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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  More bang for the buck than any other mid-sized - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By torch1342 - May 27 - 11:40 am

  I own a 2012 Touring model with the 3.6 Pentastar, 430n touchscreen radio and sunroof. I looked at and researched mid-sized cars for 3 months before I decided on the 200. I liked the exterior looks of the malibu, but the interior seemed dated and the 2.4l engine was too underpowered for my taste. I finally decided on the 200 for two reasons, the 3.6l Pentastar is amazing 29mpg with 283HP. It is very quiet and docile at low throttle, but give it some gas and it feels like a rockestship! This engine is an absolute joy. The second reason was price, I walked out of the dealership at $20200.00 after all rebates and negotiations.

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  Third year of enjoyment - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By db60 - May 23 - 7:29 pm

  Having purchased our Pacifica as it came off a Chrysler lease in 2009, we could not be happier with the performance, handling and comfort that we enjoy. Our Pacifica is the W.P. Chrysler Signature Series, and this mean upgraded leather, radio and other features that make this an enjoyable vehicle. The interior is a dream. The Navigation is in the center of the speedometer and is simular to heads up displays. The capability to handle 7 (that is right 7) DVDs between the radio and the external changer makes long trip with Grandkids actually fun. The four captain chairs (all heated with individual controls) are extremely comfortable. Toad trips of 6 to 7 hours are not unheard.

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  Chrysler is back! - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By trikev19 - May 22 - 5:07 pm

  After buying Hondas and Toyotas for years, I bought a Chrysler 300. I read great things about the Penstar V6 and the 8 speed transmission and attention to detail. The car is the nicest car I have ever owned. I average 31 MPG at 75MPH on the highway and the V6 has muscle car like punch and sound. Im not one to write a review, but this vehicle has me passionate about cars again!

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  Converted GM Guy - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By iluvcars62 - May 20 - 1:26 pm

  I am happy with decision to purchase the 300. I have owned GM products since I was 16. If this car has the longevity I think it will, I will be a loyal Chrysler owner. Im 50 & 64" tall and 300 lbs Im not a small man so my choices in a new car are limited. I have been driving SUVs for the last 20 years and wanted a car this time for better fuel economy. I like the fact its not a young persons car. The 300 is a godsend. I own a 06 Lucerne. Its a nice car but the angle of top side of the car reduces shoulder room. The 300 is very forgiving for us larger than normal people not to mention that the seats sit higher and I dont feel like Im crawling out of the vehicle.

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  Big American Rear Wheel Drive V8 - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By bcharles1 - May 13 - 9:52 am

  What can I say? the 300C takes us back to old school USA days when cars were big, rear wheel drive, V8 luxury liners - that is exactly what this 300C represents. The ride is incredibly plush yet handles quite well when needed. Great turning radius as well.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By tnfreedom - May 8 - 1:31 pm

  This is my 6th Chrysler product in 3 years. I have owned all makes, including Jeeps. This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. MPG is my favorite subject when asked. I have never gotten LESS than 25 mpg city or 32 hwy, BUT I USUALLY get 38 Hwy and have even gotten 41.4 hwy! I posted the pic to Chryslers FBook site. This car is amazing in comfort, style, ride and value. I bought the base with the 8 spd and the 8.4 touchscreen. I wouldnt change a thing. I drive over 400 miles weekly for work and I have almost 5000 miles on the car. Trouble free and nothing but stares and compliments, Several people have asked me if it is an Audi a8. Hands down the best investment I have made.

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  great minivan - 2002 Chrysler Voyager
  By mkrawczyk - May 6 - 9:05 pm

  bought this van 6 years ago with 55000 mile gas mileage is good 18 city 24 hwy i have hauled everything in this van it has been the best van i have owned no major problems reg maint oil changed every 4000 miles i put lukus in trans at 56000 miles now has 133000 trouble free and 3 sets of frt brakes one battery if it ever stops running i will buy another.

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  200 Touring with V6 option / Great Car! - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By ldw6559 - May 4 - 3:09 pm

  Didnt expect to end up with this car but glad I did. Black on Black color is just plain sexy. Only had it for 2 weeks and Im surprised at just how many people want to see it, and the positive comments I get. Great power, handling is awsome as long as you dont floor it, the car does have a fair amount of torque steering and I have really never got on it hard. Gas milage is above what Chryler says as I am averaging 31-32 miles per gallon with about 80-20 highway to city driving, but I do sit in long lines going and coming from work that avg. about 15minutes each way in stopped and very slow driving. Comfortable and quiet, with good F&F on par with this segment.

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  Great Car...Great Value - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By gerard56 - May 3 - 1:36 pm

  I have a 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited with about 3,200 miles on it. This car is a great value, loaded with features, including a great V6 engine and a quiet interior. Smooth ride, great fit and finish. Beautiful cherry red paint. I love the UConnect radio/phone. I learn something new about it every time Im in the car. Easy to learn to operate with steering wheel controls. Great sound system. I would strongly recommend this car because of the value and what seems to be great quality.

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  Surprisingly good! - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By mrhands - May 1 - 4:15 pm

  I was looking for something fun, good mileage, comfy, you know, everything for a good price. I was looking for a convertible to replace my current Euro Special. I heard and saw good reviews for the 200, took it for a test drive and was sold. So far, very pleased!