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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  REAL GOOD JOB CHRYSLER - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By rodney - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine fine car . Chrysler really did their homework. Every detail well thought out. Even door handles have a thumb fitting for comfort. A real head turner on the road. Power is a little light but this wasnt meant to be a real terror on the road. Just a real beauty to the eyes.

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  No hyperbole - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By BanjoMan - August 13 - 8:58 pm

  This car is not a sports car. However, I found previous claims of severe problems with handling to be gross exaggerations. Even taking sharp right turns at speeds higher than I should have I did not encounter excessive body sway or tire squealing. Steering was well behaved under almost any conditions. On straights the car was quiet inside with the cloth top up, and engine noise was noticeable only upon high acceleration. Power was more than adequate. The seats are well formed and comfortable, even the back seats. I like the car.

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  Never Disappoints - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By banphe - August 12 - 7:15 pm

  From the first minute you can feel the Benz quality buried in the architecture of the car. Twenty or thirty years from now, the turn of the 21st century will be known as the era when Hemi 300s and Chargers ruled the roads. You can not buy a better car for the money, the closest thing I would trade mine for is a 7 series BMW.

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  Good car - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Keith - August 11 - 1:18 pm

  This is an update to an original post - now I have 73k odo and still relatively trouble free - extended warranty took care of all. Upper strut mounts on front were replaced causing cupping on tires - I thought it was alignment. Seat heater relay replaced as well as rear spring cushions - all faulty from factory. These are minor issues that could happen with any make. The car still delivers 23 - 24 city and 28 hi way. I just now replaced the front brakes at 71k (that is a first). Car is still tight, no road noise, great mileage, excellent sound system, leather has held up well. This is my wifes daily driver, no kids.

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  Awesome Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CJ, jr. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best we ever owned. It is quiet, rides like a dream and a very luxurious feel.

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  elegance - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By rayule - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The epitome of elegance for under 40,000

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KatVon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pacifica for a week.I love it

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  PT Finally Goes Zoom-Zoom. - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Spaceship Commander - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd PT and first Turbo ever owned. Chrysler has made the 215 HP Auto-Trans PT a smooth moving machine with beathtaking and almost seamless acceleration when you put your foot down. It is right at home on the freeway at speed or cruising around town. This is a neat car that is not only fun to drive but has great utility value. The drivers seating position is almost perfect with outstanding road visibility.

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  Great American Cars - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Warj - August 9 - 3:40 am

  Car has great acceleration. Suspension is a little stiff, but rides OK. Doors make easy egress. Great style. Rear quarter panels seem a little flimsy. May want stiffen up on next version.

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  Traded A BMW X5 for this vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By MSolcz - August 8 - 2:38 pm

  Traded up in the right direction. This vehicle is a far cry from the Import. Great vehicle, good performer and looks great inside and out. Little fit problems with the doors and hood, other than that its so far the best SUV I have driven.