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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  Greatest ever! - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By jpeltier - February 24 - 1:39 pm

  This SUV is fanatastic! I had an Expedition for a little while a couple of years ago but quickly traded it in because it felt and drove like a truck. The Aspen is a dream. I traded in my Pacifica which I loved for a little more room. Initially, I was worried about the ride but that was needless. It drives and feels like a car.

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  Great car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Walt - February 24 - 12:12 pm

  Rides and drives great, very comfortable on trips, had no problems with it, better than an SUV in the snow. Grandkids love the DVD and heated seats in the back. We are very satisfied with this vehicle so far. Consumer Reports shows poor reliabilty for 04 & 05 models, but great tests in 06, I think they have the bugs worked out.

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  A supercar for most folks - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Johnnie Mack - February 23 - 9:03 pm

  Coming up on a year with this car, and have had nothing but good experiences. No glitches, just a nice commuter vehicle for my wife and I. Very nimble, and fast enough to suit me-the numbers suggest it will accelerate as fast as my old 89 Trans Am, but Im out of the "rat race". Tires are still in very good shape, and just 2 oil changes for maintenance. A few negs-the seat is probably better in the Limited model, so maybe a retro fit is in order-this one generates complaints from my lovely wife of 31 years. And the radio is annoying. As we know now, the car has been killed by the new Chrysler. I guess a notchback version with a removeable window is out of the questions now, eh?

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  Great Car!! - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By scars103 - February 22 - 5:25 pm

  I bought the car with 44,000 miles on it. It is a great car! I love the power that comes in the 2.7 Lx package. The car has a lot of room and grea MPG! The only problem is that the car has trouble getting up hills not because of power but because of the transmission. Since it is a 4 speed automatic it you have to gas it to get it to shift down. When it does though it goes with no problems. I love the car! It has some trouble going throgh snow, but no really a problem other than that

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  Great Car = Best I Ever Had - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By Mike O - February 21 - 1:53 pm

  This car is still going strong at 103,000 mi. Still original brake lining and get 25-27 mpg on the highway. Engine uses no oil between changes. Car looks good and drives great. I wish the new Chrysler was fwd so I could trade. Only criticism is road noise. I would like a quieter ride. Only repair was an air cond evaporator at 78,000 mi.

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  From the showroom to the junkyard - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Arthur Jacobs - February 20 - 6:34 pm

  I bought my 99 Sebring JX in Aug,1998, Basically just routine maintenance first 90,000 mi. Oil every 3-4,000, tires every 30-40,000, battery every 5 yrs, replaced top after 13 yrs. alternator,spark plugs, and belts,including timing belt at around 90,000. Was starting to need new paint after 15 yrs,110,000 mi. clearcoat peeling & fading. Then my son had a Ford Excursion back over him, bending front radiator support et all & pinching/twisting front sub frame, so off to the Junkyard. I loved that car, fun to toss around, like a 4 passenger go cart. Its not a Porsche, or a Jaguar, but it doesnt have the Initial buy in or upkeep cost either. Absolutely marvelous for a top down cruise along the coast, just dont forget to rub the sunscreen onto your scalp. I averaged around 26 mpg all around forever, but then I like to take all the ponies out for a romp at every opportunity! Im currently looking for a replacement. It has to be a 97-2000 Sebring, I havent seen anything else that looks so right, and still seats 4 in comfort, top up or down.

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  Dream of a Dream Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Robert - February 20 - 3:53 pm

  Our Dream 3 Cruiser is the best car Ive ever owned, thats number one out of 62 cars !! This two-tone, turbo, leather interior is quite a car. 25K miles and not one problem of any kind. Mileage in the 26/27 mpg range consistently. And more power than most could appreciate. Perfect car to dress up and is always getting attention whereever we go. Changed tires from the factory originals and what a difference it maeks - now even quieter and faster ! This car is just simply hard to beat regardless !!! Just hope Chrysler doesnt mess it up in its next generation . What a car !!!!!!!!

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  Awesome automobile - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By JohnnyG - February 20 - 12:20 am

  This is easily the best car I have ever owned. It needs less attention to maintanance, repair, and recovery, than most, while providing comfort, styling, and efficiency well above the norm for a car in this price class. Given the chance to purchase this car (newer and more expensive) again, I would not hesitate. P.S. I bought the car w/140000 miles. Its still going strong. Itll probably go another 140000!

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By eliasvanc - February 19 - 3:26 pm

  Bought it new in 1999 and now have 8 years with almost no issues. Fixed 2 of the door locks - like everyone else - and had the drivers window motor go out. Plan a couple hundred for each item. Otherwise a strong runner thats great to drive. I would highly recommend buying one of these used as a dependable family car. Lots of room, good performance and good looks. And, over 10K miles of city and light highway driving, I average 23.6 MPG. Upwards of 28 MPG on long hauls.

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  MY New Pacifica - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ubiquitous - February 18 - 7:32 pm

  This 2007 Pacifica replaced my 2004 Pacifica. Improvments include the 4 litre engine, 6 speed transmission, 19 inch tires. Otherwise it was quite similar to my 2004 Pacifica. A fun car to drive. Best car purchase since 1963...