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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  Crossfire Limited Convertible - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Larry - September 26 - 9:55 pm

  Purchased Spring, 2007 for daughter. This car has it all looks, ride, power and safety features. For the price, we could not find a similar convertible with all these features. The dealer incentive was the selling point. We are pleased with the gas mileage, upper 20s on the highway and lower 20s in city. The only negative point has been a small water leak near the top and drive window. Expect to get this repaired easily.

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  Chryslers invisible winner - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Bucky Dent - September 25 - 12:39 pm

  Chrysler has an invisible winner in the Aspen. We selected the Aspen after testing the following SUVs: Tahoe, Escalade, Yukon, Navigator, Commander, and Sequoia. None of them came equipped with as many standard features as the Aspen for less money. The ride, fit & finish, performance and looks are standouts in the SUV crowd. The 5.7 Hemi has terrific performance and decent mileage if you keep your foot out of the throttle. ItÂ’s a shame Chrysler toss more advertising dollars at this vehicle to increase customer awareness. IÂ’m constantly getting complements and questions at the gas station with this rig.

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  Crossfire Comments - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Magnum55 - September 24 - 8:03 am

  My wife bought this car much to my surprise and joy. We both love it! She drives it to work and I drive it on the weekends. The car handles and drives very well with plenty of power. Ill be talking to her on the phone and hear her punch it and know she has a smile on her face.

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  Love Sebring - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By barb48fan - September 23 - 5:18 am

  My daughter actually talked me into buying the Sebring. I absolutely love this car. I have the 4 cyl, but she still has pep to her. Easy and fun to drive. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a good value in an automobile.

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  Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By p - September 23 - 12:56 am

  The Crossfire is a very fun car to drive! It is the best looking sport coup out there. It could use a little more power, but its not all about power. This car is a big ten!

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  Just the Truth. I love this Car! - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By A747ace - September 22 - 11:38 pm

  Just simply the best car I have ever owned. I have had many other makes and have driven for over 40 years.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carol - September 22 - 10:21 am

  I have the Spring Edition Lot of bells and whistles for the money. Beautiful interior. Smooth ride.

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  Shopped around - no minivan - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By finz - September 22 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around extensively before making this purchase, looking at multiple minivans and SUVs. With a child due in 5 months, we needed a vehicle that would be safe, comfortable, and have enough room for all the "stuff" involved when traveling with a baby. The Pacifica met all our requirements in addition to handling the best of the vehicles, having the most comfortable drivers and passengers seats, and some great options. We believe we got he most for a money and a vehicle we will be happy with for a long time.

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  Love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MiniVan Mom - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After 6 years with a minivan, I hated the idea of getting another one. Once I drove the Pacifica, that was it. Have 3 kids and a large dog and still have enough room and comfort. SO much better then a minivan; you can go from hauling the kids to a night out on the town in style.

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  Sebring 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By SPierce - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my convertible. With 3 teenagers and alot of fun time it is a great vehicle. Good on gas- good power- sporty look