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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  Best I ever owned, beats Honda, Toyota, easily. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By L Blair - May 4 - 8:31 pm

  My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX, with the rebates and discounts (not offered with Honda or Toyota), was thousands less than either Honda or Toyota. I paid 25,500 for the base model which is many thousands less than any other minivan except the Grand Caravan. Its the quietest riding car ever. Gas mileage is better than advertised by about 3 miles per gallon, as I consistently get 32 mpg on the hiway, and 27 combined city and hiway. I had a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country, which was also a great van, but this is better as it gets much better gas mileage, is quieter, turns shorter and easier to handle. The stow and go, not available on Honda, or Toyota, makes it the most versatile van ever. I can use it to haul cargo or up to 7 people, or any combination of both. The Pacifica rides quieter and smoother, gets better mileage, is more versatile, Turns shorter and handles better, and even costs less than Honda or Toyota, as I test drove these before buying the Pacifica. I dont know if it will hold the resale value well yet, but someone thinks so as I leased mine for way less than a Toyota or Honda.

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  Aspen Worth the Money - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By MarkE - May 4 - 10:00 am

  In preparation for the birth of our first child, we researched every make and model possible to best fit our key needs. The Aspen gave the best ride and overall cost-effective features of any large SUV under $40k. A comparably equipped Tahoe or Expedition would have been thousands more. With a little over a year and 12k miles into the purchase, I have no regrets and would buy one again.

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  good - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By eric12 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car and good shape. very nice

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  Performance review rebuttal - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bruce Jones - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I read the review in the NY Times test, and I must disagree with the reviewer. While it is not as fast as my 57 Chevy,Pantera or even the 944 Turbo I used to drive, it has plenty of scoot outa the chute. I can light the tires with one quick stomp. Actually, low gear is probably too low, since you have to shift to second before you can cross an intersection, at full go. Also there is to big rpm drop from first to second. As to handling, it corners well in tight stuff, but has to much lean on fast large radius turns. Reliability? Mine had deep rustgrooves in the left front disc, and the right rear disc. Chrysler replaced discs and pads, no questions asked.

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  FUN FUN FUN!! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By KIM IN LV - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a convertible. I finally got my 2004 Graphite Grey Metallic LXi and talk about fun fun fun. It looks great, runs great and makes me feel 10 years younger. It has a nice smooth comfortable ride and handles like a sports car. The good gas mileage has helped in the wallet. I only had one little problem with the a/c fan, but had it fixed right away, and the color I chose shows the dirt very quickly. Other than that, everything else has been great.

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  Great First Car for Teens! - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Kaylee - May 2 - 7:19 pm

  My dad bought me this car as my first, and its been great. Ive learned a lot about cars by owning it, with the typical breaks here and there (Such as coolant plugs going out, probably due to un-adult driving before me. The window motor broke, and was fairly easy to replace with my dads help.) The car has really has taken a beating, and still remains reliable and loyal. Even when I got into a fender bender, the car still ran wonderfully, and didnt have any mechanical damage when hit on the drivers front fender at 20MPH. The parts were easy to find. Its a fun, fairly safe car, and great for a first car.

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  Simply Amazing SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vamfrank - May 2 - 1:04 am

  I simply love this car. Solid , reliable, and great looks. It is like driving a Mercedez with a chrysler logo. I was a bit reluctant to go with an American car, but no regrets. I am still amazed at my car. Pure luxury

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  A Dream... - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Victor - May 1 - 2:07 pm

  Loved it... after a lady crashed in to me at 65mph on the freeway I can say the impact was not little, the car is the safest I have driven and is now out and about after a $17000 repair with original parts. I loved my 300, short after it got stolen... I will buy one again!

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  300 C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Bob - April 30 - 11:40 pm

  An incredible automobile. Ive owned Lexuses, Infinitys, Porsches, Caddys, Lincolns, Jaguars and this car is right there amongst the best for half the price. Faster than all, not quite as quiet, but Id ride to Virginia and enjoy the trip all the way. A magnificent auto.

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  Great Car - 2002 Chrysler Concorde
  By Lefty - April 29 - 9:42 pm

  The 02 Concorde Limited is a TEN. Its a cross b/t a Lexus and a Jaguar. I have the 3.5 H.O. aluminum block Motor- brand new rebuilt. Fully loaded and Black - awesome. - I recommend a set of 235/55rs/17 GOODYEAR EAGLE RS Tires - the difference in the ride quality is absolutely stunning and amazing compared to any other brand Ive ever driven on.