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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  Happy with purchase - 2013 Chrysler 200
  By ac110 - April 1 - 3:22 pm

  Have only had the car about a month, but so far I am very happy. The interior has a luxurious feel and the outside is sleek as well. My fiance likes the hp and I do as well. Gas mileage could be a little better.

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  Not a good car - 2009 Chrysler Sebring
  By dewhurst - March 27 - 5:10 pm

  I borrowed this car from my grandma when she was out of town for 4 months. During this time, i had to get the power steering repaired twice. Also, I feel like Im hunched in the car, as the visibility is bad, even though Im not a tall person. The heated seats are nice, and the interior design is nice. However, now Im pretty sure Ill steer clear of Chrysler in the future.

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  If you are looking to buy one, read this first. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By coyote102076 - March 18 - 12:26 pm

  First thing you need to understand is that yes, there has been issues with oil sludge in these engines in the past. However, I very seriously relate this directly to brand/type of oil more than bad design. If it was an engineering error, why then do soooo many of these surpass 200k+ miles. Have a competent mechanic check the engine before you buy the car. If no sludge, then you are good to go. Just use Shell Rotella 5w30 from that point on and you will not have issues. ( And I do not work for nor "endorse" Rotella, just stating the pure fact) Now, engine aside, the rest of this car is fantastic! Touring model ride is a bit on the stiff side though. (Compared to the base & LX models)

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  A Mans Car - 2014 Chrysler 300
  By elmatatan - March 14 - 12:54 pm

  BOLD styled, no one will ever confuse your 300 with the Avalon and Genesis, Azera, Buick. Many dealers will give you a great deals on the Base Model if you time your purchase right. The BASE model is well equipped you get a lot for the money and you feel like MILLION BUCKS. The BASE trim is a true luxury car.

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  Best Mistake I ever Made. - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By fionafirst - March 9 - 9:09 pm

  I had 5 grand to send on a used car at the age of 18, and went to the dealership and test drove this lovely convertible. Before doing any Vehicle History Reports I bought the car, it was a gut decision. It was a stupid risk to take but I am sure gald I took it. The car has power, dont let the low displacement number fool you, it can get up and go quickly The road noise is low with the top up, and the roof never leaks even in the worst rain Nothing has broken other than the rear ball joints, only 200 to replace Its even fun to drive for a mid size car, and comfortable for 4 adults Youll love cruising around in the summer evenings, and have you seen how good this car looks?? DAMN!

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By tuna66 - March 8 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased a new 5.7 4x4 Aspen new in August 2008. To date, this has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. 125,000 trouble free miles. I have replaced one set of front and rear brakes, battery and two sets of tires, and that is all. The suv rides like it did at 25,000 miles. I would buy another in a second. I live in Upstate NY and the bottom of all 4 doors are rotting. This rig is thirsty. Other than the rusting doors, this is one well built SUV.

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  140000 Miles and going strong... - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lcosta2 - March 6 - 6:28 pm

  I have owned 19 cars this is one of the best reliable suv ever no major problems just replace front shocks etc...and yes 140k on it...

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  Great driving experience! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By twistedtoes - February 23 - 3:43 pm

  I, for the life of me cant understand why Chrysler stopped building such a great driving experience of the Pacifica. Im totally amazed at how well this piece of equipment handles itself on the highway as well as in town. Its not sluggish when you want to pass another car and the fact that its interfaced with Mercedes - Benz technology only adds to the driving experience. I just paid mine off, so the ride just got better!

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  Front end Quality is terrible...Tie Rods ends - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By elizspald - February 20 - 2:15 pm

  I looked at the Pacifica for 2 years before buying it in 2007. I currently have 52,000 miles on it, well under the national average. I have been replacing tie rod ends approx. every 10,000 miles. I have replaced a total of 7 in 45,000 miles. I am not on my 2nd coolant leak. I have had a shack in the frontend ever since I put new tires on, which one was bulged and needed to go back to replace it. Dash lights have burnt out and need replacing. I cant even image what I would be feeling if I hadnt have gotten the 7 year/70,000 warranty at $100 deductible!!! Its up in June...Think Ill be getting my a Ford or Chevy!!

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  A STEAL FOR THE PRICE BUT DONT EXPECT A SPORTS CAR - 2013 Chrysler 200
  By atadres2 - February 17 - 2:46 am

  i have bought my 200 for a steal! 15000 BRAND NEW OUT THE DOOR 4 months ago about 5000 on the engine i hit a bumper on the freeway thanks to the cars amazing hight compared to other midsizes no damage except a busted gas tank thankfully no leaks so i was able to drive it safely still i replaced the gas tank for 1000 dollars at puente hills dodge chrysler jeep factory stock part the car is very smooth and shifts incredibly for a 4 speed 6 shift points make it a real fun car to drive but not like a v6 i have had 8 cars ranging from hybrids to v8s this is somewhere in the middle of power and fuel efficient i get about 22 mpg on mixed use