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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  ABS is only major issue - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By booger - November 13 - 8:26 pm

  This car has about 17,000 miles on it already, and I can attest to its great overall quality and performance. However, weve had 3 major issues with the ABS system which have required repair at the dealership. The ABS light would come on, and then wed experience some kind of brake force reduction or steering problems. The dealer told us that theyve been seeing a lot of Pacificas for ABS problems. Other than that, its been a VERY reliable car. I love the interior flexibility, the engine power/gas mileage combo, and the car handles kids and cargo with ease. I love its sharp handling and willingness to accelerate when needed, but the brakes also do a great job of stopping as well.

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  Cute but uncomfortable - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By simon87 - November 11 - 7:38 am

  I bought this car because of its good looks both interior and exterior, great mileage, and it suited my needs. After driving it about a year and a half, I am ready for something new. It still runs great, however, it is so uncomfortable. My back gets sore after driving an hour or so, its incredibly hard to get in and out of and the road noise on the highway gets pretty annoying. Everything on it is very light and plasticy making it feel like you really are driving a Barbie car on the interstate. It just doesnt feel safe and the very low roof makes me clostrophobic.

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  Chrysler Aspen Limited Fully Loaded - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Matt - November 10 - 6:50 pm

  I leased my Aspen with every available option it could come with. It is a real head turner in the HD Silver Metallic paint and 20inch rims. It would be better if the rims were chrome (Plastic Caps) but hard to notice to the untrained eye. No complaints. Only one problem, and I see nobody else in the reviews taliking about it. Between 67mph and 74mph there is a whole body vibration which the dealer and Chrysler engineering cannot fix. They have replaced every moving part outside of the engine itself including all rims, tires, driveshafts, manifolds, axles, etcetcetc. Love the truck, but they admit it is a lemon law vehicle.

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  Very Happy with Purchase - Find - Price - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - November 10 - 4:21 am

  I have always liked the Pacifica style since it came out. I wasnt really in the purchase mode, but drove by the dealership and saw 3 new/used Pacificas on the lot. The gas prices were close to $4.00 a gal. & the price of full size autos were going down. Driving it easy, with the 6 speed transmission, I was getting 19.8 in town, and 29.9 on the highway. It rides so smooth, and the performance is unbelievable! It is totally state of art. Load leveling, traction control, ABS, anti-out of control feature? Over 250 HP. 3500 towing tounge wt. I love my Pacifica. I plan on keeping it for a long time. Again, due to gas price, I got a very good deal. monthly payment is $350. I have the FWD, not AWD.

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  Too many problems. - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By rifat - November 9 - 5:28 am

  If only it had a better looking front and was more reliabile, this car could have joined the classic cars. What I dont understand is why Chrysler seem to be careless to the same problems that keep on coming year after year without taking care of them.

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  From 2006 Chrysler 300C to 2009 Limited - 2009 Chrysler 300
  By Ed - November 8 - 10:12 am

  Recently went from an 06 300C to an 09 300 LTD. While leaving the Hemi was disappointing the interior upgrades and overall ride are better. The LTD is missing electronic steering adjust, memmory seats and back up sensors but has better leather, LCD radio, nicer console with plentiful wood trim, soft leather covers on console and doors and other nice touches. The real disapointment is in the smoothness of the 3.5 engine. While I knew the performance would be avaerage, it is not tight and balanced like other notable V6 engines. The 6cyl and Hemi produce equivalent mpg. Overall Im satisfied but would love to drive an 09 Hemi with improved hp. HP is a big part of the luxury and identity.

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  Cruising in my Cruiser - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By River Cruiser - November 8 - 4:03 am

  The first thing I noticed was my absence from the gas station. Fun to drive with lots of room. Like the power drivers seat and the power sun roof. The rear seats being able to remove completely is really a good idea. Stereo has great sound. Lots of power for me.

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  Crapshoot - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By sparty - November 7 - 4:50 pm

  This car is very comfortable, and fun to drive. However it has been more and more unreliable as the days go by. I have had to replace two window motors, the oil pan (leaky), and the speedometer sensor within the last six months. It has gone from a cheap, fun car to a money pit. The rubber around the headlights is falling apart, and the hood trim came flying off a few weeks ago. I am going back to Hondas/Toyotas before the snow flies, because I am scared of being stranded by the side of the road in mid-winter.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By Jay Keesling - November 5 - 3:14 pm

  3.2L engine, great power. Leather interior attractive. Infinity sound system-superior, mileage on road 30.7mpg. Only major repairs were replacing the ignition switch which had a short in it and air conditioning evaporator which developed a leak. Battery difficult to get to with access at front passenger wheel well. Huge trunk, overhead console with trip meter, compass, mpg calculations, distance till empty features.

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  No More Sebring - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Goldie - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  I would have to agree with some of the reviews earlier. About a month after purchasing my Sebring I noticed black glue type stuff on side panels of the doors. Ive taken it to the dealer on numerous occasions. The sad part is that they are unable to tell me what’s causing the problem. Since then every year I’ve been out of $100 or more on the following: catalyst converter, serpentine belts and currently it’s in the shop for a transmission repair. I find the car difficult in steering, very small cup holder and loud road noise. The tires on my car 17” quite expensive and only a few stores carry that particular size.