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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  Best decision we could have made! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Suellen - August 19 - 7:06 am

  We already own an F250 and an Excursion, both 7.4L diesels. The 300C was the only model car that we both said wed ever be interested in owning. It has style+ unlike all the other generic bubble shaped cars out there. It has a wide body that doent narrow out in the headroom area, leads to a very roomy interior. Rides great and the handling is unbelievably smooth. The Hemi will knock you back into the headrest when you put your foot into it! Great on long roadtrips too! Fuel economy isnt that great. But hey its a big V8. Want fuel economy buy a Hybrid, but wont be near as comfortable or stylish.

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  good for a family - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tdf - August 18 - 6:04 pm

  I bought our 2005 Pacifica at auction without much research but I was down to the Ford Freestyle and this. I like the handling and comfort though it has a little lag in power sometimes. The main reason I went with it is because this is one of the only cars or minivans that accommodates 3 children in car seats. with 2 in the second row and the third in the third row. The third row kid required a little assistance with clipping her seat for about 6 months, but I fold down the second third row seat and put her into the vehicle through the hatch. Overall I get about 18-19mpg in rural driving in the foothills of NC.

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  nice little car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By william - August 18 - 11:10 am

  Ive owned my 2007 pacific coast highway edition pt cruiser for almost a year. it has a manual transmission and a 2.4 liter engine, non turbo. it gets up and scoots well. it seems to be geared pretty low for what i had expected. it wouldve been nice if it were offered with a 6 speed though. i do a lot of highway driving and average only 26 mpg.

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  The Cadillac killer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hemi 5.7 300S - 2015 Chrysler 300
  By Clyde Leonard - August 18 - 1:18 am

  I have been driving this car for about a month. The car is a BEAST! I have the 5.7 300S and it doesnt miss a beat. The Hemi will give you all the happiness you need. Not over done with detracting options, just a muscle car under cover. All I did was put the Hemi decals on it so the next guy would know not to try me!

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  Best Buy Convertible - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By aaronelbaron - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Closing in on one year of ownership I am very pleased with this vehicle. The ride comfort and performance are balanced perfectly. You can enjoy both long trips (or commutes) and at the same time dive into a corner without worrying about losing control. The car drives faster than you feel so it is easy to exceed the speed limit. Even with the automatic, acceleration is great. This is the lowest priced true 4 seat convertible on the market, so if you must go topless, go Sebring.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ATown - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle moves well, and handles well considering its size and weight. Its not a sports car, but its definately fun to be behind the wheel. The turbo has responsive straightline acceleration with or with out using the AutoStick. After accelerating from a stop, Ive been finding myself exceeding the speed limit by a good margin before I take notice of my speed. The interior design is tasteful enough to satisfy those that are interested in the car for its retro look, but still has an edgy 21st Century look to it. All in all, I have enjoyed the vehicle immensely, and have only a few gripes (see below).

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  second in a row - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By bcfromsd - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 2000 Sebring convertible for a new 2004, and so far I am impressed. We had no real problems with the old one- some squeeky brakes while still under warranty- so were hoping for the same this time. I like the larger wheels and overall stance. Interior isnt changed much, but the optional seat heaters are a definite hit- you can leave the top down longer if you just turn on the seat heaters, a ragtop season extender. Just a very fun car.

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  review - 2000 Chrysler LHS
  By pimp J - August 14 - 10:24 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing vehicle! I bought this car used and have put 30,000 miles on it since then and have had no problems whatsoever. This car now has 118,000 miles on it and runs absolutely perfect ad looks just the same.The paint wheels and interior are immaculate and looks just like new, and the women love it. If you are looking for an affordable, quick, flashy, and comfortable car I would definitely go with the LHS, you will not be disappointed.

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  Dont Buy this piece of Junk - 2002 Chrysler Voyager
  By Kelly - August 14 - 3:29 pm

  We bought this van new, soon after the drivers window stop working for 2 yrs, then the transmission went bad had to get rebuilt one, $1500 later, now the van shack bad and makes a clicking noise when you start and stop, and the electrical box I found out is all rested inside and so are my wires, they never sealed the box to keep moisture out, then my brake light and dash light were going off and on due to electrical, brakes feel really bad, every year were replacing them, but still it dont feel right, my van only has 66,000 miles on it, and all these problems. I will never buy a Chrysler again!Oh I forgot the ac hasnt worked in 2 years.

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  Dont Buy One!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By harleygal78 - August 13 - 11:02 pm

  I bought my Pacifica AWD used in 2006 with 42,000 miles. Since then I have had to replace the inner and outer tie- rod ends, struts, axels, lower control arm, sway arm bushings on both front driver and passenger side. There still is a creaking noise in the front when you hit a bump. Mechanic has no clue what it is. Then I had a problem with the engine revving up when at stop sign the shutting off. Had to replace the erg valve control sensor.