family so far. We all enjoy taking it out on the road. The "kids" big and small, love climbing in the back and watching videos. So, if you have kids this is a must have feature. We were hesitant about the seating because we are a family of five which would put one person sitting alone in one of the rows but we have found that having the extra seating, elbow room,in the second row is nice.

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  the total package - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By LSUFAN - September 8 - 5:43 am

  We traded in our Pontiac Firebird for the 300 and dont regret it one minute. This car rides like a luxury car and handles like a sports car. Chrysler really did a great job with the design of this car. Every where we go heads turn. You get so much for your money in this car. It is large, roomy and comfortable inside. The 3.5 V-6 is very responsive and makes it fun to drive. The Boston Acoustics sound system with satellite radio and 6 disc changer sounds awesome. I definitely think this is the best car on the market for the money.

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  Lots of Looks - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bridge - September 8 - 12:06 am

  My Crossifre Roadster is an amazing car. It is my "mid life ENTITLEMENT" car! People actually go out of their way to tell me how beautiful the car is. I is fun to drive, and very comfortable. The seats are great for my back. I just wish the cup holder was larger and the navigation system was a little easier to use. My wife thinks the luggage is an amazing feature.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ro - September 6 - 8:56 pm

  I love my PT. I think its a really great car. Very comfortable and reliable. Its my best purchase yet.

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  over heating - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By viks - September 6 - 5:02 pm

  I bought this 2007 Chrysler sebring in 2997 with 25,000 miles on it. And this car has given me a lot of surprises and upsets. First in less than 1 year there were 2 recalls on the car, than just a few months a go the check engine light went on and now just 2 days a go it started over heating. I took it to the dealer but they couldnt find anything. This car is full of surprises in less than 2 years now and I am fed up with this. This might be the worst car that I ever had with this kind of problem. I only drive 30 miles a day and things like this is kinda considered stupid for Chrysler. Dont buy this car it only looks good but bad performance.

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  Never Again....... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cassandra - September 5 - 1:48 pm

  After my beloved 97 Explorer went into the shop yet again, I began to look for a new vehicle. My needs were gas mileage, interior room and ample storage. I liked the looks of the Pacifica and really liked the 25 mpg on the sticker. Well, the gas mileage runs about 16 mpg and it spent the first 3 months in and out of the shop including and a new transmission, abs sensor and on and on. Lets not even talk about the people Ive cut off on the highway in the blind spot(s). Would I buy another? No way.

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  PT GT M5 - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By TED POZZI - September 4 - 10:00 am

  STRONG PREFOMER NIMBEL HANDLING A VERY EXCALANT CAR IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE,AND THE MOST FUN CAR TO DRIVE.

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  good - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By randy oakley - September 4 - 10:00 am

  very good all around