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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  never again - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By never again - June 15 - 10:01 pm

  Great car except for the Chrysler engine and transmission. if you want a nice car to look at, its perfect if you want a reliable car that wont cost you a lot after purchase for repairs dont even think about this car.

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  Ive given it all shes got captain! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Eric Peterson - June 6 - 1:06 am

  At first I loved this car, I ve had it for 2 years and I stay on top of its maintenance. My biggest complaint is a common one; fuel economy (20-) and performance. Another major factor is its complete inability to drive in the snow (Connecticut). The power to weight ratio just doesnt work. It strains at highway speeds, especially uphill. Its a good looking vehicle with lots of functional space but I wouldnt buy it again without some design changes.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By KPH - June 3 - 5:33 pm

  Although I like the exterior look of this car, the quality of parts and interior is lacking. My wipers have been stuck on intermittent for 3 months, the remote for the top has worked twice and quit, convertible headliner started to fall out, and now the steering wheel is making a noise. I have been waiting for parts for the wipers for 3 months. Embarrassing when the top is down and the wipers come on every 10 seconds. I miss my 300C.

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  Think Crown Victoria - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Its a Yawner! - June 2 - 9:12 pm

  I just put 18,000 miles on a 2008 Impala LT in 6 months and swapped to the 08 300 LX, both are company fleet vehicles and equipped with fleet packages. Both cars are about the same money but the Impala handled much better. The 300 doesnt hold a center line and is very susceptible to cross winds. The Impala had more features, auto headlights, dual climate controls, flex fuel, remote start as standard. The 2.7 motor in the 300 is okay when cruising but it really works on hills. The 300 is roomier and is distinctive looking vs the rental car look of the Impala. The 300 is boring to drive think Buick LeSabre, Ford or Mercury rear drive cars. I would have rather had a hemi and sport suspension!

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  Transmission - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By soburone - May 30 - 10:00 am

  the transmission let go after only 60000 easy driven miles.

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  Dont buy Chrysler (any) - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By J.Walker - May 24 - 1:10 pm

  This is a beautiful car, However, at 39,000 miles the timing belt jumped off the track damaging the engine to the tune of $3000. which was out of warranty due to the year. Chrysler would do absolutely nothing. Then needed a new battery. Thats OK However, one must take off the right front wheel (addl labor cost) to install the battery! At 42,000 miles I had to replace the fan in the radiator area to the tune of $350. The front speakers on gone and the rear window no longer works. Im selling the car asap. At 44,000 miles (While it is still running ). I was told by a mechanic that at 50K miles these Chryslers begin to have all sorts of problems..

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  bad... - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By NeverPT - May 23 - 1:20 pm

  bought it brand new but already had a couple of problems after owning it for less than 3 weeks. chirping noise due to misalignment of belt. air conditioning doesnt work well. Brought it to dealer today to have belt replaced and have AC checked. car seats are not comfortable. gas mileage is OK. the first tank got 24.2 mpg, not bad.

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  2003 Sebring LXI - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Royal - May 20 - 2:31 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned in my 30+ years. I have just under 50k miles and have had the following replaced or repaired- radio / truck air shocks / visor clip / water pump / transmission seal / oil gasket / 2 sets of tires / brakes / front door handle / power windows / all four doors have had the entire plastic housing come loose and break off - oh and by the way this is a company car that is primarily driven by me with NO passengers to mess with stuff! A person expects repairs, but not to the extent that this car has had. Looks great, ride not too bad for a smaller lower priced car -quality of build is worst ever-Chrysler should be ashamed to have their name on product

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  Would not recommend - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By MyJohnny - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  I purchased my vehicle in June 2007. 2 weeks after purchasing the automatic top got stuck in the up position. Could not be driven. Had to put it on a flatbed and have it towed. Ugh! 2 months later, the exact same thing happened. Had to get it towed again, in the rain! Since then, I have had two recalls on the relay switch for the same problem. While I love the way the car looks, I would NEVER recommend anyone to purchase. During this past year while having the car, I have never been able to really enjoy the vehicle, since every time I put the top down, I close my eyes and have to pray that it doesnt get stuck again. Also, does a lot of sputtering. Never could find the problem.

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  I used to love my car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Liz - April 29 - 6:10 am

  This was the first car my husband and I bought new. I loved it right away. It was comfortable, fun to drive and it was so cute! But it started having problems at about 30,000 miles. It wouldnt start. The dealer replaced the battery. The day after we brought it back it wouldnt start again. Back to the dealer for something else to be replaced. We were told after taking it back to the same dealer for the 5th time to not come back! All in all its been in the shop 14 times in a little over two years! It always seems to be something electrical. Dont buy a 2003 PT Cruiser if you need a reliable car.