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:

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Robert - December 15 - 6:03 am

  Bought the car for a cheap commuter. Only car I could find new for under twelve thousand that fit my needs. Has worked great for the job at a smooth 30 mpg average. Plus only car with a lifetime powertrain warranty. Would buy another one without hesitation.

• 

  NIIIIIICE. - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Matt - December 14 - 4:37 pm

  Overall, this is a nice ride. I bought it for my sons first car, and it was a good choice. I have had a few repairs, but its an old car. I would definitely get another if it came up.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By landark - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a family car that is different that everyone elses SUV, the cost is way less than a ML 350 or X5. The size is larger and the comfort is equal. Not as tall to get in and out of, handles like a car, and equipped in comfort. Mercedes quality in an American product. Congratulations!

• 

  Look Of Luxury - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Dennis Williams - December 14 - 9:04 am

  It has the looks, comfort, & amenities of a SUV priced thousands more. The third row has enough room for adults. It has the power to pull my boat & it fits in the garage.

• 

  love my aspen - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Kerry Grisson - December 14 - 7:34 am

  I am so happy that I purchased the aspen, it is a fun, stable and beautiful vehicle and I am really enjoying it

• 

  179,000 miles and going strong! - 1993 Chrysler Concorde
  By JKH - December 12 - 5:18 pm

  After 179K miles, I still consider my Concorde to be reliable. It gets me where I need to go, even though my wife points out that the power lock button on the drivers side has long since migrated into the paneling of the door. I am happy to report, however, that the passenger side power lock is doing just fine. Also, the car periodically locks and unlocks itself, but weve just learned not to leave it running without rolling down a window. I believe that this gives the car character.

• 

  New Owner Driving Experience - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Louise - December 12 - 12:16 am

  The vehicle is a beautiful car and I have received numerous compliments from young and older people both. The car drives well and my 250 HP engine performs good. Vehicle is very roomy. Visibility is not terrific but with time and extra effort you learn the blind spots and how to compensate & can drive safely and with ease. The vehicle is quiet and comfortable. The power heated mirrors are really nice. I like having the Electronic Stability and Anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes.

• 

  My first Showroom floor Purchase - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Suzette Bean - December 11 - 2:55 pm

  This Pacifica has almost everything. Love the tri-panel panoramic sun roof. The clock could be larger though.

• 

  Sensible sedan - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Bernie - December 11 - 11:21 am

  For the money there isnt another car that can hold a candle to this Chrysler 300. Now with 30,000 miles on it, we are just as pleased with it as when it was new. Dealer service here in a small town is a little less than I would like but they have backed the warranty completely on various small items. The most negative feature I can think of is the paint. We have the black and it seems to be very brittle, allowing rocks to readily chip the front end.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By joe king - December 10 - 9:06 am

  This car is fun to drive and for the money I dont see how you can beat the ride, handling and performance of this car. Good Job Chrysler