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:

• 

  my crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By crossfire roadster - June 23 - 1:33 pm

  The crossfire is very enjoyable to drive. yes it could use more low end torque. the seats could be a little more comfortable. The car is very responsive while driving. the problem i have found is that it is so new that even the dealership cannot service it correctly. they have not figured out the computer download to some of the features.

• 

  2007 Crysler Sebring - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jonathon Denham - June 21 - 5:10 pm

  My Crysler Sebring (2.4 liter) has been really good to me! I went to the dealership to purchase a Dodge Charger and ended up driving home a Sebring! I do admit I was very surprised with the new body style, since I always heted the older Sebrings. The only thing I have needed for this car has been the maintance! I did have the rotors turned at about 25000 miles, but besides that, this "AMERICAN" car has been great! I must say I do miss my 2001 Camaro but this car has proven to be alot less of a headache... I would recomamend this car to freind!

• 

  It just couldnt take it anymore - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By hawkybaby - June 21 - 1:30 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I loved my Cruiser. I really did. The body, the interior, the functionality and versatility ... they were top-notch! The problem lied in long-term reliability. I drive around A LOT -- full time job, 3 kids, family living far away. I spend a lot of time in the car and on the road. It couldnt keep up with me. After 78,000 miles, I was burning oil like gas, the shocks went, there was an electrical problem causing 1/2 the car to go dark, the transmission slipped going into 2nd gear and she creaked worse than my grandmother did! I had already spent over $500 replacing the radiator, and decided to let her go.

• 

  MY DREAM CAR - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Dream Car - June 20 - 8:56 pm

  I love my RED CHRYSLER 300! Ive love the 300 series before this style ever came out in 2005. Ive had 3 Honda Accords and I loved them. But this is the love of my life as far as cars go. I smile every time I get in it to drive!

• 

  Just got it - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Teacher - June 20 - 6:54 pm

  I have always owned a manuel trans. This car is only a 4 cylinder and to me - it is awesome. The price is low- but look I have always had a car that was OLD. So to me this is awesome- Ask me again in 6 months.

• 

  Love it but second week was not good - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By hrisgirl - June 20 - 3:12 pm

  I love this vehicle. Ive got the heritage package with inferno red tintcoat so it is loaded and a real head turner. I also got a fantastic deal. Ive had the car for three weeks and the second week was spent in the shop. The car suddenly stopped excelerating...over 3000 RPMs at less than 20 mph and the engine light came on. A faulty part that regulates the speed caused the car to try to shut down. It was fixed under warranty and I was told this is a one in a million defect (I hope), hence the 9 rating on build quality and reliability instead of 10. I was looking at Cadillac CTS when I came across this car. Value for the money, the 300 beats the CTS.

• 

  I love my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By klm7233 - June 20 - 12:08 pm

  My 2004 pacifica has nearly 150000 miles on it. It has plowed through ice and snow. It responds quickly in tight situations. I have had several vehicles over the course of my life, and this is by far the best I have ever had. I was so disappointed when they discontinued the model.

• 

  All Purpose "Sleeper" - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Clark - June 18 - 6:03 pm

  I just bought a used Pacifica AWD 2004 @ 38,000km and put-on 4,500 km in 8 weeks. Long distances feel as though the real time is halved due to the high level of driving comfort & sportiness. Stepping out of a vehicle without driving fatigue is a pleasure. No reliability problems to date and performance is acceptable for highway passing. I recommend a fully optioned Pacifica. A used buy is excellent value. It is too bad Chrysler mgmt. has not backed the higher priced Pacifica concept as it is an original design & quality build.

• 

  Love this car - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By BenT - June 17 - 11:07 pm

  Ive enjoyed this car for a long time now. Handling is good, decent power, great comfort. Interior is very tastefully done. Ive had pretty good luck on reliability as well. There is no doubt that I would buy this all over again.

• 

  Very Disappointed - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Disappointed - June 17 - 7:24 am

  We had numerous issues with the car since Oct. 2008. My husband almost got into an accident because the car stopped on him. The mechanics said a piece flew off something inside and went into the motor. Pick up the car on my way out of town the car stops again and has a really bad burning smell. According to the mechanics not the same problem. Car always seem to want to shut off when you are in stop and go traffic. Driving and heard a noise like a belt or something was about to pop or something was off. Took the car in the mechanics had to change numerous parts. Pick car up from being repaired it shouts off while we are driving it at night. Shuts off steering wheel locks hit sign. Nt reliabl