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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  Great ride, Great value - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By jlatta - March 6 - 1:28 pm

  I just bought my 2012 200 Limited yesterday and so far I am loving it. After test driving several I opted for the v6 over the 4 cylinder. That 283 hp is just hard to resist. If this car holds up over time, Toyota may have a serious competitor on their hands again from an American manufacturer. My wife is already wanting me to drive her Avalon so she can drive the 200. Fun Ride. Buy American.

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  Have Always Loved This Car - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By kbest - March 2 - 7:57 pm

  This is our second LHS. We bought it 7 years ago as the second owner with 64k miles on it. Weve loved it ever since. Weve only ever done routine maintenance until we hit 215k when we had a noise from the differential. We had the tranny and differential rebuilt (its one unit) and shes been running strong to this day. Shes at 226k and showing no signs of giving up. Our friends always want to take our car because its so comfortable. She always has plenty of power and is fun to drive. We average 24 to 25 mpg between in town and highway which isnt bad for such a large car! Very sad they dont still make them!

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  Brand New 2012 Chrysler 200 S - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By 6th_mopar - February 27 - 9:50 pm

  Just picked up my 200 S this afternoon. Power from Pentastar 3.6 V-6 is very good. Slight torque steer as noted in a few other columns, but about the same as in a Honda or Toyota. Navigation and sound system is superb. Proud to have bought and am driving my 6th American Mopar product. (75 Duster, 97 Cirrus, 01 Concorde, 02 Intrepid, 06 300). More to come after I get this one broken in. Initial impression is very good. Glad I test drove it and bought it.

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  Simply Amazing! - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By robert7200 - February 15 - 11:14 pm

  Purchased a 2011 Chrysler 300C in January and have been driving it for about 4 weeks now. Was never really a Chrysler fan in the past. However, after test driving the new 300C, it was hard to deny the great improvement in quality, fit and finish. The 300C is equipped with every possible option including the 363HP Hemi V8, all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, park assist, back-up camera, Garmin nav system, bluetooth and ipod adapter, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, napa leather seats, real wood trim, panoramic moon roof, and more. The ride is very stable and the cabin is extremely quiet. If you are looking for a full size luxury car, look no further!

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  One fine vehicle - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By blacky4 - February 15 - 10:31 pm

  I have been waiting for my fully loaded Chrysler 200S V6 and I received it a few days ago. I have to say it was well worth the wait. The first thing I noticed was its fit and finish is outstanding, especially the interior. Next is how smooth and quiet it is at road speed. Then I put the pedal to the metal and unleashed those 283 horses, and boy, this baby flies! I read many reviews on this car, and it seems like for every positive review there was some character ripping it apart, calling it a warmed over Sebring, etc. Well, if you are in the market for one of these, the only advice I can give is take one for a drive and judge it for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.

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  Chrysler Got It Right! - 2012 Chrysler 200
  By tonys13 - February 14 - 9:11 am

  Great first impression! Seats are great ride is sporty and comfortable throttle is responsive sound system is great Controls in touch screen are a breeze to use SAT, NAV, MC is great. This car feels like a high end euro model!

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  Great car, excellent for touring - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lbsunshine - January 4 - 10:06 pm

  We purchased our Pacifica in 2006 with 30K miles. It now has 118K. This has been a great car to drive. Our longest trip was from Southern California to Mt Rushmore. It has been super reliable and practically maintenance free. The comfort cant be beat. We change the oil every 3k or so miles and all has been fine. We had the brakes and the oil pan gasket changed. We are a family of three so storage isnt a problem. Our son, though about 56" still sits in the third row of seats. My only complaint are the blind spot on the drivers side due to the rear end being so wide and the noise when the back windows are down. Chrysler should put it back into production.

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  wonderful car - 2012 Chrysler 300
  By pofed - December 22 - 3:26 pm

  The 300 limited is a beautiful well built machine. everything about it is great. I traded in a 2002 chrysler and had great performance from it,I hope i have as much fun and relibility from this one.and im sure I will..Love it

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  Lovemy300LTD - 2011 Chrysler 300
  By lovemy300 - December 12 - 3:55 pm

  I bought my 2011 300 Limited in August, 2011, and so far I love the car. I have the Tungsten grey with panaramic roof, 20" upgraded wheels, and its a head turner. I have just over 3k miles on it so far and have been averaging around 20 to 21 in mostly city driving. I drove Honda/Acuras for 20+ years and I think the options on this car for the price couldnt be beat. I recently rented a Cadillac DTS while on vacation and think my 300s ride is much better than the Caddy and the 300s interior has better quality interior materials. Overall, the 300 feels richer than the Cadillac (IMO). I love my 300 and am looking forward to my first road trip in it this Christmas.

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  2004 Chrysler Sebring 3.0L Coupe - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By rauchm404 - December 9 - 6:59 pm

  I love love love this car!!! Ive been reading the reviews and i dont see the issues people are having. From going from a 1996 nissan "it was a peice of *beep*" I feel like im driving a lexus. For those who are less fortunate and cant afford high end cars this is the way to go! Ive had no problems and have 70,000miles on it. The only things ive had to do is oil changes,fluid top offs, ect. The normally things a car needs!