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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  Ideal Choice - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve B. - October 19 - 11:04 am

  My wife and I spent a few months trying to decide on a suitable family vehicle. I no longer wanted a minivan, and the 4+ seats SUVs were too expensive. She convinced me to get the Pacifica, and after 30k miles, were still enjoying it with hardly any issues. I really recommend this vehicle, though a little too much to drive as a commute vehicle everyday.

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  Fun to Drive, when it is working - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By joema - October 18 - 10:59 pm

  I am ready to trade in this car after achieving 95000 miles a small miracle in my opinion. Ive had electrical problems, water leak problems and AC problems. However, when the stars align (and the cogs as well), this car is a blast to drive. The V6 has incredible pick-up and responsiveness. It hugs the road and is a real experience to drive. There is plenty of room in the car and the 60/40 feature is a plus. The trunk is just ok. If you get one of these, I recommend you do so only if you have a mechanic that you trust. My dealer was a loser and thus, I will take it out on Chrysler. This will be the last Chrysler product I buy until they completely overhaul their quality.

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  Love My 300 C - 2007 Chrysler 300
  By Goldiejan - October 15 - 10:32 am

  Driving is smooth, yet powerful. Style is great and definite a head turner. Extremely comfortable on the road. The Boston acoustic system is phenomenal, very comparable to Bose system. So many options to chose from. Added moonroof, built in dvd console, mp3 player, opted out on navigation system. Best purchase ever.

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  Do NOT buy this car - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Jennifer - October 15 - 9:03 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. Since I bought this car I have had to replace the wheel bearings on the drivers side, The HVAC unit went out, the key was stuck in the ignition and could not be removed until removed by a mechanic, Motor for the Air conditioning went, Not to mention the awful oil leak that it has and has been fixed twice. The car is now in the shop for something else to be repaired. I was warned about this engine that was put into this car and I did not listen. Keep in mind that all of this stuff that needed to be replaced was only in a three year period. This car has made up my mind about Chrysler cars. Never will I buy another one.

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  An improvement over yhe Durango. - 2007 Chrysler Aspen
  By goldenboy - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  The 5.7 engine is the engine of choice. I had the 4.7 engine in my 2005 Durango and it use to be weak on hi-way passing power, 4 cylinder engine cars would smoke me. Everything about this suv is premium, a steal loaded with all options, and still 20 grand less than Escalade(66,000). I cant believe the amount of compliments I get on it.

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  Our 98 Cirrus - 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
  By Horvath - October 14 - 9:16 pm

  This car has provided an excellent value. We have never had any problems and in fact we havent even had to replace the original battery. It has been a pleasure to drive.

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  2002 Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bob Howey - October 14 - 9:03 pm

  Very fun and reliable car with excellent features and comfort. This car is fully-loaded and has been very reliable with cost of ownership being quite low. Performance is noticeably impacted by running the air conditioning.

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  200c awd a reak DREAM - 2005 Chrysler 300
  By stanm - October 14 - 4:10 am

  Car came with added features, i.e, padded roof,custom grill and added "wood" touches to the interior. Car drives close to a dream, it is almost too fast from teh red light! Only problem was the carpet was cut too short. Dealer replaced the carpet with no problem ... WOW! Just get used to being looked at when you drive. With 500 miles on the car I am still in love with this vehicle. Yes, I am very critical

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  Fun Car with only a few Quirks... - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
  By SkyWlf77 - October 13 - 3:11 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. The 2.5L V6 is a little sluggish to get going, but once youre moving, mash the gas and prepare for some fun. The gearing is very low in this car, so even in overdrive, the engine is in its powerband. Just keep in mind that this hurts fuel economy (I average 28mpg with a 75/25 city/highway split). The seats are not comfortable for long trips due to a lack of padding. The interior is plasticky and cheap looking/feeling. Ive had issue with tie rods and strut mounts giving way prematurely. Tires make a large difference in ride quality. Car is still going strong at 150,000 miles.

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  Great buy - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By steve - October 11 - 6:51 pm

  I felt this was a great buy. I was looking for a good solid car that was good on gas. Being a Chrysler minivan owner I was a little more inclined to be less harsh on the product because I had such good luck with my van. But with that said the Sebring surprised me on looks inside and out. The equipment I have on the car that listed for $22,400. So far it has exceeded my expecatations