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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  Sebring fun - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ramsbaugh - April 22 - 9:57 pm

  I originally purchased my Sebring as an extra vehicle. My primary vehicle was a 2003, 2500 Truck but it was stolen 8 months after I bought the convertible. I do a lot of traveling across the state of Texas so there are lots of miles, typically. I have found the car to be a delight to be in. I have the top down most all year long...even the winter. I really appreciate all of the leg room and comfort for 5 people to enjoy a ride. The body styling is simple and beautiful.

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  A car to love for - 2003 Chrysler Sebring
  By Debra - April 22 - 7:05 pm

  I love my 2003 chrysler sebring its the best car I had so far. This is my second car at the age of 27 year old. It very comfort and different in a way. Like the drive have a electric seat and the passage side dont that is really creatie. I never saw a car like that.

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  Duke PT - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Shelton - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive it. It was a great design form Chrysler. Looks very distinctive.

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  Pacifica gets an A+ for safety & style! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By islanderscafe - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica gets 5 stars overall. Its safety ratings are #1 in all categories. The comfort and ride is luxurious and the standard options match most luxury SUVs on the market. The 3.5 6 cyclinder 250 hp engine can be added to for a better 0-60sec acceleration rating (currently at about 9-9.5sec). Maybe with an additional 25-50hp or a V8 option this too will improve. The vehicle does well with its passing acceleration. As for price the Pacifica cant be beat since Chrysler added a $3,000 manufacture rebate. Many dealer will add to this with between $500 to $4000 in additional rebates making this vehicle the best buy for under $30,000!!

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  Head Turner - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Great 2 seater.... - April 19 - 10:41 am

  I bought this car used and paid half the price of a new crossfire. I have to admit, the resale value on this is most likely not going to be great, but it is such a great looking specialized car. It is my first two seater, and it takes getting a little use to, but it is fun to drive. I agree with other people that the cup holder is not great, and the rear visibility takes getting use to, but the one thing that bothers me is the fuel economy. First, it uses premium fuel, second, it goes through gas very fast....however, that might have something to do with my lead foot, but i cant help it driving this car....in all, i love it and it get noticed...in a good way.

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  This car is FUN!! - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By no1filmakr - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car so far. It is a whirl of fun, very classy looking. It floats on the road like a dream, yet drives really responsively. I would recommend it!!!!

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  Love My Chyrsler 300 - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By A Satified Customer - April 19 - 4:53 am

  I absolutely love driving my 2006 300 touring series. I own the black one with the two-tone leather seats. The ride is smooth, the look is smooth and its definitely a head turner. I get many compliments on it. With a vehicle as fine as this, I cant imagine going back to anything less. It set the standards for any future vechicles. Im a customer for life.

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  What a great car! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By George F - April 18 - 2:03 am

  I have had this car for 3 weeks, still less than 1000 miles. Avg. mileage (outer suburban area commuting) is 17.6 mpg. Car is quiet and extremely comfortable. Doors sound like bank vault. I like the back up alarm because you cannot see trunk from inside car. Very smooth, stable and responsive power. Radio (Sound pkg II) sounds great. Seats very comfortable. Styling is beautiful to me. Originally wanted dark color; dealer had Satin Jade Pearl which I am glad I bought. Looks classy and does not show dirt. Still new...no complaints; everyone at work has been impressed. Build quality better than earlier Chryslers; swore off em in the 90s but tried again after 10 years; so far,great!

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  Gt Cruiser is a HIT & Mighty FAST - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rick - April 17 - 5:50 pm

  There isnt a car made that has as many after market add ons available. Adding to an already supurb automobile. Chrysler did this one right. The turbo has no lag and has a wonderful spooling up sound, handles as well as any sports car I have ever driven. I am totally in love with the performance and handling of this vehicle. 15 in tires on chrome rims add to the road handling manners as well as the 4 speed auto tranny with the shift matic function. Truly awsome and made with attention to detail unrivaled by other US manufacturers. Two thumbs way-way up for the GT Cruiser. Id buy another in a New York Second.

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  sebring - 1996 Chrysler Sebring
  By Russell S. - April 17 - 4:51 pm

  i have had my sebirng for bout 8 months and i live in alaska and the roads are bad during winter and this car man oh man it is the best car you can drive in alaska. i handles really well and abs breaks make it even better. the brakes i had to replace 1 time but its ok