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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  No Regrets So Far - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ms. Lee - November 1 - 8:13 am

  This was a used car purchase. I love the style & design of the car but everything else is pretty much a disappointment. The gas mileage is poor, the seats are uncomfortable and stained, the window openers should be on the door, making a U-turn is a joke, the car shakes a bit at 65 MPH, and it is hard to see out from the back and front sloping window design (very dangerous). Luckily I have had no problems with the engine, steering or anything electrical. (keeping my fingers crossed).

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  Mamas got a brand new ride! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By hawg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought for my wife day after Xmas. Dont get much of a chance to drive it, as she fights for the keys. Limited with Pearl Green color continues to get us compliments wherever we go. No long trips yet, but ride & performance good so far. Have a trip to New Orleans in couple of weeks, will know more then. The leather/upholstery seating could use some structural improvement, as I still have not found a truly comfortable setting. If its above 65 degrees & not raining, the tops down...... Wish a sport bar was an option, would make a dynamite appearance finish to this car.

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  Chrysler 300 The good, the bad and the fantastic - 2016 Chrysler 300
  By Jimmy Harrison - October 13 - 5:30 am

  The car was a great deal and I got a lot off of the sticker price! It wasnt the color I wanted (black on black), but the car has been surprisingly pleasant to own and drive. I have had it now for a month, and enjoy the car. Positives, technology! The car is wonderful at keeping you in the lane, warning you of traffic and helping you to stop! The navigation and U connect systems are stellar. The acceleration is great and the car is extremely quiet! What I dont like, rear leg room is not great for such a large car, and the seats are pretty hard. I love the heated and cooled seats and cup holders. Finally the front and rear LEDs are great looking and so are the wheels!

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  The Car is ok, but the service is awful - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MH in Richardson, Tx - October 12 - 4:03 am

  My 2004 Pacifica is probably the most comfortable car that Ive ever owned. Build quality and reliability are slightly above average in comparison to other cars that I have owned. However, all of this falls to the wayside after having a miserable experience getting warranty work performed. We had problems with the suspension was covered under the warranty. However, we were still charged for the work. Their explanations vague and evasive. They also kept the car several days longer than promised. Im not displeased with the car. But because of the hideous service from the dealer, I will NEVER, under any conditions, buy another Chrysler product.

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  My second - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By JTS - October 5 - 2:46 pm

  Bought my first PT Cruiser on line, preproduction. Picked it up May 12, 2000. I had to have but two repairs. After 145,000 miles I decided it was time. Looked at lots of others but the comfort I am a big man) and style I just love.

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  Car is nice but needs more spice - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By lori feldman - September 29 - 1:26 am

  The car is fun to drive but lacks in some amenities. I miss having electronic seats and stereo controls on the wheel. Also miss having electronic gas countdown miles to empty. The converrtible top is hard to close, I have to hang on it to clip it back in place. The car has the worst turning radius that Ive ever encountered. I have to make 3 pt turns all day!

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  I wish....... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By new_car_blues - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The car drives OK except for the noise. I have three kids and it has to be loud for me to hear in the car. There is a sever flapping noise at 60- 70MPH under the hood. As it turns out it is the fender wells are not secured and flapping around. They tried to fix... still trying. If you roll down one rear window the buffeting noise is at the threshold of pain. Is sounds like the wheel is comming off.

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  PT Dream Cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Vera Conner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have found that the Dream Cruiser is the most fun car I have owned in over 20 years (besides the 1984 Chrysler Mark Cross Convertible that I still own). Its fun to drive and listen to the Sirrus Radio.

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  A Good Vehicle - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Joe - September 19 - 5:00 pm

  We purchased out PT Cruiser new in 2002 to replace an old ford that was about worn out. My wife picked out the car and I didnt care for it much until I had to transport some building material to the house. Although a small looking car I was surprised at the open space it has when the seats were folded down and the amount of weight it would carry. Was almost like an inclosed pick up and still drove very well.

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  Good car - Bad snow - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ABean34 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Bad in the snow!