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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  PT Cruiser 2205 touring - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By T - February 14 - 1:36 pm

  Been very reliable,just oil changes,handles well and has enough power for everyday driving, could do a little better on fuel economy.A great little car

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  Love It! - 2002 Chrysler 300M
  By MaryS - February 14 - 1:06 pm

  I bought it new and still have it. I have never kept a car this long, but cant find one I like better. Very comfortable, loaded with luxury features. Aside from standard maintenance and new tires, the only repair was to replace a tire pressure sensor. I wish the 300C didnt look so much like a gangster car. I would have traded for another 300 several years ago.

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  Annes review - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Anne - February 14 - 11:53 am

  I had my Sebring for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got as much as 36 miles to the gallon (and yes, thats 36) and around town consistently got in the low 20s. We added a member to our family and decided to go with a larger vehicle, so the Sebring got traded in 2006. I miss it, and would have another in a heartbeat!

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  Mr - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TIM WILKINS - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Bad to the bone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Regency - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Royel - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We were surprised at the riding comfort of this vehicle. We expected a huge difference from our previous Chrysler T&C. The handling characteristics are excellent.

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  Dream Machine - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stephen - February 13 - 10:04 am

  Wonderful automobile. Too bad Chrysler has ended production. Well designed interior and a first class ride. Ive had many Chrysler products and this one is my favorite.

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  Good interstate cruiser - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By denny5 - February 12 - 12:29 pm

  This car turns heads, looks real good on the outside but it could use some help on the inside. The shiny stuff on the steering wheel could be replaced by cruise contol buttons. Handles are ok on a truck but not on this classy car.

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  best and worse of a PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By pt cruiser - February 12 - 10:10 am

  It has been a fun car to drive and great for hauling but the gas mileage is terrible. Its hard to see under the visor.

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  300 srt 8 Chrysler - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By James Percel - February 11 - 3:47 pm

  I watched the car from development stages and new that I wanted one as soon as they became available. The car drives very well and gets good gas milage for a 6.1 liter engine producing 425 HP

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  Amazing Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By hotactionskater - February 11 - 2:07 pm

  This car is absolutely amazing. Its a blast to drive. It has a super easy clutch and super smooth gear box with a very short throw. Great sound system. Never gets old!