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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  2nd and last Sebring, Mistake - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By CC - January 5 - 1:00 am

  My first Sebring was a 2000 used with 20K miles. Fortunately, I purchased an extended warranty, I needed to use it several times. I swore I would not buy another one, but I did, I have had the 2008 Sebring converable less than 6 months and already have had it back for service 5 times. It needs to go back yet again. Front end noises, leaks, and 2 days ago, it just shut off when I made a right turn. Less than 7K miles. I dont recommend the Sebring Convertable. Wish I would have bought the Toyota Solana convertable. Incidendley, no space in the back seat for passenger legs. I use it as a bench.

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  no help for ENGINE PROBLEMS - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By cmk - January 3 - 8:54 am

  i bought my 2006 300 limited new in 2006. everything worked & i was very pleased until i put about 15,000 miles on it,then i noticed a tapping sound in the engine, thought it was timing gear/chain. dealer said not to worry. engine noise slowly continues to get louder. finaly the dealer admits theres a problem... that was almost 3 MONTHS ago,its been sitting there ever since! at first they dint know what the problem was, then they couldnt get parts to replace the lifters, then they had to get updated parts, then it would not start. now its in limbo & nothing is getting done at all. lousy design & service on a $33,000 car!!! i have no idea how this will end but it doesnt look good.

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  A Bad One? - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Amy - January 3 - 6:48 am

  I leased a 2004 Pacifica and loved, loved, loved it. Naturally, when my lease was up, I decided to purchase a new Pacifica. This one - not so good. There was a recall on it before I drove it off the lot and the dealership never told me. Then my transmission started acting "funny", now my engine light seems to always be on. All I can say is that I am not happy with the performance of my 2007. If I could give it back, I would. Sorry Chrysler but you lost me with this one.

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  Wonderful vehicle! - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By monopoly - January 2 - 10:13 pm

  I have driven $70k cars and this one ranks right there with them. Dealership left alot to be desired. Vehicle is as smooth as one could dream of. I am not getting anywhere near the mialage they say I should and I am not pushing this car. I am averaging 16.9 and I drive 50 miles a day on the highway with light city. My concord was 22.5 all day long! Some items seam cheaper then I would have liked. Chrome rims almost feel plastic, definitely do not feel like alloys. I think they are just plated. Does not show instant MPG, always was my fav. feature of the chrysler. Not an option on this one. Visor mirrors are that of a base cavalier. All in all, it is the best car I have ever owned. FAST!!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By NKlesat - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2001 300M that we loved. Needed seats for six. This is better in all areas. Comfort, handling, mileage (surprize), and fun. Kids love the DVD player and wireless headphones.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By n power - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best car we have bought in the past 20 years. It has all the latest electronic gadgetry available. What sets this vehicle apart is the styling in the interior, and the quiet ride.

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  EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE TO AN SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JAMES GATTI - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE IS WONDERFULL JUST TO SLIGHT PROBLEMS BLIND SPOT WHEN DRIVER TURNS TO LOOK BACK AND COULD USE A V8 THE ROOM IN THE VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT THE DESIGN EXTERIOR IS GREAT ,NICE SOFT LINES WITH CLASS,

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  Pacified - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacified/brianwalsh - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Chrysler marketing is not handling this well at all. I think by next year this car will be accepted/perceived as one truly great crossover SUV

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  Love my Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Bob - January 1 - 2:28 pm

  I recently purchased my 2004 Crossfire as a used car with 25000 miles. As many reviews state, it is not a high performance sports car. It is, however, a fun sporty ride for an aging car enthuiast like me. I have had many sports cars throughout my life and this is by far my favorite. It is great looking and plenty quick enough for me.

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  Mixed Feeling - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By BKELLER - December 31 - 8:20 pm

  Not sure what to think. The car ran flawless for 70,000 miles but I had nothing but trouble with everything else. Power windows, heater switch (twice), brakes, seat belt bracket. Every item was covered but still required going to the dealer for repairs. I would not buy another Chrysler until they build a more dependable car