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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  Love My Chrysler! - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Lorraine - May 7 - 11:54 am

  I purchased the base line model after test driving more expensive imports. For the price, it was a no-brainer! If I had known how much I would enjoy this car, I probably would have spent more and purchased the touring model. Still, my car looks and drives like a MUCH more expensive auto gets good gas mileage with this smaller engine and has been trouble free.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By roadbeagle - May 7 - 6:01 am

  Ive owned Acuras, and test driven BMWs and Mercedes. This car outdrives them all, and you do it in plush comfort. This car almost drives itself, and makes commuting a breeze. It even gets decent gas mileage, since it has the feature where it can cut out four of the values when they are not needed for acceleration, which really boosts your gas mileage.

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  Love the Sebring Hardtop Convertible - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Sam - May 7 - 2:44 am

  The car handles the roads well and highway driving is like riding in a low-flying airplane. The ride is incredibly smooth with very little road noise. The feel of the car is very solid not like a typical convertible. I’ve negotiated corners much faster than usual and found that it corners like most other cars that I’ve experienced. The dash and instrument panel is well appointed. The 3.5 is great and the extra power helps handle all kinds of traffic situations. Top goes up & down 3 times a day, no problems. Washing is a breeze I use the drive-thru carwash & have no water problems whatsoever. Test drive this car and I think you will be “hooked”. This car is a beauty I love it!

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  Crossfire Roadster - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Lee11800 - May 5 - 1:07 pm

  Was looking for a two seater sports car and considered Z-4, Miata, and similar cars. In my opinion, Crossfire is by far more top tend than Miata, cooler then Z-4 and others. I drive this car to work, 24 miles a day, and love it. Head turner for sure, glued to the road, great average full economy of 24 mpg, and drives like it looks. Great value.

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  1998 Chrysler Concorde 4 Dr LXi Sedan - 1998 Chrysler Concorde
  By Dusty - May 5 - 1:35 am

  I purchased the Concorde used but with low mileage. It has been an excellent vehicle and joy to drive. The 3.2 v-6 has ran great. One tune up at 98,000 miles and the use of Amsoil syn 10x30 has had the engine getting excellent mileage and no problems. The only problem was the power steering unit that went bad twice and was replaced under warranty at around 60,000 miles. I had purchased an extended warranty. My son has the vehicle now and it has 115,000 miles and running great.

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  MY FIRST CRUISER - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RON MATHES - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I AM AMAZED AT THE QUALITY BUILT INTO THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE VERY FEW COMPLAINTS.

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  I just love this car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By TomsEbiz - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Has in all areas gone above all my expectations. Lots of standard features, four large people ride in comfort, gas mileage at or above window sticker ratings. You can See very well all around and the headlite pattern is wide and bright. Gear spacing on the 5 speed is perfect for mountian driving.

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  Serious Convertible - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Hudson Valley - May 3 - 9:07 pm

  This is a Excellent affordable convertible. The 1996 JXI is really a Mitsubishi eclipse super-sized for the American market. To improve power I had larger fuel jets installed and modified the computer tuning, stiffer springs for handling and it is a blast to drive. Bought is used off lease w/ bumper to bumper platinum warranty and had the amp replaced twice the top, speedometer cable, instrument cluster and the entire front end and a bunch of other stuff replaced for "free". Amp just blew again, replacing from ebay $40, why is the amp placed on the floor of a convertible? Considering lowering suspension and rear disk brakes. Keeping it for my son who is only four years old. :)

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  More for Less - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By CT - May 3 - 1:36 pm

  One of these loaded is as nice as any luxury SUV on the market and costs thousands less. Great buy and have never been happier with a vehicle.

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  Pleasanty impressed - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Picky - May 2 - 9:21 am

  I was toying with buying a used luxury car and decided to look at a new lesser model. I was impressed with the options this had. I drive a long way to work so the gas mileage was a huge plus. Didnt really care too much about the lack of pick up. This car has just as much options as the used luxury car I was going to get without all the miles!