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:

• 

  Great car so far - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HawkeyeScott - January 16 - 7:48 pm

  We bought ours just before we started our family. Weve now had it for 2 1/2 years and its only been back to the dealership for free car washes. (Knock on wood.) Lots of room for 4. Very back seat small. Nice riding. Easily the fanciest car weve owned. After safety, reliability is the #1 concern for me. This car has been tremendous in that department. Nothing but oil changes for the first 30 months. Gas mileage isnt great but it is big and safe. The FWD does sometimes make me feel like I am holding on to the steering wheel for dear life, esp. when accelerating quickly while turning. I am sorry to those who have had trouble but I just havent had one issue.

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By duneriders - January 16 - 4:52 pm

  This car is roomy inside for a family of 4. I could only fit 2 carseats in the back seat, so if you have more than 2 children, I wouldnt suggest buying. It has a lot of space in the rear cargo area, it is enough to fit, stroller, play yard, and luggage and still have room to spare. It didnt get the 17 in town and 23 on freeway that I expected, I only got 14 in town and 20 on freeway, and I am not a fast speedy driver.

• 

  Fun - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By Emily - January 14 - 9:57 pm

  I wanted a convertible with a back seat, and this was one that I could afford! I really do love this car... its so much fun to drive around with the top down in the summertime, but Ive also had no issues driving in several inches of snow. I had a small leak repaired by the front window shortly after purchasing, and have had no other issues. I have the smaller engine - not a ton of power, but still enough for me. Im really happy with this purchase.

• 

  Great Value and Dependability - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Reno Rider - January 11 - 10:21 pm

  Good value! 2.4L Touring. Purchased new and 32K miles later it performs well. Routinely driven on mountain roads, it handles well. Millage ranges lowest 17-highest 38. Typ 19 - 26 Reasonable power. Mechanically, the 2.4l engine offers excellent accessibility in the engine compartment, better than my first car - a 1959 Chevy. Easy to change oil and spark plugs. All major engine components and accessories easy to inspect. Dealers addressed minor quality issues, defective door window regulator, leaking seal on transaxel, 3 instances of stalling corrected by dealer based on a service bulletin. The body style is not appealing but its good safe and efficient trans portion.

• 

  I love this car - 1999 Chrysler LHS
  By Daniel - January 8 - 7:26 pm

  Best, most comfortable car Ive ever owned. Minor irritations: headlight seals, bass speakers, overheats if stands too long, one window motor, occasional short in interior lights brightness dial (and so headlights blink), A/C leaks, trunk supports died, bolts and knobs appear on the carpet. But solid on the road, peppy, smooth ride, looks great after 10 years, leather still in great condition. 14.5 mpg town, up to 33 mpg highway (flat road, no passengers). Had to have the rims specially treated so the seals wouldnt leak. I have 127,000 miles on it and its still a great car. I just wish it had held its value as well as it has held its style.

• 

  Fantastic vehicle - 2008 Chrysler 300
  By Alex Povolotski - January 7 - 8:01 pm

  Drove 3000 miles in it in winter time across Canadian border over a couple of weeks. Didnt have any technical issues but for one -- tachometer needle went all the way around the dial and then came back to normal in an instant. That happened on several occasions. Electrical problem, I assume. It didnt rev the engine though, just the needle behaved strangely. Very large full-size (finally!) real American vehicle. Drives fantastic! Cushy ride. Rides on Merc undercarriage actually. Smooth and seamless power delivery. Chryslers and Dodges are actually known for their powerful engines. Very stylish and comfortable car to drive.

• 

  Owned for 5month and nothing but trouble - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Joe - January 6 - 11:10 pm

  04 Chrysler Sebring V6 2.7l Bought this car to be the third owner of it(now I understand why that guy sold it after owning it for 7 month) got a very good deal on it but it also needed quite a few repairs(fluids were leaking, wheel bearings needed to be replaced, power windows and power locks didnt work) got that all fixed...after a while the oil light comes on(was apparently a sensor that needed to be replaced) a month later the engine just stops shifting gears when the temperature drops to a certain point...got that fixed and finally, after new year, my car doesnt start at all...something was wrong with my starter. gonna try to sell as soon as its outta the shop

• 

  Little known great ride - 1990 Chrysler Imperial
  By PAE - January 6 - 7:31 pm

  Overall great car. Perfect size for family of 5. Rear seat/leg space just comparable-or better- than Crown Vic. 15" wheels would have been better choice. Aquired car w/ 90000 miles & ran it another 100000. Air suspension gave out & replaced w/ New Yorker suspension. Elegant body design w/ high level interior. Would have kept it longer had there been a need for a 3rd car. Ample trunk space w/ handy air compressor for emergencies.

• 

  Stylish and fun but not a touring car! - 2008 Chrysler Sebring
  By kywlcts - January 5 - 3:19 pm

  If you a looking for a stylish convertble town car, look no further. But with hard seats, loud road noise and an extremely firm ride, long trips are not advisable. If it is still available, a lifetime everthing, unlimited milage maintenance warranty is advisable given the complexity of the top mechanisms.

• 

  Fun car - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jeannot23 - January 1 - 8:04 pm

  A few months ago, we bought a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible. We love it. At first, my wife was against the purchase, but now she insists on doing all the driving. The car has 74,000 miles, but looks and drives like new.