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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  Rare and beautiful - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Kenneth Hausmann - April 16 - 2:51 pm

  I have had 56 cars, and this is my favorite. Beautiful, very luxurious, faster than a Mustang, great buy at 22k with 26k miles. Gas mileage is good for this kind of performance. Great stereo, comfortable seats. handles flawlessly, quiet with the top up. This is a rare car, for every one of these there are literally 1,100 1965 and 1966 Mustangs. I have never seen another one on the road. I think these will probably become valuable later on.

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  Very satisfied - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By jim echeverria - April 16 - 11:51 am

  Bought car nov of 07. I have taken it on three trips of approx 800 miles gas mileage 34 on hwy and approx 22 city. On the highway very nice cruiser. I have no problems with the 4 cyl pickup is fine. Heater stereo excellent, seats are firm, but I like that, I commute on the thruway with three main mergers and power is fine. Great in the snow. Traded in a Saab 9.5 glad I did.

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  300 M a reliable car - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By always chrysler - April 16 - 10:24 am

  I have now had my 300M for 110,000 miles and average 23.2 miles per gallon in Connecticut winter driving. 24.4 miles during the summer. The car has been solid. I first changed the front brakes at 87,000 miles and just did the rear at 107,000. I am still waiting to do a tuneup and change the original battery. More of the belts and hoses along with a radiator were redone at 63,000 miles when I hit a deer on the highway. The car has always had a fade to the left driving on the highway and the check engine light has been on since 24,000 miles(no one can seem to fix that), but I certainly a pleased with the car. There have been no major problems with the car and it has been reliable. A good car.

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  Could this be the best car ever?!!! - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Love my 300! - April 14 - 11:25 am

  First, I want to say about the review below are you kidding me! Youre 511" and had troubles in this car!!! What other CAR have you ever driven that is more comfortable for you? Im 67" and have NEVER been this comfortable in a car. I usually have to drive full-size SUVs and trucks to be comfortable. Also, loud engine? What are you comparing this car to a Rolls? My opinion this is hands-down the best car I have ever owned or driven!! Incredible interior/exterior, performance (3.5 V6), gas mileage, reliability, price and any other category you want to consider. I would have loved to be able to spring for the SRT! But this V6 is wonderful in this car (would not recommend the 2.7).

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  Awesome - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By Mshelley - April 14 - 10:18 am

  Bought this car in 2002, have loved it since. Great ride, lots of fun. We live in NE so lots of snow and this car handles beautifully. I havent spent a lot of money on it, beyond the normal wear and tear stuff. We replaced the brakes twice, and unfortunately we had to replace all four door locks, that was a bit pricey. As far as performance nothing has gone wrong. I just bought a new car, and am still keeping this one, cant bare to part with it. Will keep it till it really dies.

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  Get a Turbo! It Rocks! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Angelet - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Reminds me of the 40 & 50s and we modified our cars. I cant think of a thing Id change except for a boost guage which I will take care of. The PT Turbo is quiet except when you pull the trigger. Hit the accellator at 20 MPH and you will get the surprise of your life. The wheels will spin, you are nailed in your seat and the motor screams. WOW!

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  I Love My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Judith Gray - April 13 - 8:02 pm

  The Pacifica has been ny favorite car ever. First and foremost, it is very safe with the airbacks and side curtains. My only complaint, which is my fault, is that if you leave the doors open for 45 minutes for a cleaning and dont remember to turn off the interior lights, you will run your battery down. The Pacifica has more interior lights than many cars. I was a bit nervous buying a first year model. However, I didnt ever experience any problems. I had to get use to the size of the car. It is bigger than it appears. Also,as a safety feature, the back of the uld recommend that a buyer install a rear view camera in order to see if small children are behind the car.

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  Not what I came for - but... - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By john - April 12 - 7:57 pm

  We were in the market for a crossover type vehicle to replace our explorer - preferably used (after seeing the prices). We narrowed it to the Edge, Mazda MX9, and the Nissan. When we got to the lot, there was a Pacifica there - we decided to drive it since we had some time, but not really considering it as an option. We loved it!! If youre looking at this style vehicle, you cant beat the drive and comfort of the Pacifica for thousands less (for a used vehicle). Definitely an overlooked vehicle.

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  Love the Aspen - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Nickie - April 12 - 3:36 pm

  I love the ride it looks great, has everything you could possibly need in a vehicle for about $10,000 less than other SUVs. I got the one with the hemi to pull a travel trailer. Top of the line w/o 4 wheel drive msrp was $42,500 cant beat that.

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  What a vehicle!!! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jonathan Nugent - April 12 - 9:46 am

  Blew out the Town & Country van for space, quality, comfort, and definitely the appearance. Doesnt look and feel like a van neither. Sits higher up than usual vehicles, feels safe with all-around airbags