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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  Happy owner - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Happy owner - July 26 - 9:20 am

  I have owned my PT Cruiser for over 5 years, which is the longest I have ever owned a car. I cant find anything on the market that I like any better. I have spent less than $1,000 in repairs over 5 years and it is going strong. Im sure when I buy a new car one of my kids will be driving it for another 10 years.

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  2001 PT LE - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jdsax85 - July 25 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this car six monthes ago and have had no mechanical problems other than reverse grinding going into gear occasionally. The interior of these look like a million bucks, but the seats arent very comfortable. Ive upgraded to 18 chrome wheels, have painted the front and back bumpers to match, added a wing, and get looks and compliments daily.

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  [BEN] - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ben Meister - July 24 - 9:26 am

  We have only had our PT for 2 months and So Far have nothing but praise for it. It Turns heads where ever we go and has plenty of get up and go for the Interstate. We traded in a 03 for our 05 and the differences are un- beliveable. The styling and handeling have been drasticlly improved.

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  Great Boring Car! - 2000 Chrysler Concorde
  By petesinbraintree - July 22 - 10:15 pm

  What can I say, just a solid, reliable but boring ride! No issues in five years, reliability is really underrated for these cars. HUGE trunk and back seat, with two kids it hauls all sorts of stuff. Resale is horrible so if youre looking for one they are a bargain!

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  great car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By emil - July 22 - 10:00 am

  so far after 5000miles have enjoyed it very much. owned 3 lexus and think this car matches them. had trouble with pulling to the right, factory memo, fixed this with change in alignment. in shop now for a problem with harmonic balancer. none available in the states, car tied up now for over 10 days.still no word when part will be available

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  Sounds Good - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By georjudy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Few incidents did occur under 2000 miles.The passenger side door had a hinge replaced due a loud clanking noise (factory default). Ok Now. Loud "Wistling" type sound at driver side at 65-70 mph. Still under investigation.

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  Towed PT GT - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Alpine Toad - July 20 - 8:03 pm

  We purchased our PT to tow behind our motor home. The side benefit was the convertible top. It is a great car to sightsee from, and in the mountains we dont lose any power. Driving the twisty mountain roads with the top down and in 3rd gear is great fun. We carry our large German Shepherd on the flat floor that is exposed with the rear seats removed.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Chrysler Sebring
  By namllits 2002 - July 19 - 12:55 am

  A very well built car that brings back all the best of convertible cruising. Reliable, great styling and so easy to pop the top. It seems solid and is relatively quiet with great road holding ability and smooth ride. Overall, Chrysler has been building convertibles for so long now, that the Sebring has all the best features you could including a great interior.

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  One bumpy ride - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Pieter Spierenburg - July 12 - 1:56 am

  Bought this one owner Limited Cruiser with 45,000 mi. on it and every option available incl. sunroof. It has 16" alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle GT 205R55/16 tires on it and I am afraid to hit any potholes as it makes a loud clunking sound. The dealer told me that is normal for this type with sport suspension on it. No good for those who like a nice smooth ride.

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  A very nice car - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Jesse A Thomas Sr. - July 9 - 11:06 am

  The interior carpet should be a better grade it looks and feels cheap. The seats could have been wider and softer. they feel very hard. Other wise the interior looks very nice. The exterior looks very good and nicely put together. I have a 300C, it has very good power and transmisson. The tires are very cheap without a lot tread.