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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  300C Hemi - 2006 Chrysler 300
  By Ken M - December 12 - 4:56 am

  We have had our loaded 300C for just one month and we are very happy with the purchase. Everyone comments on how beautiful the car is. It is an incredible deal for the money. Cant wait to drive it every day. It is not perfect, but for the money what is!! Couldnt be happier. Will write another review in a few months.

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  Awesome Convertible!!! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Linda DiLoreto - December 12 - 3:00 am

  This car is almost too much fun to be legal! I have taken it on long trips and use it in town and I have no complaints on its handling or comfort. It has incredible pick up and speed and everyone stops and asks what kind of car it is! I am a proud owner of a Crossfire by Chrysler.

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  Sometimes cheaper is better! - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Dragsterboy - December 11 - 11:55 am

  Yes, after doing lots of seat time at the computer and stopping at all the local dealers in the Houston area to get information and a hands on experience of what is being offered to the motoring public I chose the Chrysler 300 Touring package above the GM, Ford and Japanese offerings. Chrysler, with the input of the Daimler group have seem to have struck an accord of styling, performance, and affordability that the competition could not match. Not only is the bold styling a hit, the exterior/interior color combinations available wonderful, the vehicles actually look good in the colors offered. Dont pass up the opportunity to compare and see the real value of the 300 marque.

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  Irritating hissing noise "characteristic - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mmeyers - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and options are very nice but apparently has a common problem that DC refuses to address ..... a hissing/spitting sound that telegraphs across the front of the vehicle when the AC compressor is engaged. Without masking noise (radio,etc.), it is like a "mosquito flying around your ear". Never had this with any other Chrysler product (98 Intrepid ES, 2001 Town & Country). Even the most inexpensive Dodge Neon doesnt do this.

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  MY Babys Review - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By ShannonCRamirez - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have had it for 2 years and never had any problems with it at all. The only thing I cant do in it is take it to the drive through car wash as it will make it leak. It has a lot of get up and go, as I do have the LXi option with a v6 engine. The top is easy to lower, and is automatic with the push of a button. I only have to unlatch the top. I will always drive a Chrysler if the are all as reliable and fun to drive as my Sebring LXi Convertible!

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  Darn Good Car - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By dougjohnson - December 8 - 8:36 pm

  Typically get 25 miles to the gallon. Good performance. No CD player installed--have to listen to radio or cassettes. Sadly, there are no ash trays. Nice looking car both inside and out. My car is gold in color--it speaks loudly of the LXI model. Almost 100,000 miles on it now no change of spark plugs or exhaust systems yet. No transmission problems with my car. Drivers door window motor went out--replaced it myself. Heres a good suggestion: take care of the car and it will take care of you. I wonder about the front light bulb assembly--plastic degrades and wonder when I wont be able to see if the light from the bulb cant get through the plastic lens cover.

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  Sebring LXi - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By bkr1222 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the 2002 Sebring LXi. The engine performance has been great. My one complaint is the turning radius. It makes very wide turns which makes manuevering difficult. Overall, the Sebring LXi is very enjoyable. It is sporty, yet comfortable.

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  Solid Car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ken Rice - December 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have this vehicle and I was skeptical at first. Fortunately she was right. We love it.

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  Excelent Car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Kelly Baker - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Buy one!!!! They are fun to drive, fun to own, and fun to look at. WONDERFULL CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! See Eric Smith at Crown Chrysler in Greensboro, NC. He will give you a deal and make you feel at home.

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  Impressive - 2008 Chrysler Aspen
  By MOPAR1 - December 7 - 6:15 pm

  This is the only SUV I have ever owned that gets better and better each and every time I drive it. The HEMI engine has power to spare. Consider the 20" wheel group as it seems to have a much smoother ride and suspension. Luxurious, sharp & very inexpensive to lease for a 45K vehicle.