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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  New owner - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Furyous - May 12 - 6:35 pm

  I like the car except for a couple of minor issues. I love the 4/8 cylinder switching. The power is instant when you need it. Too bad the molding was coming loose on the first day we owned it. Also the cup holders are in the stupidest place possible. If you actually put cups (even small) in them you have a hard time getting to the gear shift. The lack of a trash can or even a place to stick one in a car this big is annoying.

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  SRT8 doesnt disappoint - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By SRT8 - May 12 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this SRT8 primarily for the performance of the 6.1 Hemi I have not been disappointed with any aspect of it. It has been absolutely reliable and I have not returned it to the dealer for any warranty adjustments. The drivetrain performance is stellar, the lighting is fantastic, and the build quality is the best Ive ever seen in production cars. Its exciting to drive and, when I drive it conservatively, it attains 18+ MPG...but I didnt buy it to conserve gas.

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  Electrical Problems - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Tim - May 12 - 9:21 am

  Really enjoyed this vehicle, but lots of electrical problems. Power windows keep failing and digital read out mysteriously converted to German. MPG is average. If you dont keep the vehicle tuned up, it is atrocious. Excellent hwy car, poor in the city due to handling. Not in the class of Audi A4 or BMW 325.

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  Thank God for Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brandy Crenshaw - May 11 - 7:39 pm

  Overall I think that you cant beat what the Pacifica offers to a family being small or big. Saftey and comfortability is big in my book. The Pacifica offers this and then some with its SUV sporty look. And with a pinch of class, it offers self comfidence and worth.

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  JXI Limited Convt - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By SparkDog74 - May 11 - 1:54 pm

  I just bought the Limited model with the indiglo style dash, white faced gauges, and autostick. Love the car, gets attention you want and none that you dont. Two toned interior 2.5 is peppy not powerful. Chrome wheels are a nice touch, but expect the tires to be a little spendy. Just bought and putting it through its paces. Infinity sound systems is good, wish cd changer would read cd/rw formats. Looking for interior parts, I imagine they will be hard to find.

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  Its several years later from first revi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shifter - May 11 - 1:38 pm

  It is now several years since my first posting. I still love my GTC, and it still looks showroom-clean. Twice the blower switch needed replacement, but aside from one headlight, the car has been trouble-free. The 5 speed is the best on snow and ice, and I like the control in rush hour (especially as a way of conserving fuel given the current cost). MPG in the city hovers between 21 and 24 depending on driving conditions. My second review (first in 2006) still radiates enthusiasm for this car. I still wish 1st gear had less resistance off the line, but all in all, I continue to love this car. A little Meguiars Instant Detail keeps the black a high gloss and the wheels looking good.

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  Resale Writeoff - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By Vandada - May 11 - 8:30 am

  Purchased a 2007 model in Jan 08. The vehicle included most options, but the smaller 8 cyl. Sticker was $41k. Saw the 2008 in the dealership when in for first service in April, 08 Liked it because of enhanced features on most options. Thought Id trade out and knew Id get hammered on the trade. I didnt expect to get slaughtered. Dealer quoted me a trade value of $23,500, or 12,500 less than purchase price 3 months earlier, and was only willing to cut sticker price on 08 by $4,000. When people realize that these pigs not only guzzle gas, but theyll guzzle your equity, we wont be seeing many more.

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  GT Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ryukenden - May 11 - 3:50 am

  this is one fast car. engine feels like a v6 rather than a I4. lots of pep for tackling hills and overtaking with stock ECU. stock HP and torque numbers are impressive enough (220HP / 245 ft-lbs.) but i installed the stage 1 upgrade. the 17" rims with 50 series tires inspires confidence when taking corners. impressive cargo space. gotta love that versatility. turning radius is too wide for this vehicle but thats the tradeoff for having larger rims. the stock goodyears breakaway immediately on rain-soaked roads.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By B&J - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this Crossfire for about three weeks and have just over 500 miles on it. It is absolutely the best handling car we have ever driven. Handles like it is on rails and brakes second to none. Acceleration is excellent althought I am sure is can be beaten by an overpowered beast. When parked, it draws raves and walk- arounds. Everone wants to know what it is and all say it is gorgeous. Very definitely worth every penney we paid.

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  PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JMP FLORIDA - May 10 - 10:00 am

  THE PACIFICA GIVES A FEELING OF COMFORT AND STYLE WHILE DRIVING IT WHICH MAKES YOU PROUD TO OWN IT. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS VERY QUITE WITH NO WIND NOISE AT ALL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SOUND SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO OPERATE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. OVERALL, I AM PROUD TO OWN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLIMENTS ABOUT IT.