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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  Good Performance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Peter - October 30 - 3:58 pm

  My first Chrysler. It is great price with the features to match. It have SUV advantage (big), but easy to turn on highway.(because base is low.) So, it can be called top performance. Dont know long term quality, because first day broken on road.It was one call back.

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  Not Reliable - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nothappy - October 30 - 12:30 pm

  I agree with many of the reviews that I read-- the car is a great design however, at 10,000 miles this car lost it. The transmission was "clunky" and with several transmission upgrades it seems to just keep coming back- as many of the others! It has broken down twice due to a gas gauge/ tank problems- as I am learning a not so rare issue. For this-- it is unreliable! After numerous trips to the dealer it still happens. I am tired of it! Why would this car come with a 6 disc DVD changer and no screen? Broken motor mounts- also common in the 2007.

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  this not your grandpas 1970s era dodge aspen - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Tracy Brown - October 30 - 12:34 am

  total luxary, lazy boy type driving comfort, decades of chrysler realiable hemi power, years of lasting body styling on a dodge ram chassis, engineering dependabilty, what more can I tell.........60 years of purchasing more than 35 various cars/trucks, and this chrysler aspen, is most definately the very best that I have yet to own............I bought it for my birthday in 2007, and I still own it and still enjoy driving it every day.............. updated 4.12.2017 by Tracy Brown........well, readers, I still own my Chrysler Aspen Limited 5.7L Hemi RWD.........and I like it more today than before my last review..........I probably have the last Aspen Standing..........Chrysler put a gazzillion dollars into the Dorango Makeover, and they will never but never re-coup that money on the DOGG of a Dorango !!!! I would have, had I been Chrysler, never badged this SUV the Aspen.........I would have dumped the dorango brand, and re-upted the badge of the long time ago, Chrysler luxo finned crusier the " Imperial " its was pure luxary..........and I would have marketed this (ASPEN) as the Imperial, and aimed it directly at the GMs Caddy Esclade, and the Ford Lincoln Navigator, and brought back the rivarly of the "Big 3" auto makers from the 1960s and 1970s......there have only been two men in the automotive business ever, that were geniuss, Mr. Henry Ford and the great Lee Iococa !!!! everybody since those two men, and even up to this date.........could not walk and chew gum at the same time........ok ok put the tomatos you are about to throw at me down please .......... I am only talking about domistice car makers.........gezzzz give a guy a break. Tracy Brown 10.13.2017 update..........I was right with this review then, and the review stands firm of/for my Chrysler SUV is even more worthy of high praise today.......and I have the support of the worlds finest and most all around knowledgable mechanic...............because my daddy told me way back when..........son, get yourself a good heart specialist, and a great mechanic..............words of wisdom for the ages for any car guy.............lol Tracy Brown

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  MY BABY! - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By love my sebring - October 29 - 7:42 pm

  I went to a Nissan dealership, and drove away with a Chrysler. Im a college student, wanted to get something I wouldnt have to pray would break down on me. Test drove a few Nissans then I test drove the Sebring, and then took it home. I love the way the car looks. Its great on gas, and the sound system is great. People have been complaining about the pick up, I think the car is quite peppy, and when Im on the highway I dont even realize how fast Im going sometimes. The inside feels sorta like a airplane cockpit, but I love my car ! I love the gas mileage it rivals a Honda, or Nissan . Not bad for an American made car

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  fun but little things cost a lot - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By deantre - October 29 - 8:02 am

  Great engine, good handling, nice styling, under engineered windows, engine fans, sound system speakers. Had drivers window go inoperative, tranny sensor quit, speakers fell apart, heater quit working, seat heater quick working, sensor quit, they tell me the only fix is a new $800 Seat. Yeah right, good job Chrysler.

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  Hate to see it go - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lee - October 28 - 8:38 pm

  So far this has been an absolutely fabulous driving and riding vehicle. Wife doesnt ask to stop every two hours to stretch and walk out the kinks. Gas mileage is not bad (22.7) on trips as long as you dont use ethanol. In 34000 miles the only problem is with an electronic sender that tells the torque converter to lock. Warranty covered. Hate to see them go, may drive this one into the ground.

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  Crossfire review - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By MARYHELEN HAGGE - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly fun to drive. Noticed immediately by colleagues. It only has two seats which means you cant pick up people. That limits your opportunity to show off this stunning vehicle. Accelerates well. Handles curves adroitly. Comfortable on long trips. Easy cruise control.

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  Stylish and Functional - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By njscouter - October 28 - 2:00 am

  After driving minivans for 18 years I was ready for "something different". This car gave me the style and luxury I was craving along with a flexable seating that I still need for my teenagers. HoweverGas milage has been dissapointing. Backing up my dark driveway at night requires a leap of faith due to the tinted glass. Noise when rear windows are open when going over 30 mph is painfully annoying. I have not found the power of the vehicle to be a problem.

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  Sweet Little Car with Big Attitude - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mbrayson - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy every minute I spend with this car. Its cute, it rides nice, has a nice radio, its comfortable. Its stylish and whimsical looking on the outside but very practical and versatile on the inside. Still impressed with the solid build quality... does not feel like a cheap little car.

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  04 PT Turbo Platinum Series - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PT Gal - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second PT and I cant find any negative aspects to report. My old 2002 PT Limited Edition was great in all areas but power, it was just too gutless and had to be floored to get out of everyones way. Hence the upgrade to my new 2004 Turbo Platinum Series. Stunningly sharp looking, chrome everywhere, luscious leather and suede seats, loaded with all the goodies Id ever want .. and POWER! Chrysler really stepped up to the plate on this series. Bravo!