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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  Oh what a ride - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Dale - November 24 - 4:22 pm

  What at great car love the interior and exterior. Handles like a dream great responce love to drive again. Mileage for me is about 18 to 20 wife ranges 20 to 22 dont know why. Not bad for a hemi though. Acceleration is there when you need it the faster you go the nicer the ride.

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  Happy with my car - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By BOB RADZEVICH - November 23 - 8:00 pm

  I was attracted to my new Sebring shown from the dealer window. The body is very smart and eye catching. Overall looks are great.car has a larger look than competitors. Roof operation is clever and works well. Fit is perfect. Fun to show. Car has heavy, safe feel. Handles well. Trunk space adequate. Overall nice car

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  My Lady "P" - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Falvielisa - November 22 - 7:56 pm

  It has been over 10 years since I have had this much fun, driving a car. My husband purchased my Pacifica in Sep 04. He purchased the model which had all the options I wanted. The adjustable gas pedal allows me to drive with a safe distance between me and the driving wheel; the rear seats allowed my parents to ride comfortably on a long road trip-no leg cramps for my mother. My second favorite option is the liftgate-remote control, hands free. Comes in handy when shopping. Having the controls on the wheel has allowed me to keep my eyes on the road, while I adjust the volume or change CDs. Within 10 minutes of driving, my husband, the passenger, falls asleep. The Pacifica is a true joy

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  VROOM! - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By dphillip - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for two months and enjoy driving it more every time I turn the key in the ignition. I find myself taking more trips just because its such a kick to drive. People of all ages and gender have taken the time to comment on the crossfires sleek lines. Im just a little freaked about not having a spare tire. Oh well, I love the car!

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  inspired design - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By blueliner - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Simply beautiful automobile, bold design statement...muscular stance yet leans towards a more touring engineering...Crisp handeling and taut, firm ride with intuitive interior controls...I take this instead of our Lexus anytime my wife lets me.

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  Its better than you would think - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By thebigbm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving a saphire silver blue one for a week. I was able to get one for $2K under sticker so dont fall for the dealers who are still trying to get $2K OVER sticker. The overall driving experience is very good. The Crossfires interior and exterior design and finish is superior to the 350Z the Infiniti. The engine is fine but it doesnt have anywhere near an M3s or a 350Z "push you back into your seat" power. The rear view visibility is limited and Im still raising the spoiler wing while I parallel park in order to get some perspective. Still, for 33-35K youll be the coolest kid on your block for at least a model year or two.

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  Very nice car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kmag - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the PT "woodie" a few months ago and couldnt be more pleased with the car. It is versatile,reliable, and its styling still draws a lot of lookers. I am impressed by the quality in the fit and finish. Everything just fits like it should. Power is adequate and it certainly is not a sports car but it isnt meant to be...all in all a great little car.

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  coul be alot better for the money - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By laura - November 20 - 8:19 am

  Bought Heritege Edition for the looks Promises are bad news. I get 11 MPG. Too expensive to go for a drive. I paid over $40,000 cash for my husbands dream car. This black beauty should have alot more goodies.

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  A fun little car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Michael - November 20 - 6:53 am

  This is a 2 seater that can really turn heads. The lines are clean and the style is fresh. The car is quick off the line and can reach its electronically limited speed quickly. The brakes are exceptional and transmission flawless. If you are taller then 58" and portly look out, the cabin is tight and leg room limited. But when you want some fun, disengage the traction control and grab some throttle.

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  2005 Chrysler Crossfire - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By roman - November 19 - 12:36 pm

  Nice car, fun to drive. Great fuel economy for a v6. Oil changes cost a lot and premium fuel required. Handling is awesome and great safety features like ESP TMS BAS.