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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  Comfort Plus - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Delores C Daundivier - April 2 - 9:24 am

  This car is great for over 65 folks as it is comfortable and spacious. Very nice crossover. Room to travel long distances plenty of room for everything and easy on tired old bones

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  Solid, Stylish Car - With Great Milage! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dan - April 2 - 6:53 am

  My new Sebring has been fantastic. Its great to know that you can get a car with such good mpg in a package that doesnt look or feel like an economy car. Im averaging over 30 mpg (about 80% hwy) without crawling along the freeway. The Chevy Malibu gets a lot of press, as do the Japanese competition. But for the money, I think the Sebring is underrated, and overlooked. The Limited or Touring with Leather is the way to go. Definitely adds a feeling of luxury, without breaking the bank. Dont be afraid to stick with the 4cyl. Youll be hitting the gas pumps less!

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  Cute little retro car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Fran - April 1 - 11:23 pm

  My Mom has had a PT Crusier since 2001. I was looking for a car and decided to look at the 2006 PT. This is a wonderful car with so much character. The upgrades that have been done since 2001 are amazing. The retro look really works well. I cannot wait to save money on gas this will be a huge savings.

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  Love this car - 1997 Chrysler LHS
  By donnatella - April 1 - 4:08 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1997, and it now has 197,000 miles. It has reliably been up steep mountain passes, crossed country several times with great comfort. After all these miles it is beginning to show its years as its currently overheating. Im wondering if its time to put the "Do Not Resuscitate" sign on. However, Im having difficulty letting go. I may give it one more check-up. If this car was still available I would buy another.

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  grreat suv - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mike - April 1 - 1:16 am

  Just purchased my new car and love it. The motor has plenty of power and you get a lot for your money. Cant understand why they would stop making them.

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  Commuter Car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CommuterGuy - March 31 - 8:47 pm

  Before buying this car I looked at many cars for my 120 mile/day commute. Living in FL has many advantages and one is that i get to commute with the top down most of the time. I looked at many cars including a Prius for this commute, but am very glad i choose the Sebring as this is the most fun to drive car i tried. With the mygig in the car all my play lists are loaded and at the ready as i head over the Sunshine Skyway with the top down. Mileage has been a bit better than listed at about 30 mpg, the highway gear helps, and its nice to have the bigger engine when you need it.

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  fun car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By rick - March 31 - 10:56 am

  i would sum this car up in one word- great. the car handles good, drives good, gets good gas mileage etc. we live in a mountain region and so far we are very pleased with this car.

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  Solid Performer - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By Len E - March 30 - 7:59 pm

  Bought new in 1999 and I couldnt be more pleased. I had to replace the door locks and power window motor like others here, but thats it - a total of about $600 in repair over 8 years. Drives great and Ive been impressed on mileage - 29+ in freeway driving with 4 adults and luggage. 22.5 in everyday city driving. If youre looking for a low cost family car, easy to maintain but fun to drive - this is it.

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  fun fun fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By pedals down - March 30 - 12:27 pm

  Car has been a blast to drive, get compliments all the time. And for what you pay for these now there is no comparison. Great car!

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  Whats with the ride height? - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By MoparFan - March 30 - 6:50 am

  Well built car, solid, quiet, smooth ride; however the RWD does have a better ride. Great interior, with all the right features, and excellent ergonomics. Still have not understood the reason behind the exaggrated ride height, its not necessary, as Audi, Mercedes, and BMW do not increase the static height of the car to add AWD. Also, the loss of chrome wheels on a more expensive version of the Hemi C. Even with the proverbial egg on the gas pedal, the mileage is extremely low (14.8 combined); hoping for improvement as the engine continues to break in.