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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  What a difference! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Steve S. - July 23 - 2:23 pm

  After driving a sports coupe with FWD for the past 5 years I found the return to RWD to be a real pleasure. Im fortunate enought not to live where snow can be a concern but from what Ive read, this cars weight distribution still makes RWD practical for even the snow belt. I also enjoy sitting up for a change as opposed to practically sitting on the floor of the cabin!

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  Not the best convertible, great to drive - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By iisk8 - July 23 - 10:05 am

  Bought this car new, has needed brakes continually. Just found out entire undercarriage is rotting, and last year the drain holes plugged and the interior flooded blowing the amp and rear speakers. Have to say loved the car, but would not consider buying the updated model. I only get about 10 miles to the gallon on local driving which is all I do.

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  2004 Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By mls - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My only problem is that I need to install a front license plate and will need to drill into the front bumper to install the holder.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By BDBobo - July 21 - 10:09 pm

  I really like the style and comfort. It is especially nice when compared to the competition and how much more their vehicles are. This tows more than almost any other SUV and the gas mileage isnt great but its good for an SUV. It does better than my wifes Jeep Commander with the 4.7l V-8. And it does almost as well with mpg on the highway as my wifes old 2005 mini van. This is a great vehicle for the price and has been extremely reliable.

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  Better than most - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By bigal - July 21 - 10:34 am

  I guess I am more fortunate than most of those posting here - I have not had much of a problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me great fuel economy - 28- 30mpg on the road about 25mpg around town, using no modifications except synthetic oil and lighter michelin performance tires. Occassionally I get a hard cold start on the engine that feels like a vaccum lock, but otherwise this baby has been rock solid. After 5 years of driving on virginia and DC roads, it still has remarkably few squeaks and rattles for a convertible. Road noise is not great, but, it IS a convertible, so just crank up the stereo and turn off the cell phone

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  1997 Chrysler LHS Review - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By Tyler Fickert - July 19 - 10:32 pm

  I woke up one day with my car sitting in the driveway. It started 3 times then the battery cables were shot. It had power surges before I had it fixed. The motor is really good only because I can fix the car when it breaks. The A/C leaks on the floor of the interior. Thats because of a blocked vent. Easy fix. The heater doesnt work at all and costs too much to have fixed.

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  Steer clear of the Sebring - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - July 19 - 8:35 pm

  I just recently got my lisence last summer and this was my first car. At first glance you would say its a nice looking car but looks dont count for everything. When i got it, it has about 114,000 miles on it. The transmission had been replaced along with a power steering pump. I thought that this car would last me for a few years but after having the car for one day the fuel pump gave out. Shortly after the ac went bad along with the back two windows. When winter hit the car struggled to start and the thermostat went bad making it very difficult to drive. Also because of its low power and heavy body, it made it slmost impossible to drive in the winter.

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  Best buy!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chrissyws - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  My husband and I just purchased this vehicle a month ago and are in LOVE!!! We traded in a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and do not miss it at all! There is no commparison. The Jeep had horrible gas mileage, very noisy and bumpy, and uncomfortable. We have owned luxury cars and to us this car is above them. The ride is so smooth, handling is wonderful, and overall a fun car to drive. I was a little hesitant due to my minivan phobia but could not be more pleased. You do need to watch carefully when reversing but that is the only concern I have. All our friends have also fallen in love and one is actually going to purchase the Pacifica. We highly recommend this car!!

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  One of the best - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Richard - July 18 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my first Chrysler product, a 1956 Plymouth convertible, in 1962 and but for two cars, a Triumph TR-4 and a Mercedes Benz, Ive owned nothing but Chryslers since. My 99 JXi is one of the best I have ever owned, but my car must be a fluke. Ive had none of the problems described by other owners and it now has 109,000 miles. The only repairs Ive had to make were a catalytic converter due to a tank of bad gasoline and the A/C compressor at 100,000 miles. The top is still fine, the leather seats are pristine and the body is solid..... and it gets almost 35 MPG on the highway! But I take care of this car. I change oil every 3,000 miles and it received a full tune up at 100,000 miles.

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  Please - where did you all get your PT? - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jo - July 16 - 4:33 pm

  I have had nothing but disappointment with my PT. Yes, it is cute and sporty, but the last 4 tanks of gas have gotten me 17.4, 17.3 16.4 and 16.4 miles to the gallon! I have called, had the car looked at with Chrysler giving me excuses about the engine is new, it needs to be broken in, you are not driving it right, you have to change how you drive...It is a 4-cyl car, I repeat 4-cyl car, and should be getting better mileage. I drive 50% city and 50 % highway. My parents 8 cyl Jaguar getting better mileage... The car is simply average but sells on emotion, sentimentality and looks. My only regret is that I may be waiting 1 year to trade it in for a better performing and economical car.