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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  Chrysler has a head-turning hit - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By aspenlover - October 20 - 9:02 pm

  This is my second Hemi (1st was Dodge RAM truck which I also loved) and my 1st SUV. The Aspen is a total headturner. I constantly get asked about it. Love the ride and the J package rocks with the black metallic paint and leather interior. My husband cant stop raving about how comfortable the vehicle is and he does a lot of driving. Although he has to ask permission to drive my Aspen! Ordered all the options except DVD entertainment pkg. LED interior lights are great also.

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  My Wish Come True - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Dawn Myers - October 19 - 11:40 am

  This car was a gift & is a gift to anyone who owns one. It drives like no other car Ive been in, I have fallen in love with this car. Its smooth almost gliding over the road and handles effortlessly. I find myself driving most every weekend and taking the backroads with the top down & listening to crystal crisp music surrounding me. Whoevers with me cant stop admiring "Ben", my 300C Hemi Convertible. However it doesnt stop there, I get stares, comments, questions or a smiling acknowledgement from people all the time. Strange at first, but nice and now its a pleasant way to talk to people. PS I wished for a 4 door convertible for my anniversary

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  Love My 300 C - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Goldiejan - October 15 - 10:32 am

  Driving is smooth, yet powerful. Style is great and definite a head turner. Extremely comfortable on the road. The Boston acoustic system is phenomenal, very comparable to Bose system. So many options to chose from. Added moonroof, built in dvd console, mp3 player, opted out on navigation system. Best purchase ever.

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  An improvement over yhe Durango. - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By goldenboy - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  The 5.7 engine is the engine of choice. I had the 4.7 engine in my 2005 Durango and it use to be weak on hi-way passing power, 4 cylinder engine cars would smoke me. Everything about this suv is premium, a steal loaded with all options, and still 20 grand less than Escalade(66,000). I cant believe the amount of compliments I get on it.

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  Our 98 Cirrus - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Horvath - October 14 - 9:16 pm

  This car has provided an excellent value. We have never had any problems and in fact we havent even had to replace the original battery. It has been a pleasure to drive.

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  2002 Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bob Howey - October 14 - 9:03 pm

  Very fun and reliable car with excellent features and comfort. This car is fully-loaded and has been very reliable with cost of ownership being quite low. Performance is noticeably impacted by running the air conditioning.

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  200c awd a reak DREAM - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By stanm - October 14 - 4:10 am

  Car came with added features, i.e, padded roof,custom grill and added "wood" touches to the interior. Car drives close to a dream, it is almost too fast from teh red light! Only problem was the carpet was cut too short. Dealer replaced the carpet with no problem ... WOW! Just get used to being looked at when you drive. With 500 miles on the car I am still in love with this vehicle. Yes, I am very critical

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  Great buy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By steve - October 11 - 6:51 pm

  I felt this was a great buy. I was looking for a good solid car that was good on gas. Being a Chrysler minivan owner I was a little more inclined to be less harsh on the product because I had such good luck with my van. But with that said the Sebring surprised me on looks inside and out. The equipment I have on the car that listed for $22,400. So far it has exceeded my expecatations

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  Yes, A Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Myataman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own a Chrysler product but fell in love with the styling on a trip through the dealership. Bought the Pacifica after a few test drives and a full scrutinization of the vehicle. After 4 weeks I do not regret my decision. An excellent ride, many great comfort and convenience features and a great exterior appearance make this car a joy to drive. Not all things are perfect however. The seats could be longer front to rear and the arm rests do not compliment the other high grade interior appointments. Also the floor mats where clearly an afterthought that will benefit will-fit mat providers. All-in-all though it is a super car.

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  Its not a wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By zlrperry - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle to own.