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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  Awesome automobile - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By JohnnyG - February 20 - 12:20 am

  This is easily the best car I have ever owned. It needs less attention to maintanance, repair, and recovery, than most, while providing comfort, styling, and efficiency well above the norm for a car in this price class. Given the chance to purchase this car (newer and more expensive) again, I would not hesitate. P.S. I bought the car w/140000 miles. Its still going strong. Itll probably go another 140000!

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  Where Do I Start? - 1999 Chrysler Concorde
  By DESTINY1SEPT - February 19 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this car in a hurry when the transmission on my old car gave out. I needed a car ASAP, so I didnt take a lot of time to look around. BIG MISTAKE! The first few months I had it the cow on the hood flew off in the highway, luckily it didnt hit anyone. Weeks after I bought it the back seat windows stopped working, will not raise up and down. My engine and transmission light come on every other week, have to put fluid in it all the time. Both front door handles are broken off. Top overhead lights dont work. CD player stopped working a year after I bought it. And just last week my window got off track for the second time, and the glass shattered all over me. NEVER BUY A CRYSLER!!!!

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Chrysler 300M
  By eliasvanc - February 19 - 3:26 pm

  Bought it new in 1999 and now have 8 years with almost no issues. Fixed 2 of the door locks - like everyone else - and had the drivers window motor go out. Plan a couple hundred for each item. Otherwise a strong runner thats great to drive. I would highly recommend buying one of these used as a dependable family car. Lots of room, good performance and good looks. And, over 10K miles of city and light highway driving, I average 23.6 MPG. Upwards of 28 MPG on long hauls.

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  MY New Pacifica - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ubiquitous - February 18 - 7:32 pm

  This 2007 Pacifica replaced my 2004 Pacifica. Improvments include the 4 litre engine, 6 speed transmission, 19 inch tires. Otherwise it was quite similar to my 2004 Pacifica. A fun car to drive. Best car purchase since 1963...

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  Good overall everyday car - 1999 Chrysler Cirrus
  By jiminiowa - February 18 - 7:27 pm

  Have had this vehicle from dealer, it has been a very good car. It has had the water pump replaced, the transmission gaskets replaced twice but all under warranty. It is now burning some oil but I have 74000 miles on it, we dont drive it very much. After the initial problems worked out it has been reliable. We loved the sportiness of the vehicle, it looks very sharp with the alloy wheels. I would recommend this car to anyone. The cup holders in the back are poorly designed and needs more room in the middle compartment(ours broke). It has a lot of power for a V-6 also which has been nice to have when needed on the highway. Overall a 9.

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  Nice Luxury SUV at a decent price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frenchr - February 18 - 11:00 am

  Ive had the Pacifica AWD for about a 1 1/2 yrs (bought it used at a decent price) and the only complaint is the gas mileage but I knew that buying it. My needs changed so I travel more now so want something similar with better MPG but cant havent found anything I like better yet but an 07 (4.0L engine) Pacifica. I have a loaded one and dont want to give up all the features.

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  Number 3 - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Dan - February 17 - 7:11 pm

  My 1st was a 99 JXI conv. My 2nd was an 03 Limited conv. and my present, an 06 Limited conv. I obviously like the car. Ive had good luck w/all. Each was purchased 2yrs. old w/low mileage. Ive gotten compliments on all 3. Theyve all been fun to drive w/very few repairs and each has improved over the previous. The 06 seems more solid and more quiet at time of purchase than the 03. The ride is smooth and it handles very well. I live in Pa. and drop the top every chance I can from March till Nov.

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  Surprised - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By ed - February 16 - 7:18 am

  I have a Touring Sedan 2.7, a car generally cross-shopped by consumers looking in the 4cyl Accord/Camry price range. Edmunds leaves this model out of the pull down menu. This car is what I have long appreciated in my Hondas the "we make it simple" principle. As an example, compare the Sebrings three knob HVAC controls to the mess of buttons that now plagues the Accord. The Sebring has an ultra rigid body and the touring suspension has the travel and damping required to navigate Americas deteriorating roads. The 2.7 touring model is a very capable driver too. The seating position is excellent and support good posture. Boston sound is superb and when it is off, the interior is silent.

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  2007 Bought in 2008 - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By Shane_WI - February 15 - 10:52 pm

  Certainly fun to drive with an excellent ride. Feels like a heavier vehicle with tremendous power (Hemi). 18 inch wheels offer nice handling and smooth ride. Lots of compliments on looks. Installed satellite (Sirius) at dealer. $700 compared to $185 from factory so get it from factory if can. At 6 3", the door entry is small and seat is not wide for large behind. UConnect is awesome. Rear storage is small with 3rd row up. The lack of dual zone (driver/passenger) climate control is strange for vehicle that lists for $42,500 same comment for satellite. Interior is attractive, but leather is stiff. The small glove box on dash is annoying center console is deep but awkward to access.

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  Very close to our Jaguar - 2001 Chrysler 300M
  By harko5 - February 14 - 4:58 pm

  Weve had the about 6 months.Had 59,000 miles on it. Bought from an individual in California, driven 1500 miles home. The car was an absolute pleasure to drive. It averaged just over 31 mpg. on the way home. On middle pump gas.It responds "right now" to the gas pedal. The drivers position, comfort and visability is great.Wind noise is at a minimum. My wife loves it. I have a Jaguar that is the finest car Ive ever had. It is superb. This 300M rides and handles almost as well. In conclusion, its a great car. You cant go wrong.