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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  2007 Sebring is full of Sexappeal - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lyle / Sonja - November 28 - 7:05 pm

  Its love at first sight with this car. The exterior design is sleek,smooth,and seductive. The 07 Sebring is right at home riding along side any other luxury sedan that you may encounter while riding around town. Once my wife and I sat inside the car we found it to be comfortable for our size(Im 63/225) and it still leaves room for our girls in the back .Easy to read instrument panel and easy to reach dash controls. Driver seat manual controls for the base model are adequate,and the 2.4L engine rates about a seven getting on the interstate. The steering is tight and moves when you move and the gas mileage is excellent.I would recommend anyone to take the sebring out on a date and enjoy the day

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  Miss C - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Jennifer Chahoud - November 28 - 5:23 pm

  I absolutely love this care. For being my first car at the age of 16 well thats amazing. The style, the body, the interior its all so nice! but I got to say that it would be nicer to have the 300C stand out on the inside more then the 300. To me theyre not the same car even if they do look alike besides the headlights and chrome features and Hemi 350. 300c should be recognized.

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  Satisfied GT Convertible purchasers - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bryan & shannon - November 27 - 10:40 pm

  Purchased black PT convertible GT. Power, style, handling, all as advertised. *Very* impressive 220 hp turbo engine; after driving the non-turbo and 180 hp turbo touring edition, the 220hp is substantively different and we would suggest only the 180 or 220 if any power is required at all or if the car will be driven at high altitudes. Of course style is an individual preference, but folks definitely checked out the car on our trip between LA and San Diego.:) Handling during rainstorm was impressive; lots of standing water but traction control kept the car stable [unfortunately other cars werent so lucky -- several spin outs and accidents on the interstates]. Top goes up and comes down easy.

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  Buy One! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By The Flash - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Black AWD Pacifica for about 5 months now, put on about 7500 miles, and I couldnt be happier. It is one of the nicest, smoothest riding, smoothest handling, vehicle we have every owned. The navigation system, sound system, and array of very handy options are great. The more I drive it, the more I like it.

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  Best Vehicle of Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By norman Inkman - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had over 30 new cars and SUV in the last 20 years, which include Lexus, Mercedes, Infinities etc. This Pacifica is the best value and sound vehicle mfg. It has very good style, great room to hall stuff, and fun to drive , Very under rated and under priced ! Chrysler / Mercedes has put together a great vehicle

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  Love this Car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Irish - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Have no compaints about car... Bought it before even driving.... Chrysler makes a good car and this is second I have had.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By AKC - November 23 - 8:40 pm

  Very stylish and comfortable. I bought my 2006 300 Limited in May of 2005. Loaded pretty well. I get about 19 MPG, for its size, thats not too bad. Mine is black pearl coat which really sparkles in the sun. Get lots of compliments from strangers. Of course the exterior is showy and stylish but so is the interior. Not sure why a couple of the reviews I have read do not agree. This car handles well and rides great. Back seat is roomy and comfortable. A couple of my friends drive Lincolns and they always insist on taking my car when we go places together. They love the style and are planning to purchase their own.

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  Gto Noo 05 Mustang Nooo I chose Hemi!!!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Stan in Ofallon Mo. - November 23 - 12:36 am

  Oh my gosh what a joy to own.. I am in heaven. The power is amazing...The looks are awesome...The Hemi is the only choice.

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  Great New Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tabonf - November 22 - 8:03 pm

  This car is new and I am very pleased so far. It handles well and has a very comfortable ride. Only one minor problem on delivery, the sun roof needed adjustment. The mileage is reasonable for size (20mi/gal).

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  "Baby Bentley" - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Chrysler2005 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The 300c is the golden child of the upcoming,some outgoing, luxury performance automobiles. Its 340 hp hemi is all you really need to know and with the 4000+ ibls it is still unnessary, yet so wonderful. 0-60 in 6 secs. with all the tech. goodies you can want-priceless,yet it is under 40k.The esp in winter like conditions is excellent(i reside in Wisconsin). Body resembles that of an old Bentley.I dare you to name a car this so thought of and accomplished than this one.