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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  This is a Smile Car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ed Ellis - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. I now have 3 of them. 1-2001, 1-2002 and 1-2003. I just returned to Philadelphia driving the 2003 to Orlando, FL and back. Enjoyed ride and comfort

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  A sportcar at last - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By giglia66 - January 26 - 6:43 pm

  Purchased car in Aug 2008 in new condition. Had 16000 on it. It is graphite gray metallic outside, interior is salmon and gray leather two tone, has designer signed sunvisor from germany, with certification. Just installed two air intake pipes in lieu of regular air filters. Talk about tone and speed it made a tremendous difference. Its awesome, love it. Should have bought something like this years ago but have it now.

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  the overheating PT CRUISER - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PAUL WILLIAMS` - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2008 pt cruiser what a nightmare, bushings go every single year they went 3 times in 2 years. Also overheats when in idle a lot the dealership tells me its the engine cooling fan module thank god I bought the extended warranty on it. The module cost over 400 dollars plus labor. Not my favorite car but it heats well in the winter. Gas mileage is very poor for some reason its only a 4 cylinder car it shouldnt be that poor at all.

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  Must have been a mistake - 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
  By Edwin - January 25 - 10:10 am

  I was unsure when I boughy this care at 102,000 miles just how long it would last. But one year later I think it is probably one of the best cars that I have ever owned.

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  Reliable - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Grace Whitney - January 25 - 3:08 am

  I bought the car used with 87000 miles on it. It now has 139000. Replaced fuel pump and ball joints only. Excellent car.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Savage - January 25 - 12:54 am

  Truly is the best car Ive ever had. Love the new body style, love everything about it.

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  Found a new favorite! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kraz_Eric - January 25 - 12:53 am

  I have finally found a new favorite car. I bought it used, with less than 100,000 miles and only one owner. It looks and feels nearly new. It handles well, with the basic outward size and feel as a large sedan, but the internal size is spacious and comfortable. Plenty of room for family and cargo. I truly love the style and comfort of this vehicle. It looks both classy and sporty. It is as comfortable as any luxury auto. And has the space of a mini van. I have found the perfect vehicle only to learn that 2008 will be its last year.

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  The best American car Ive had - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By hilma - January 24 - 2:33 pm

  This car has done great mileage for me. I drive it in the city. I get 20- 23mpg. Im on my second battery and second set of tires. It has been in the shop only once with something more major -- the starter went and I decided to replace the water pump just in in case. This happens at 85,000 miles. Recently, it has developed a water leak and the AC blower is only working on high, but Im fixing to trade it, anyways. Otherwise, it hasnt had any problems in 8 years!

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  I Hate my Car - 1999 Chrysler 300M
  By mrswoods0331 - January 24 - 3:49 am

  Ive wanted a 300m since the 10th grade and finally purchased one. The day after buying my car it began to stall coming off the interstate. Had to have it towed to the dealer had to have a water pump and starter put on. Within weeks, My steering wheel had to be turned about a 90 deg angle to go straight. Had to replace tie rods and wheel bearings. Long to short, my car has been in the shop 8 times in 16 mo. I had problems with AC buttons going out at random, two broken window motors, crank sensor, and transmission. Just yesterday I have noticed the sound of air coming from under my hood when accelerating. It sounds like brakes would if they needed to be bled. I hate my Chrysler with a passion.

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  I love this car - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By steve - January 23 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this car used in 2003 with 48 K miles, it just turned 81K miles on 1/23/09. I have the gold color, and it looks as new as the day it was painted on the car. No problems at all, I plan on getting a new 300 C next year and keeping this one as well.