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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  I could build a more reliable car - 2004 Chrysler 300M
  By rye guy - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Dont plan on reliability with a Chrysler 300M. We have had nothing but problems with this car and no assistance from the dealer or Chrysler customer care. From speed sensors going bad (leaving you stuck in 1st gear numerous times) to the steering wheel literally falling apart we have experienced it all. My advice -- buy a Honda, Toyota, or a Nissan and they will get you where you need to go without the headaches.

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  "OH MY GOD, I THINK THE DOOR FELL OFF!" - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By skikid787 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have never seen more cowl shake in a convertible in my life. This is the most losely assembled car I have ever seen. I like the clever exhaust note, two tone leather seats, and the green gages at night. That is no exception for pathetic performance in a convertible. I wont even get into the first time I went over train tracks with the car.

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  First Year Gremlins Plaque My PT Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PT-Loser - February 24 - 7:10 pm

  This car is the worst ever owned. Poor mileage (average 16 MPG), poor performance. It stalls when cold. The clutch slipped from day one. The engine has always had a rough idle, and is the loudest ever owned. Paint started flaking after 6 months. Door trim has broken off twice. Drivers seat has been replaced. The clock wont keep time, and every CD played skips. On windshield number 4. They seem to crack from stress. Front windows have came off the track twice. Burns a quart of oil a week.

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  The most horrible car I have ever driven - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Travis from TN - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is horrible. I had to have the transmission replaced at 111 miles. Since then I have had it back to the dealer 8 times for problems with acceleration associated with the new transmission. I have had to have the multi-function switch (turn signal) replaced, twice. I have also had to have the car checked out for clunking noises when I turn, stop, or am at a red light. Chrysler says that these are all characteristics of the car, therefore they are not responsible to repair them, even though they notice the same sounds and feelings as I do. Why would a car be designed to act this way? I have never driven another car I despise so much.

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  Stopped shifting @ 3500 miles - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By Lemon Owner - January 27 - 2:53 pm

  Loved the 300C until it stopped going forward and reverse at only 3,500 miles. Has been in the shop for 8 days now and dealership cant figure out the problem. Theyve taken the transmission apart and are waiting to hear from Chrysler on what to do next. Ive submitted my 15 day notice to Chrysler to have it fixed or give me back my money per my states lemon law. Needless to say, were greatly disappointed.

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  Dont buy a 300 chrysler 2005 or 2006 !!! - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By MVG - January 23 - 7:50 am

  This Car is a TOTAL FLOP! I have had nothing but problems since the first week. There is a MAJOR design flaw in at least 10% of these cars (And the Dodge Magnum) where the car pulls (leads, drifts) to the right and it is dangerous to drive and hard to control. Read all the posts in the Chyrsler Forums here on this website to learn more! Chrysler wont admit to this problem, but they keep buying back peoples cars...I wonder why?!?!?!? From what Ive read, the 2006s have the problem too! Dont get stuck like me, stay away from Chrylser-Dodge-Jeep!

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  what was I thinking????? - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By floridian - January 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the worst piece of workmanship I have ever driven - and Ive driven Edsels!! the front end scrapes on the slightest indentation in the road or driveway, it leaks oil, there is tar leaking from the bottom of the passenger door, the washers are always clogged...... I hate this car!!!!

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  mechanic failures - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By angee sommers - December 30 - 8:10 am

  This viehicle had to have two front transmission seals replaced before it had 2400 miles on it, yes two thousand four hundred miles. This vehicle vibrates at 45mph and while in idle. Very disappointed in vehicle and reliability. Brakes shutter at breaking at high speed, will be a problem at a later date.

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  Buyer Beware - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By Chef - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Among the numerous problems I have had with my well-cared-for Sebring convertible are (1) a top that literally started coming apart at the seams after 3 years, (2) an AC system which shot craps, (3) a rear window defroster that stopped working despite 3 replacements under warranty, (4) a rear window switch rarely used, and (5) Interior and exterior plastic trim which has become faded and dull. Incidentally, I have confirmed with convertible top replacement dealers that Chrysler has has MANY problems with these tops. Forget support from the dealer or their service organization.

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  Gas Gouper - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sharon Gantt - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This car uses Sooo much gas its not funny. The cars temp gauge is always above the middle, you dont know if it is hot or not. The handling is kind of rough on the freeway. The brakes are starting to squeal at only 12,000 miles. You cant acelerate on the freeway.